2023 Kia Cerato review - an underrated small car?

[@briandavies1809]

I bought the Sport + model almost two years ago & love it. Being old skool I hate not having a handbook, but overall very happy with it. I’m getting 6.4 litres to 100 kms on the open road.

[@therightcar]

Nice one mate! Glad you’re happy with it.

[@wrigzzx]

This is one of the only cars I would only consider in the sedan. I think the sedan looks awesome, but the hatch looks a little awkward. Looking forward to even more car reviews

[@therightcar]

Thanks Jake. Yeah, I’m with you - especially in the lower grades I think the sedan pulls it’s styling off nicely. Plus the GT sedan looks awesome.

[@devlad]

Got the 2024 GT after watching this review. Very happy with the car so far, my first Kia, and my first FWD. I got the hatch in blue, and it's very well equipped for the price and surprisingly capable.

[@robo2000nitro]

How is it performance wise?

[@kevinpayne9475]

I have had mine for 12 months and 12,000 km and very pleased with it. 😊

[@therightcar]

Glad that's the case!

[@robmills2155]

Just purchased a 2019 spec GT Hatchback with 52k on the odometer..very happy with the car overall..will change for a slightly higher profile tyre when replacing,just to soften the ride a little and likely quieten down the road noise..I just did a 800km return trip from Port Douglas to Townsville and back and averaged 5.3 litres for 100kms..that exceeded my expectation as most things with this car have..KIA doesn’t appear to be a ‘sleeping giant’ any longer..👍👍👍👍👍

[@therightcar]

Good one mate. That’s great to hear!

[@conkeramidas1912]

Just be careful with higher profile tyre. It will effect your rolling diameter if you stick to same tyre width hence going faster than your Speedo says. For example a 225/55 has almost identical diameter as 205/60. So going higher you will have to use smaller width.

[@Kookaburrasings-cd4gd]

I've had the GT in sedan form for more than a year now; still love the car. Yeah the transmission is jittery on stand still, but for someone who commutes to work by sydney trains and drives mostly for leisure, its a perfect bargain when compared to even a base spec golf. And ooh, there's plenty of after market options this car supports, race chips, engine tuning, cat back exhaust, brembo upgrades etc (if you're willing to play with warranty hehe).

[@therightcar]

*serious voice* please read the warranty paperwork!

[@yellowraincoat.]

Ordered the GT sedan, and going from a 2008 mondeo it's fair to say I'm pretty excited. Personally I think the sedan takes the look up just that little bit further but the hatch is still nice. Great review :)

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the comment and I’m sure you will love it. The sedan looks great in GT spec! What colour?

[@yellowraincoat.]

@@therightcar Going for the platinum graphite!

[@2DogsVlogs]

You will more than likely find the Mondy is quite in comparison, though drivability I prefer the Cerato though noisy but buttons easy too use and the touch infotainment quick.

[@ding020468]

I have had my Cerato GT Sedan for 8 days and love it already. Its a great drive. Ceramic coated and tinted windows and its looks sexy AF.

[@aaronlloyd3445]

I just done the same and ordered the GT Hatch and going from a 2010 Mondeo 😂 Just waiting to arrive any tick. Amazing cars and was fortunate enough to drive a demo one.

[@smadge1]

I’ve had the GT Hatch (in red) since December 2021. I love it. It’s my first new car. Taken it from Brisbane to Melbourne and back again, and a trip from Brisbane to Charleville and back again. I feel confident in taking it on the road. Only things I wish it had were 360deg cameras and speed sign recognition (speed limit assistance). When I went looking, I was after the Sportage, or a Stinger, but neither fit in my budget, so I’m happy with what I got for the price of the Cerato GT

[@therightcar]

Good one mate! I think you’ve got a beauty of a car.

[@stendecstretcher5678]

After watching this. I’m thinking of getting the sport plus with safety pack for my daughter just makes sense. Thanks for a fair review.

[@therightcar]

Good! Glad it was helpful!

[@247Coby]

Waiting for my new 2023 Cerato Sport hatchback with safety pack to arrive. I really like the big booth space for this class of car which is very handy to have and the fact it can still fit into my garage.

[@therightcar]

Oh you’re sticking with a hatch! Good one.

[@2DogsVlogs]

The hatch is the only way too go. I've got one with safety pack. I wouldn't go without the pack. The space is great, had a Malamute and Husky and they were comfortable with the folding flat seats. Why would anyone go for a sedan? Also love the traditional auto. I keep it in Eco as you get regen braking and don't need to hit the breaks so often. Putting it in manual, it's a little slower than an manual box but for most people it's a little fun and doesn't destroy the fuel economy. Overtaking, well stomp on it. That's where you'll feel a lack of power. The cruise distance control is nice, but the emergency breaking can kick in with people turning right from a cut-through.

[@aliciadaws310]

I have an my19 sport+ sedan and love it. Its never given me any grief, a great point and drive car. It is a little gutless but you get used to it. Also not a massive fan of the gear box but I find drving it in comfort mode eliminates some of the clunkiness you find in eco mode. The warranty and capped price servicing was and is a big selling point for me. Im currently looking at a my24 GT, test driving one tomorrow. I ve heard good things about it, time will tell if the transmission annoys me

[@nobass_stub1394]

Heya Matt, I noticed when you were lounging on the door talking about safety systems that you didn't mention Fit & Finish as you have done so in previous reviews. From the reflection angle in the shot, the orange peel in the paint was horrendous. Is this common with the KIA Range?

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate - yes, the paint finish quality for some Kia models leaves a bit to be desired. They’re not alone, there. As you probably know, white doesn’t show it as much!

[@markleadbeatter6196]

Our son has just ordered a GT sedan, which will hopefully arrive in a couple of month’s time. The test drive was enjoyable but we know what you mean about the DCT lag on take off. I am sure it is something our son will learn to adjust to but honestly a straightforward auto box would be better and in many respects, this issue is certainly worse in our daughter’s Stonic GT

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. You’re a real Kia family then?! Hope you enjoyed my review.

[@markleadbeatter6196]

@@therightcar Given that I also have a Sportage GT, I guess we certainly fall into the category of a Kia family, although my wife does drive a Holden Trax but at least that is made in Korea, so it kind of fits.

[@Hawks2015]

I have placed an order for CGT hatch and will be delivered in Sep 23. Will also buy a throttle controller to counter initial lag.

[@therightcar]

Great! I hope you really like it.

[@351tgv]

won't do anything as its designed that way for the engaging clutch not to slip, it's not turbo lag its transmission lag, that said their is a way around it, you can engage the gear using the paddle shifters but be warned that will be similar to "riding the clutch" in a manual but the lag will be gone as the clutch engages the gear for action, the only good thing about dual clutch is when on the move the up and down shifting is faster than a torque converter using the same paddle shifter or gear lever action as the 2nd clutch uses predictive software based on sensor information, that said DCT for our market makes no sense at all.

[@claudiadavies5110]

Love this car, great review, thank you 😊

[@therightcar]

Thanks!

[@buncha5651]

Great review. I personally like the Sedan GT. It would go from a good car to an excellent car if it had the 8 speed auto from the Seltos 1.6 turbo. 😊

[@therightcar]

I reckon that eight speed would make it a class leader. It’s already terrific but that would be a terrific one!

[@buncha5651]

@The Right Car? Yes, better than a BMW 3 series at half price.

[@anonanon6678]

I agree that GT is a better drive but I got the Sport with safety pack because I drive mainly in metro traffic. The turbo is overkill and firm suspension is less comfortable over speed bumps for me.

[@therightcar]

Fair call - and I'm glad you got the safety pack (though you shouldn't have had to tick a box to get it!)

[@rimloch3919]

Already subscribed always liked your car reviews good job well done👍

[@therightcar]

Thanks!

[@worrywart1311]

I'm confused by Matt's apparent inconsistency of view as to favourite engine. Here he opts for the extra punch of the 1.6 turbo GT over the N/A 2 litre, but in his review of the Kia Seltos he suggests the latter engine is the one to go for rather than the turbo. What gives?

[@ericj4774]

Cerato GT is one of best value entry level performance vehicles.

[@therightcar]

Agree!

[@96libertytt]

I do like the tail lights and how they are flush with the body like some Mercs do.

[@therightcar]

Agree. A lot like A-Class

[@2DogsVlogs]

Sometimes people don't see me turning. I was wondering why. People seem too take a second or third look.

[@kitli1266]

I'm commenting to help with the KZbin algorithm

[@therightcar]

And I appreciate that 😘

[@gregj3515]

don't forget the liftbacks....the rear three quarter always looked a bit odd but a decent everyday package..

[@therightcar]

Liftback? You mean hatchback?

[@shreeanshbudhathoki3422]

Nice review.. Can you do a review of Base model 4WD like Pajero Sport, Ssyanyong rexton, Fortuner. Thanks

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the comment! Got a Rexton review coming very soon...!

[@Coastmac2001]

Definitely the GT. Maybe the Kia is also as underrated as the skoda. Any shortcomings are far outweighed by its quality, practicality, warranty, resale etc . Could do with a decent 8spd Torque Converter Auto which could be better suited to the 1.6T-Gdi petrol than the 7 spd DCT. A different set of tyres are likely to improve its ride & reduce any road noise . If your budget doesn't extend to the GT, take one of the cheaper variants. Either way you go, you'll end up with a very good quality vehicle

[@therightcar]

Thanks for your thoughts mate. It really is impressive, but there are plenty of ways Kia could make it even better!

[@chris_s01]

Great review, but no digital instrument cluster on the top spec at least in 2023 is a bit disappointing

[@therightcar]

Yep, I reckon it feels it’s age because of that. But it is due to be replaced within two years or so!

[@Rally4Life1982]

Another thing to go wrong. I am ok with the small middle screen. As soon as you go full digital I start wondering about long term reliability as you'll loose full rpm and speed when it fails.

[@therightcar]

Yeah true - the old dials never failed … 😅

[@buncha5651]

I prefer analogue dials any day than a tablet screen. Maybe showing my age.

[@conkeramidas1912]

Digital gauge clusters look very tacky I think.

[@ahh1180]

Great review and very informative thank you

[@therightcar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Athlonite69]

The sunroof is not a standard option when you buy it it's an optional extra and costs a fuckton to have it fitted best hint to cut road noise by half get them to put Nitrogen in the tyres 7 year warranty is only applicable in Australia in New Zealand it's only 5 years but the same amount of K's 150000Km's

[@joshsynot3495]

Love my Cerato ❤

[@shreckm6470]

The road noise is a killer for me and I would not buy another one. Other than that the ride I fixed buy charging the springs and it still really well.

[@stefanrossi4728]

How would you rate the S version compared to the MG 5 essence ?

[@therightcar]

The MG has a zestier engine and probably more fun to drive.

[@stefanrossi4728]

@@therightcar thanks so much for responding. Im an on the road sales rep and 29k is the max spend. Kia Cerato S, Haval Jolion & MG5 look to be the 3 only cars so far .. any other recommendations? Can spend 40k if electric (due to fuel spend) is the MG4 EV better those ?

[@superwag634]

@@stefanrossi4728he didn’t reply. That’s because he only cares about the algorithm and likes and subscribes. Not really there to answer viewer questions 😉

[@shiloh0999]

I have the cerato gt with the Kia sports exhaust it’s way better than the factory exhaust gives it a bit more grunt and I think goes better

[@stuartmckenzie6919]

What’s the Kia sports exhaust?

[@2DogsVlogs]

Well worth spending more for the safety tech. I love it and after owning a Jeep Grand Cherokee wouldn't live without it. For $1k well worth it. I'm on caped servicing but it is expensive. But that is where they make the money. Value for money oh year. I can sell my car for $4k more than I bought it for 3 years ago.

[@therightcar]

Yep!

[@galaxyy761]

Looking for a small starter car to get in Australia, for a cheap price, drives well and is super safe, any recommendations?

[@therightcar]

Hi! Yep, but it’ll depend on what your definition of cheap is. Gimme an idea of budget and I’ll be able to tell you my thoughts!

[@galaxyy761]

Hey! So after thinking about it, it would have to be something in the similar range of this car (around 50k) and a manual car. If it’s possible maybe a hatchback, but I’m not very picky. Thanks!

[@skandhkapoor6472]

Can you please review Skoda Octavia 🤩

[@therightcar]

I will see what I can do - you're the second or third person who has asked! I have done a video review on a long-term Octavia RS I had at CarsGuide, if you want to check it out. It wasn't without its issues...

[@96libertytt]

Do the GT's run on 91 ron?

[@therightcar]

Yep!

[@jedthompson8401]

Seems to be a slight audio problem with the recording. I have had my Cerato for just over a year. Love it!

[@therightcar]

What's the problem?

[@chefndish1362]

2024 kia cerato s my 24 please

[@stevepetrovski8611]

AS JAN 2024 , there is a update for wireless carplay and android auto !

[@therightcar]

Nice!

[@INTELLIGENCE_Revolution]

What’s the wait time on the cerato now??

[@GlowingTube]

DCT = a big no from me. It needs the 8 speed torque converter auto

[@351tgv]

100% agree, shame that both Hyundai and KIA are stupid to understand that for the AU market and what is more annoying is that various turbo diesel based vehicles get the torque converter when a DCT would be the better option for turbo diesel, its backwards thinking stupidity because sadly our market has been placed into the North American a way of thinking and North America do not have turbo petrol with torque converters for this market segment..

[@therightcar]

Yep, this is a thought shared by many. It works well in Seltos!

[@thurules]

Why no dct?

[@GlowingTube]

@@thurules You can’t crawl in traffic, modify your driving style, poor reputation for reliability and longevity, often jerky in low speeds.

[@moeseki]

Nice

[@Clove_Parma]

Great car, just starting to look a bit long in the tooth in a few ways

[@therightcar]

Especially with the halogen light models...

[@96libertytt]

I have the 1.6T in my 2014 Kia Cerato Koup.

[@therightcar]

Nice!! Great shape car.

[@brook280]

lots of reliability issues with the 1.6 unfortunately

[@therightcar]

Might explain those short service intervals…

[@gort3969]

I'd pay not to have any of that "safety" tech. Saves a trip to the tuning shop

[@therightcar]

Haha! Maybe there’s an “opt-out” market.

[@351tgv]

infuriates me that both KIA and Hyundai continue to persist on the lame duck DCT for our market, while I do appreciate that its a wet clutch design the issue is that DCT for our market in this market segment makes no sense at all, its pure take the North American market spec and shut up Australia, that to me is LAME, give us the turbo petrol with 8-speed torque converter is it that much to ask for?

[@therightcar]

So many expletives, TGV. You might need a nice cup of tea.

[@351tgv]

@@therightcar - would you I use the actual word? That said it's a real shame that KIA and Hyundai continue to not listen to customers on this issue.

[@thurules]

Whats wrong with dct?

[@Hapkido82AUS]

Cerato GT replacement (2025 K4 GT Line) is getting a 8 speed torque converter auto 😉

[@ZAR556]

almost 9 for small car 😅

[@therightcar]

Well it’s the sporty one.

[@LeighHickey-m8c]

Skoda Scala nice joke 1.5L 110 kw

[@rodbrown8306]

Mechanically old.

[@idanceforpennies281]

You only talk about the GT. Waste of space. I want to hear about the S model which most people will be interested in.

[@therightcar]

Wrong. GT makes up the majority of private sales in Australia. The S is fine. Boring. Gutless engine. But fine.

[@Hapkido82AUS]

Where I live, probably 80-90% i see are the GT lol

[@stephenmay7572]

@@therightcarthe “boring and gutless” is probably all that the average driver needs, a car they can depend on, has decent luggage room, cheap for parts, and comes with the 7 year warranty like all the other Kia’s do

[@ashc3765]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Non GT on the road.

[@NoQualmsTheArtist]

@@therightcari own the S model feels pretty good to me. If I was after a sports car I'd probably buy something else 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@rc70ys]

Too expensive for what it is. I30N is a better more modernised competitor. Even Focus St Line better option for the money.

[@therightcar]

Not sure if you’ve noticed but the i30 N is $13,000 more expensive. And the Focus doesn’t exist anymore…!

[@rc70ys]

@@therightcar You’re right. I should have been more clear for Kias asking price I’d opt for a year or two old I30N or Focus ST Line my opinion only

[@therightcar]

Yep, fair call on both fronts! If you can get a used i30N for $35k, you’re doing VERY WELL!!

[@351tgv]

@@therightcar - sadly the Focus ST-Line (even if it had the torsion beam rear suspension) was a great option, sadly not many bought it ...