the Kia Cerato, a compact sedan that blends affordability with a sporty edge and modern features. Ideal for those seeking a reliable and engaging driving experience without breaking the bank, the Cerato stands out with its efficient performance and comfortable ride. Its compact size doesn't compromise on space, offering a surprisingly roomy interior that's perfect for couples or small families. The Cerato's fuel economy is a standout feature, boasting impressive mileage figures that make it a cost-effective choice for frequent drivers.

Inside, the Cerato offers a mix of hard plastics and a fairly drab color palette, but the build quality and fit-and-finish are of a reasonably high standard. The cloth seats offer a decent breadth of manual movements and have a degree of side and thigh bolstering, providing a comfortable seating experience. The driving position is good, seating you quite low in a sporting fashion, which is a refreshing change from the SUV-dominated market. The base steering wheel is trimmed in cheap-feeling plastic, but the optional Safety Pack upgrades you to a nicer leather-wrapped wheel, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Under the hood, the Cerato is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 112kW and 192Nm, offering a suitably immediate response to acceleration in stop/start traffic. While not brimming with power and torque, the engine's modest output is offset by a relatively light tare weight, resulting in good acceleration. The standard six-speed automatic transmission is decisive down low, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. However, the Cerato's fuel consumption is on the higher side, returning a figure of 8.7L/100km in combined-cycle driving, which is roughly double what you can expect from more expensive hybrid models.

On the road, the Cerato delivers a balanced ride, combining comfort with a level of responsiveness that makes it a pleasure to drive. Its steering is direct and well-weighted, the body control is flat, and the front end keen on turn-in. Despite its basic wheel and suspension package, the Cerato injects a dose of zip into the way it drives, thanks to a sharp dynamic local tune. However, there's a little more tire roar that permeates into the interior at speed, notably over coarse-chip bitumen common on regional roads.

The Cerato comes equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a reversing camera, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth/USB streaming. Upgrading to a Cerato Sport variant gets you a larger 10.25-inch screen with satellite navigation and a digital radio (DAB) receiver, enhancing the in-car entertainment experience.