Comparison Test: Kia Cerato GT vs Toyota Corolla vs i30 N-Line vs VW Golf vs Focus ST-Line

[@Handleyman]

It’s the Kia Cerato GT for me. It’s not actually a hot hatch....but bloody hell its not far off it. I’ve driven all of them, and the Kia wins in nearly every way. Plus a 7 year warranty. Tick, tick, tick. 😀👍

[@recursion.]

With australian lovely summer it technically is a hot hatch.

[@anniemarie8754]

i've had the cerato gt sedan for a few weeks now and it's honestly the best car i've driven. it looks amazing and actually feels super powerful. can't really say too much about fuel economy yet as i'm not even a 1/4 of the way through my second tank, but my first tank averaged about 10-11L/100km (only because i was playing with the sport mode and trying out all the different settings) and so far in my second tank i'm sitting around 6.2-8L/100km so it's definitely looking good. can't beat the 7 year warranty (which actually gets upgraded to 10 if you do all your services through kia), and also the on road costs being included makes a massive difference in price compared to competitors. might have to stick with kia from now on because i'm really impressed so far

[@jay-uo2bi]

Fuel economy eeeek. Otherwise I LOVE my Cerato GT.

[@sugarnads]

Just ordered one. Howd the fuel economy improve? Not that its an issue ive been driving a nissan pathfinder at 15-20/100 lol.

[@kmuinde]

I want one for every day use, how is the infotainment, do the speakers have good quality sound

[@LucaJC]

@@kmuinde the Cerato GT speakers TRUELY feel like your listening to the music at a concert, it’s loud, you have bass, treble, everything, or if you want it can sound like your listening to music through your AirPods, it’s simply perfect I cannot fault it. The infotainment system is the easiest thing I’ve used and I never use it, I just plug in Apple car play and it’s the best thing ever. The Cerato GT was my Christmas present for getting on my P’s and it has been nothing but a pleasure, you will get looks, and more importantly it brings a smile to your face. I looked at ALL of these cars and the reviewer was quite wrong. The interior for the Ford, the VW, and the Toyota both looked and felt cheap. The cloth seats and plastic EVERYWHERE made it feel like you were in a car that cost 30k. The i30 and the GT feel like a 45-50k car easily. The ripped leather seats, and stitching makes it feel special. The performance is the best out of all of these cars with the 0-100 being timed at 6.6-6.8 (brake boost) compared to the i30’s 7.3. The Cerato also has an industry leading warranty with 7 years. I said this and I’ll say it again. I would rather have this GT than a base model Audi A3 or even a base model Mercedes C class and save the money. It’s the best value for your money.

[@rio20d]

I have been a driver of Japanese car for a very long time, but recently have changed to Korean car..which is the KIA Cerato GT...man I am so impressed with the price range of this car ( around $ 30k and all the kits included, plus 7-year unlimited warranty), I couldn't be much happier. I have been driving this car for 2 months now.

[@JMB1891]

The Golf looks soooo boring now.

[@aja2588]

He's said it is a design classic... some people like that

[@raadyusuf6763]

It's a design classic

[@rio20d]

yeah looks pretty bland, I know its a classic look, the only ones that look bit better are the GTI and R, but then you need to spend more $$$$ to get them lol

[@carsella11]

Thsts kind of the point. The more "exciting" cars look good for about a week after launch.

[@princemwamilee86]

Mate it’s the Kia Cerato for sure

[@CheapCheerful]

Editing error at 12:20 which misleads. Presenter is talking about the Ford Focus, then we cut to the next review with the presenter immediately saying 'and if you liked that, the Cerato GT has exactly the same drivetrain'. Clearly the Cerato review should have followed the i30, not the Ford Focus which has an entirely different drivetrain.

[@surfman0115]

Golf. Benchmark for journalists. Disaster for ownership

[@nabillarif]

absolutely , because they only have it for few days to review it , owners have them for years and godness gracious , its a nightmare...own it within the warranty period only...

[@kf6857]

Can’t agree, my Mk7 was great...no issues during the time I owned it. And it really is the benchmark, the drive, comfort and quality is unmatched. Just the sound insulation alone makes it worth while.

[@aja2588]

Our mk7 has not hit any trouble.

[@gavinlagrange6322]

Modern golfs are super reliable. Good luck with the CVT in the corolla after 120,000kms ;)

[@MrKrueger88]

Yep , way outdated and boring now . And I owned one for 9 years , but never again .... Unreliable , oil leaking and worth nothing after 3 years .

[@magicentro]

I'd say this review will be the first and only that criticizes the rear seat of the Cerato GT.

[@superflea72]

why?

[@magicentro]

Leg room and possibly roof height are the main focus in reviews. He gave it a 'pass' for these however he then goes way over the top talking about back rest rake, etc. Strange, never seen that before and why I highly doubt we'll see it again from other reviewers.

[@superflea72]

oh, ok...I haven't watched a lot of reviews on the Cerato, it's not on my radar.

[@tano1747]

Factual error: actually the cerato GT DOES have a height adjustable front passenger seat. Trust me; i know -- I have one parked in my garage. Only 1000 km on it but i have already got low 6's on the highway. And it goes (a lot) better than any car I've owned (and considering I've owned 5 different 6 cylinder cars including an ex police car, that's no small achievement out of 1.6 litres).

[@KillcamzAu]

N line all day. don’t need premium unless you got the cash but for the $30k mark it definitely takes the cake

[@philippluklas]

Toyota - CVT - OUT VW - freaking boring and worst quality together with the Ford - OUT Hyundai - no speaker system with more than 4 speakers - OUT --> I would have a hard time deciding between the Ford and the KIA. I cannot believe the Ford's fuel consumption is as low as stated. Awesome driving apparently and I have heard that the B&O is best in class. The KIA on the other end probably turns out to be the better buy after 5 years, when the Ford starts making trouble. Not sure about Ford quality these days. In terms of looks, I prefer the exterior of the Ford and the interior of the KIA. Good I don't need to make a decision today. Will drive my 316ti till it falls apart (which could be any day at 220k km, but it could also last another 150)

[@TheHayabusa09]

Why the ratcheting arm rest comment on the Golf?? Does this add to the overall comfort?? Its either up or down!

[@thatsshowbiz6438]

Because you can adjust the height of the arm rest, on the others you can't - I think its a great feature & don't even have a VW

[@kmuinde]

Its in my audi and I like it

[@Steven_Rowe]

Buying any car is difficult because it is both a subjective decision and also a objective one also. I have just recently bought a ZR Corolla which I will get in around a month. Many cars I looked at from just reviews. The two cars I liked were the Corolla and the new Mazda hatch. I did test drive the Cerato GT and its appeal to me was the 1.6 turbo with 150kw plus max torque from 1500 to 4500 rpm. I also thought the golf was good for similar reasons. I culled the turbos as both VW and kia have high service costs. This left me with Mazda and Corolla. Personally I like the Toyota better for looks and that is purely subjective. Im no power freak and I thought 125KW for the Corolla is good enough for me. The Mazda is only 114kw or you could get the 2.5 Mazda which costs much more In the end the Toyota with its renowned reliability and low running costs won out. A Corolla costs $875 for servicing over 5years. The Cerato cost $3250 for 5 years. Being practical you don't buy small cars if you want to carry adults in the back, also the Corolla boot is small. Seeing as its only my wife and I this car suits us. If the wife had preferred the Mazda I would have been happy with that also. Its all about being objective and subjective so really there is no best car that 100% of small car buyers would buy.

[@nicholastahan7670]

Mazda in a class above all these pretenders.

[@meganjay30]

My god VW looks dated... Look at that golf..

[@scottbennett9203]

9.4L/100 for the Kia? Yikes! That's getting into dual cab 4x4 territory. Also the weirdest looking car of the bunch. Rear indicators are placed in an odd position. Focus would be the best looking of the bunch. Don't mind the look of the N line either.

[@robydany8749]

kia is the best looking from all these.

[@stockey]

That Corolla is hideous, the Golf looks very dated and boring, I would choose the Cerato GT.

[@elliotobrien2593]

What about the new Mazda 3?!

[@jay-uo2bi]

Will be reviewed however desant fit in this comparison. Completely unagressive (design is purosly clean and the car was meant to have a general feeling of calm) and doesn't have a particularly powerful engine. It's a really nice car, very luxurious however if you want something fun that you actually take out on windy roads for fun something like a Cerato GT is preferable.

[@ujvaltanna2426]

Why not include the mazda 3?

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great review Nathan and so pleased Focus prevails but gee this class has some big improvements across particularly Corolla and Kia. Focus should be up with imminent new Mazda 3 in sales charts and Focus vs new dumpily styled - that C pillar - 3 hatch will be a great review to come.

[@caradvice]

Thanks Malcolm!

[@jay-uo2bi]

Getting Cerato GT. Also, Cerato actually has an improved 1.6Turbo that is superior to the i30's with a new pressurized cooling system, the higher compression ratio of 10, electronically actuated wastegate, and a new ECU (CPEGD2.20.3). Which in return provides better fuel economy and torque lower down and for longer in the RPM range. These are car journalists and should know this.

[@Handleyman]

Jaymate I’m getting mine in one week. Can’t wait!

[@jay-uo2bi]

@@Handleyman Nice! Mine is apparently going to take up to 3 months for delivery.

[@robydany8749]

Jaymate, the t-gdi engines kia and hyundai use are 100% the same. If you look at the specs of hyundai and kia cars you'll see their engines deliver the same power.

[@BockchoiBoi]

love the new ford hatch design man!

[@Theprofessor1212]

Toyota will still end up being the best seller worldwide.

[@mjontheradio4731]

Does the Cerato GT Hatch have the rear seat tilting thats in the Sportage?

[@LincolnRobinson]

Best back seat review. Very helpful information!

[@reko3103]

Nice Review. Can't wait till you guys get your hands on the new Mazda3

[@shaneharris2497]

I did not hear any mention about warranty that goes with these cars mmm that must be unimportant 7 years for the Kia what does that matter also no mention about the quality of the service by the different service departments This would be the most incomplete reviews I have heard. How about talking about warranty and service some people just might find that important very ordinary

[@caradvice]

Please read the comparison here to find out about servicing cost and warranty www.drive.com.au/comparison-review/ford-focus-hyundai-i30-volkswagen-golf-toyota-corolla-kia-cerato-120822?trackLink=articleResultsHeroReviews

[@sourwords1808]

For the price and options included in that you can't go wrong with the GT Cerato.

[@jasonhelmes3015]

One of the best presenters I've watched well done mate for not waffling on

[@mc82]

I own the current gen i30 Elite but man the ST-Line is looking hot, the 3 cylinder thrum sounds great too combined with that really versatile 8spd which reminds me of the ZF, although not quite there.

[@aygeeninty771]

Hi Drive Team, can you please elaborate on the fuel economy testing of the Focus. I'm in the market for a car at this price point and this efficiency would be a big selling point. Seems as though your test is much better that the rating from Ford themselves. Generally the fuel figures are worse in the real world so I'm a bit suspicious to be honest. Thanks

[@caradvice]

All cars were filled up and then driven on two long road loops through a mix of urban and county roads, one with 4 people on board and one with Nathan by himself. We then fill the cars up again to calculate how much fuel was used.

[@BL0HARD]

I own a Ford Focus ST Line and the trip computer currently shows 9.2L/100km on required 95 Octane. The car is used by my wife driving in the suburbs and occasionally driven spiritedly through the Adelaide Hills by me. The offical rating is 6.3L/100km I haven’t filled it to full, recorded the kilometres, emptied the tank and done the maths with how far I went. The Ford has cylinder deactivation (runs on 2 cylinders under the right conditions and has Start/Stop) We had a manual Ford Focus Trend previous 3rd generation, that car driven exactly the same averaged 8.2L/100km on 91 Octane. I wonder if Ford will bring the manual version of the 4th Generation Focus to Australia? A manual could get better economy since there is no power sapping torque converter. In the Instruction book with the Focus it shows Manual gearboxes in the pictures..... FYI my VF2 SS manual Commodore gets 13.9L/100 on 95. I’m a big fan of the our Focus, the technology pack with lane keep assist and radar cruise control is cool and we also optioned the LED headlights which are amazing, they find traffic signs and hi light them automatically!!

[@nabillarif]

the corolla and the cerato will outlast the other two its not even funny

[@jarrodlee1506]

Hyndais run forever for little service costs

[@jay-uo2bi]

Hyundai/Kia/Toyota/Lexus/Mazda > other brands for reliability.

[@SonicView09]

Focus already looks outdated I’ve owned the cerato it’s beautiful and definitely the best value in the bunch VW still the same outdated

[@AHBdV]

How the hell can you get fuel economies of 8 to 9 liter -100km in these cars? Totally unrealistic. That's only happening when driving without speed limit on the German highways.

[@danielmakris2663]

What the focus wagon like though?

[@geoffwills8131]

Was that last comment was a pun towards fords recall of 3 cly ecoboosts that were recalled late last year in Europe for catching fire???

[@andrelima5124]

1 Cerato GT 2 i30 N line 3 Corolla 4 Focus ST line 5 Golf

[@kiribetio123]

At the end Toyota will Last a life time 🙃

[@robydany8749]

yeah...just a myth. Every car breaks.

[@VampirusX]

@@robydany8749 That's true. But Toyotas will last longer then any of these brands. AND the human factor plays a big role. Oilchange etc

[@sugarnads]

The i30 has a batshit boring dash. And itd be nice if journos could agree on whether the i30 or the cerato rides better (its about 50/50 on the reviews ive watched). The vw is a reliability nightmare if you actually own one (not hand it back after a week like a journo). They rave about the dsg, but, you be lucky to get 4 years out of it without it exploding. Then theres the oil consumption... Focus...looks nice but slow. Cerato looks the biz.

[@MLife1972]

I'm going to sound like a broken record on these forums, but the Focus is the only car that doesn't have Independent Rear Suspension. When Ford Australia reconsiders this decision, I'll take one for a test drive.

[@saudabrahams]

Ford's suspensions are so good that these might be better than the independent offerings of the others. This, being a topline model, should have independent suspension

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

So you'd rather have a car that rides and handles worse so you can brag about the suspension design???

[@MLife1972]

@@Mgoblagulkablong My point is that the ST Line in Europe has IRS in the hatchback. The Australian version gets the same, cheaper suspension that's in the base model. Therefore, you're paying extra for ST Line badges and lowered suspension. The European reviews do claim that the models with IRS are remarkably more compliant than the base models. It's about not being ripped off. (and no one brags about suspension design)

[@yuezhang2526]

and it still has better ride / handling than anything in its class, so whats your point

[@MLife1972]

@@yuezhang2526 go back and read my reply to understand my point. Let me know if you have any further questions.

[@kmuinde]

Hot hatch are more fun to drive with a manual transmission

[@James-xs9mn]

These are warm hatches not hot. and i disagree about manual being more fun. driving enjoyment is subjective, you might like a manual more but other might enjoy paddleshifters more.

[@jarrodlee1506]

Grown up with manuals. Autos are for girls. Just sayin

[@James-xs9mn]

@@jarrodlee1506 you do know how ignorant you sound right?

[@kf6857]

Manual sucks in town and with all the new technology (like ACC etc). My three first cars were manual, now I drive an automatic and I’m never going back.

[@kmuinde]

@@kf6857 i will always at least have one manual car

[@syd_jzx100]

I own the i30N and there are a couple things that bother me with Hyundai in general: -No brand speakers for the i30N? Like why? The sound isn't good at all and my 05 Sonata Elite has a much better sound system. -No rear aircon or usb charge ports for the rear is also a disappointment. -Liven up the interior a little with blue stitching on seatbelts and stitched leather on dash and doors. In saying that, everything else is excellent and all is forgiven as the driving experience is amazing and the amount of kit you get is fantastic. I opted for the Top spec which comes with the alcantara and leather seats and panoramic sunroof, I'm absolutely thrilled. Sad they made the N-Line which ruins the exclusivity of the i30N and its look.

[@aja2588]

Don't worry from a non Hyundai user I see N-line still very different than N. Visually the black wheels and side skirts make the N much better. And the baby blue colour should definitely be reserved to the N.

[@syd_jzx100]

@Austin Kye Yeah pretty much. I'll be spending some cash on upgrading the sound system tho, and perhaps make the interior a bit less drab.

[@ashcosmo3854]

I own the N too.. the only reason they've left them out is so they can release the "N premium" down the track. The N is great and I love it but I'm sorry but there's just no excusing the bad sound system, interior and gadgets that are missing from the car. I paid $44k and there should be a LOT more. Then again, you do get a monstrous sounding engine/exhaust package for the money not to mention the performance is insane for the price range, maybe they spent their budget on that primarily.

[@psewgobind]

Only one car in the comparison without a Turbo. Since slush-box do a great job at making use of Turbo power, Toyota should have had its manual transmission as a proper mate for it's NA engine.

[@chrischo7464]

Seriously Ford? not in Australia at least. I have seen so many people curse Ford focus mondeo and fiesta for transmission problems and after sales service is well known to be intolerable I drive 2007 Focus I spent fortune on transmission repair since 2011 just right after warranty ended.

[@ProfesorTutu]

After months of painstaking considering, i am ready to give that extra money for the Ford Focus ST-Line compared to the Kia Cerato GT and the Seat Leon FR (which come 10-15% cheaper for the similar specs and equipment)

[@asmith9040]

Stefan Stojkovski that’s nothing ! I spent almost a year deciding! Pick up an ST-Line x on Friday. How’s yours?

[@timostimostimostimos]

KIA for me Selliing my E-Class Mercedes

[@markmcdonnell9208]

Still no mention of the Holden Astra?

[@jay-uo2bi]

Good price but just disgusting quality.

[@robydany8749]

@@jay-uo2bi why you say that?

[@filofilo8127]

There all good vehicles. For me the new st line focus looks better in the flesh and seems to be a better executed package overall.

[@redroo12]

I had no interest in the new Focus because of the 3 pots. Had heart set on the Hyundai. Drove a focus ST line of Friday.......Bought it! Wow what a drive! The sound, the shifts, the steering. Just a great car.

[@asmith9040]

redroo12 how u liking the auto 8 speed?

[@redroo12]

@@asmith9040 It's a good box when daily driving- Fantastic when driven enthusiastically.

[@terrymoore4057]

ford payed you to do the test i think

[@vicedenoia]

Im sure of that!

[@Techrechmac]

Focus is the best!!

[@anthonypagano6384]

Where is the Honda Civic or Mazda 3 or Subaru Impreza or Peugeot 308 or Renault Megane or Skoda Scala and also European cars like Vauxhall Astra or Kia ceed or seat Leon

[@mlukubone7134]

Nice neighborhood and nice Focus

[@alfreddeneumann]

Cerato Gt....until the new Mazda 3 arrives

[@miatand1156]

@@JFomo trust me. mazda is heading south fast. Most overrated garbage and horrible customer service. My experience with Hyundai and Kia show these are the cars to buy. They give you much more and leave you with money for fuel.

[@kelvpoon]

How many ads are there!?

[@BigCarso]

No other review has the focus with that good fuel economy. Real world usage better than ADR spec?? Obvious mistake and shouldn't have been published.

[@harrymurray-jones219]

Where is Pegeot 308??

[@kevinlee509]

Not really popular in Australia

[@23Keith23]

Cerato gt 👍

[@fan2lexus]

The future Peugeot 308 phase II will be a serious pretender !

[@syd_jzx100]

Don't you mean, contender?

[@borismovies4275]

Really???!!!! Do you think a French car makes any chance in this “competition”. The answer: NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT

[@syd_jzx100]

@@borismovies4275 I don't see why ut can't?

[@robking6968]

100%. The new 208 will smash the competition as the current 3008/5008/508 are proving!

[@raadyusuf6763]

@@borismovies4275 you are as biased as a Jake Pauler. Haven't you seen the new 308 yet?

[@tsiou2007]

As a proud owner of a 1.5L Ecoblue Ford Focus Active I have to say this: The car is a killer!! Hands down the best. Very balanced car. Well done Ford!

[@tonys8243]

Everyone I know puts a steering wheel cover and seat covers on their new car ...

[@melvinhodzic5993]

The birdshit on the Focus front end, says something doesn't it?

[@ashcosmo3854]

Imagine being spoiled with all these cars and choosing the Golf. It seriously looks like a generic taxi firm vehicle. They're just becoming A to B vehicles. Even the Golf GTI is hideously boring compared to the I30N.

[@leoesposito8762]

Great report mate would have been tough, there obviously all good cars but yeah i think you made the right choice there..

[@Slipstream0001]

who planted all those fucking trees in the road?

[@tonys8243]

2 years now days ...like 20 old years ago

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

The new Mazda 3 will be the best in this class!

[@Michael-ur5qb]

Eamonn McDermott I love the sedan but the hatch is really awkward and ugly from certain angles. Now that Ford has put in a different transmission is take the focus unfortunately I'm in the US and we aren't getting it.

[@dademr]

Please review the Volkswagen sausage, the best sausage in the world

[@MrKrueger88]

Geez that Ford interior looks hideous .... So many different lines and shapes . Nothing flowing or stylish .

[@brittoncoil2518]

The reviewer is very handsome

[@AridersLifeYT]

Making jokes about Hindenberg is harsh mate. Many innocent people died in that. thats poor journalism right there.

[@gammawaving]

You can sympathise with the sufferers of something and still make fun of the media/meme/symbology/optics aspect of it. You can't expect those affected to laugh along though.

[@AridersLifeYT]

@@gammawaving it was a bad comparison to use the Hindenburg to this car.

[@mickpreljevic6120]

VW service is ripoff and not reliable. Koreans are Good value for money. Personally don't like Ford. Corolla is way to go. Looks awesome, it's not the fastest but definitely most reliable.

[@Steven_Rowe]

VW service is high. Kia offer a 7 year warranty, but you do pay for it really. I bought the ZR corolla The fixed price servicing for the Corolla is $175 x 5 so $875 for 5 years. The Cerato GT will cost you $3250 for 5 years and close to $5000 for the full seven years. Basically nothing is free. Often when people buy cars they need to think about both subjective things and objective things.

[@tonys8243]

A crapshoot of all the cars

[@gearhead598]

Toyota. Worst car of the group

[@robydany8749]

vw is bad and outdated too. As for Toyota, most of their cars look cheap and chinese-like.

[@ahmadayman971]

Renault megane is better than all those miserable korean cars Shame that its not in this review 🙄

[@ZECAHRIAH313]

Corolla if you have brain.

[@marcolucchini8173]

The Cerato handles way better than the N-line. Test drove both and it was not even a comparison, the N-line felt like a wet sponge.

[@radissimo1]

1 Cerato GT 2 i30 N line 3 Focus ST line 4 Corolla 5 Golf