Kia Cerato

Kia Cerato Hatchback (2004-2005)

The Kia Cerato (internal abbreviation LD ) is a car model of the South Korean manufacturer Kia Motors, which is located in the compact class.

The Cerato was produced as a ball - and notchback from November 2003. America and Europe, he reached in April and May 2004.

Only three years after the start of production he has been replaced in Europe by the cee'd. Only in some European countries ( such as Sweden and the Netherlands ), he was cared for yet another model year offered in some regions by 2009 and in China even today. There he received the meantime small innovations such as indicators in the side mirrors and other tail lights, as of 2009 but also the parallel successor, in some countries the name Cerato was continuing, but mostly Kia Forte is mentioned. So also in the U.S., where the Cerato was again sold as Spectra.

The term Cerato is the Bach Flower Therapy borrowed, in which the Cerato stigma willmottianum to strengthen the power of judgment and self-confidence. This effect should unfold the vehicle primarily on the purchase decision, prepares an interested in the highly competitive European compact segment. In his botanical homeland Tibet, the plant is considered a symbol of wisdom.

Produced the Cerato at two locations. The Chinese market has been supplying 2005, the joint venture Dongfeng / Yueda / Kia from Yangcheng. The rest of the world received the vehicles from Hwaseong (South Korea), the Ground surrounded on the Forte 2009. Opened in 1989, the first of Kia here today three factories of the site. In Cerato plant Hwaseong 2 and its predecessors, and Sephia Shuma were produced.

Its development was carried out on the platform of the Hyundai Elantra XD2 on later production site Hwaseong. The local Namyang development center is also working on engines, including the R- diesel in the current Sportage SL. This is based on the platform succession of the Cerato, during which generation was the basis of the soft roaders Sportage JE and JM Tucson.

The Cerato ranked between the subcompact Rio and the midsize sedan Magentis and was offered in two body and two trim levels.

• 4.1 Suspension
• 4.2 body
• 4.3 engines

Features and prices

The list price started at 1.6 LX hatchback for € 14,690 and ended with the 2.0 CRDi EX Saloon for € 19,060. Significantly lower, but comparable decked he was available as Spectra in the United States. Always sold as a 2.0 L petrol engine, the list started at $ 13,545. 2007, these were kursschwankend 9200-10500 €. Then responded the manufacturer. Since 2009, the currency uncertainty reduces the first U.S. Kia plant, while the intercontinental price level Delta resulted in a more complex succession model for Europe (comparable to the Hyundai i40, Toyota Auris and VW Jetta VI).

The used car prices in 2011 are moving according to the ADAC at the bottom of the compact class and also around 1000 euros under the platform- related Hyundai Elantra.

Body versions

The Cerato was available in two body styles: five-door hatchback and as a four-door notchback as. The former, golf typical form was a Premiere for Kia in the compact segment, which it previously operated hatchback models, such as the Hyundai Elantra with the platform- related.

For the first time Kia also accentuated the sidelines, here by a single curve below the window line. Both Ceratos can transport five people and are similar to the B-pillar. Exceptions are the shape of the fog lights and the darkening of headlights and grille at the hatchback. Further facilities in the notchback no rear wiper, but is completed by a chrome strip on the license plate. Since the Cerato - market exit the Magentis is the only notchback sedan manufacturer in Europe.

Kia Cerato Saloon (2004-2005)

Equipment

The entry was the base LX, upscale comfort promised the EX model. Both facilities were in the hatchback combined with all engines, the notchback was in the EX version, however, only available with 2.0-liter engines.

Standard Equipment: As standard, all models feature six airbags, ABS, power steering, a front center armrest, central locking, electric windows all round and a manual CFC-free air conditioning, as well as before the first facelift a radio preparation with four speakers and roof or automatic antenna ( body -dependent) which was a standard CD-/MP3-Radio supplied from the facelift.

The higher EX version offers an automatic climate control with pollen filter and air recirculation automatic with odor and emission intensive air, alarm system, 16 - inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, an electro- chromatic rear-view mirror, adjustable Instrumentendimmung, light sensor, leather controls, center arm rests front and rear, on-board computer ( with remaining range, average speed, trip distance, and since the 2006 model year and fuel consumption ) and central locking with remote control, which contains a key for the trunk. The vehicle shuts off after 30 seconds, no door should be opened. So accidental opening has no consequences when puts away the key. Acoustically complement two tweeters, the four full-band speakers, visually the aluminum-look center console replaces the black of the basic equipment. The 2.0 -liter CVVT EX also has as a cruise control. The driver's seat can be adjusted in height and inclination. In the front backrest Kia foamed material " Fullmaflex " to achieve a similar adjustment in the lumbar region, instead of a lumbar support. The seats are described as comfortable, their lateral support than low.

Special equipment: an extra charge were available:

• Metallic Paint
• Diesel particulate filter ( model year 2006 )
• Navigation system Becker DTM
• 4- speed automatic transmission for petrol, not for LX notchback
• Electric glass sliding or tilting sunroof, only for 2.0-liter engine in EX Hatchback
• Electric glass sliding or tilting sunroof and partial leather seats with heated front seats, only for EX Saloon
• Seat covers in part - leather, with heated front seats, only 2.0 -liter engines of the five-door EX.

In the accessories catalog is also extras such as rims, protective strips, transport solutions found (eg towbars or Porter )

Facelift

Relevant changes can be found in the security field, analogue is true for the reliability.

• 2005

The first facelift was September 2005, he started the model year 2006. Identifiable by the new grille, it included an improved automatic and a second, newer diesel engine. Both were now surcharge also an open filter. The on-board computer for the first time informed about the consumption, a CD-/MP3-Radio was standard (see equipment and motors).

The American SX equipped with not available in Europe ...

...Front-/Heckschürzen, Grille and smoke-colored headlights also at Sedan.

• 2006

In June 2006, followed in South Korea, a second major facelift. In the late summer of their exports began as a 2007 model year. Externally on the radiator grille in optics and new Magentis saloon to recognize got in speedometer and center console a slight change in shape, but their arrangement remained the same. In the higher trim the contrasts have been re- set: the speedometer edged a chrome rim, gear lever, power window area and door handles were aluminum look, while those of the center console has been reduced to vertical framing strips. The door panels in perforated leather gave way to a fabric cover ( outside the U.S. ).

Technically, the introduction of the cee'd engines were anticipated. The 1.6 -liter petrol engine replaced its fully redesigned successor, who also debuted as the 1.6 - liter diesel here. The latter was a drilled and quieter version of the previous 1.5 - liter engine (→ motors).

Smooth ... and notchback.

The hatchback in American SX equipment

• Sales

The approvals were 2005 5.012 pieces in a single in this country completely offered Year. Thus, the Cerato was one-tenth of the Skoda Octavia, one twentieth of the Opel Astra and one fiftieth of the VW Golf. However, Korean competitors outperformed, even if the approvals from the first facelift in autumn 2005 decreased continuously. Could be due to a changed price structure, in June this year, the 5 -year warranty and inspection package ran out. New publications of competitors do not fall into the period, nor the only in 2006 was Euro NCAP test (see safety).

Security

The vehicle safety are front, side and curtain airbags continuous. Belt force limiters and pretensioners are included only for the front seats. The head restraints for all five seats are height-adjustable, from late summer 2006 they were optional active design. The rear seats include Europe's three-point Isofix child seat holder. The power windows do not contain a pinch, but are unlike manual deactivated by the driver.

An anti -lock braking system was fitted as standard, except for the entry-level petrol engine and traction control. An ESP, however, was not available. The curve behavior rated the ADAC as sovereign, as long as the car is not fully loaded or have to drive fast evasive maneuvers on slippery surfaces. The steering is smooth and direct, the braking distance is satisfactory - on average 41 to 42 meters with 10 full braking from 100 km / h Praising the directional stability even from high speeds, the constant braking power are mentioned by prolonged stress and Brake Assist, which corrects too timid brakes in emergency situations. In case of accidents very high force can be applied at the temple door handles.

The Cerato has attended numerous crash tests, made some production changes followed. There are only stake and rollover test. The latter was developed in the USA in 2005, in the former it is up to manufacturers to give up this to 2009, optional and to be paid by the manufacturer Euro NCAP test. The Cerato met through his head airbags but the conditions for it.

Frontal tests

• U.S. NCAP 2004-2006 Driver's side: Passenger side:
• U.S. NCAP 2007-2009 Driver's side: Passenger side:

Is tested at the U.S. NCAP driving at 46 km / h on a concrete wall. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration but does not measure it the lower body. The four- star result (until 2007) already reached the Cerato Shuma - predecessor and Sephia.

• EU - NCAP 2006-2009 Adults:

Was tested in March 2006, the result would be applicable from VIN KNEFE243265225853. The facelift in summer 2006 has not been tested, she graduated from the other tests the same ( IIHS ) or better (U.S. NCAP ). Were simulated two 55- km / h, the same weight, colliding on the driver's side car. It originated medium loads on the driver's legs, since pedals moving into the interior. Similar to the belt of the passenger loaded the chest area, despite being equipped with pretensioners and force limiters. A precautionary devaluation received the vehicle for structures on the steering column, center console and glove compartment, which could be problematic in other accidents for both sides. The top rating given the head region and body stiffness. The overall result is below that at that competition.

• IIHS 11/2003-01/2005 bad

The collision is in the Euro NCAP As a displaced moving, the same heavy car but at higher differential speed simulated ( 128 instead of 110 km / h ). Testing is here but only the driver's side, on the back is the obstacle. As in the Euro NCAP, the body strength received the best rating. Similarly, there was no bad completed measurement points. The result is due to a devaluation. At this, the IIHS decided because the vehicle next to a marginal head - and legroom rating ( defective airbag cushion and pedal shifts right) also showed only acceptable upper body protection.

• IIHS 02/2005-01/2009 acceptable

After the first test 2004 Kia reduced the air holes of the driver's air bag, to stabilize the air buffer. Before that permeated the head airbag to the steering wheel. The amendment was made to the February 2005 and reduced the head load by one notch to acceptable. Furthermore changed the marginal footwell rating from the right to the left leg. This shows en passant the variance of crash tests, because in addition to the revised airbag both vehicles were identical. The head region of the better rating was now the overall standings, as less depreciation reason was eliminated. Nevertheless, the result was almost the lowest in the segment. The same applies for an acceptable rating, illustrates the effect of crash tests at the manufacturer's efforts - especially in comparison to the first 2003 -added side and rear tests, the IIHS.

Side tests

• U.S. NCAP 2004-2006 Driver's side: Passenger side:
• U.S. NCAP 2007-2009 Driver's side: Passenger side:

Side is a 63- km / h deformable barrier moved up, which is modeled on a sedan. Is measured only the chest area. The result is a slight improvement to the Cerato predecessors.

• EU - NCAP 2006-2009 Adults:

Laterally a limousine -like barrier is moved up here. It is slower at 50 km / hr, it is measured extensive, from the waist up. The abdominal area was subjected to high loads, to " unrealistic ways hiked up" over the backbone and discharged the chest measurement. These erroneous values ​​led to the devaluation of the chest region. The other ranges were given the top rating. In August 2007, made ​​structural changes, a posttest was missing. The result applies to all Cerato from VIN KNEFE243265225853.

• IIHS 11/2003-08/2007: poor

The most extensive test drives the American IIHS side. It tests the whole body, in addition a rear passenger and uses an SUV - like barrier. It is driven at 50 km / h the vehicle and caused high stresses on the upper body of the driver, were declared the overall standings. Mean stress also experienced his lower body, and the upper body of the fund passenger. The head region received the best rating. This will be read, the high center of gravity of the departing vehicle is transmitted to the passengers. There is little dissipation in other areas. The IIHS therefore certifies the marginal body side protection. Similar results have Saturn Astra and VW New Beetle, slightly better Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, Prius and Subaru Impreza good only. Other models were not at the time, or only tested without side airbags.

• IIHS 09/2007-01/2009: marginal

Structural and airbag modifications improved the score for the fund passenger on a good overall result and reduced the driver loads hüftabwärts. But you did not change the high loads of his upper body. In recognition of the improvements, the overall rating increased by one level.

Child Protection

• EU - NCAP 2006-2009:

Backward -facing child seats should not be used in the passenger seat, as its front airbag can not be disabled. This is indicated by a sticker in the passenger's sun visor. This mounting location brought a point deduction. The Note in accordance with the tests were completed in the rear, for the 18 -month test dummy also using the Isofix mountings. Apart from the satisfactory result in the chest area low loads at good protection were measured continuously.

Rear impact

• IIHS 2005-2009: Acceptable

Here goes an equally heavy vehicle at 32 km / h on the test car. The result was acceptable with and without active head restraints. The segment exceeded the usual and was unique to the version with passive head restraints. Were available, the active headrests with the facelift in 2006, standard from summer 2008.

Pedestrian

• EU - NCAP 2006-2009:

To the central region of the bonnet, the body does not provide pedestrian protection.

Bumper test

• IIHS 2006-2009: poor

The damage in parking accidents is not cost-effective, as in all tested compact cars of the time. A total of four tests were carried out: with 8 km / h front and rear, as well as a 5 km / h of a front and rear corner.

Reliability

The interior reacts to bumps over the years more and more with sounds, functional failures are rare. At that rating came driver three years Cerato in JD Power Report. More and more judgmental statistics are not available. The rating is up to facelift 2006 in midfield, then it is above average. Remained unchanged only the interior.

Is surpassed since the model start, the rating of the Mazda 3, reaches the level of the Honda Civic and thus a step below the Toyota Corolla with the best in class rating. However, this fell last Cerato model year on its level. Almost identical was the rating of the platform- related, but in another plant produced Hyundai Elantra. Only in the interior, they exceeded Cerato significantly.

Were criticized interior side crackles, creaking doors Fund, sometimes a creaking driver's seat, as well as mobile- typical noise in the speakers (anything before the facelift 2006). The sound umherschwappenden water behind the dashboard is caused by water bubbles in the cooling and heating cycle, which should have been resolved in the meantime carried out cooling water changes his (mentioned before the facelift 2006). Wind noise belong to the interior category. Driver report from 180 km / h sounds that recall driving on roughened pavement markings, but occur on the front doors. They are slightly curved by the negative pressure of the air flow to the outside, whereby a luftverwirbelnde edge is formed. A Align the doors removes the cause. Some drivers were put out on the persistent smell of the interior materials. A driver suspected the seat impregnation or staining as the main cause, because the smell of vehicles ausbleibe with leather interior.

On the drive side of the Cerato is consistently slightly higher than the average rating. Known are glowing engine warning lights due to a broken cable connector that prevents the function of the front oxygen sensor (error code PO030, model years 2004 to 2006), as well as a defective fuel tank ventilation valve without too little air can flow into the tank. This makes the fuel removal, allows the engine to wobble and in some cases go out ( model years 2005 and 2006). Rarely reported automatic transmission on a delayed and then very harsh shifting between second and third gear, which was corrected by reprogramming the control unit (model years 2004 to 2005). Additionally, a new, entirely unobtrusive automatic was used from September 2005.

Isolated on the body cause the front wheel bearings due to wear, rattling or knocking noise that can be heard mostly in slow cornering or when driving at rest (before the facelift 2006). Although one of the first Kia Cerato models of 2004 benefited from improved corrosion protection of the manufacturer, the holder clips of the tank can in strong salt water exposure on some vehicles corrode ( up to production date 6 March 2007). Kia provides for an exchange ready galvanized clips, an underbody inspection shows its necessity.

Technology

Landing gear

• Front: McPherson strut suspension with gas pressure shock absorbers, wishbones and stabilizer, front wheel drive
• Rear: Independent, strut with gas shock absorbers, longitudinal and transverse link, stabilizer
• 2-circuit brake system, power-assisted 4 -channel ABS, disc brakes, ventilated front and rear disc brakes
• EBD electronic brake force distribution with detection of traction
• BAS Brake Assist
• All models, except the 2.0- liter petrol engine in the sedan LX and all 1.6-liter petrol engines are equipped with an electronic traction control system (TCS ) as standard.

In summary, the picture is that of an optimized on the urban and rural -road vehicle. Despite the complex landing gear and the speed-sensitive power steering conveys at highway speeds a less relaxed driving experience. The causal, light steering and the descendants of existing ruts are like the Hyundai Elantra, remain at lower tempos but unremarkable. On the contrary Reviews of ADAC and Auto Bild praise even the " responsive and accurate steering ." The chassis describe it as sovereign and polterfrei, only the body shaken noticeable. The currently implemented " elk test " was uneventful. On this point cross braces and behind the passenger compartment and under the dashboard. Hold the shock mount in curves more constant distance from the body and thus support their stabilization (see torsional rigidity ). The braking behavior describes the security field.

The turning circle diameter is 11 meters in class ordinary.

Body

Before the export to Canada started off the same time as the European, Canadian Kia Board Bill Porter sent a poached by Toyota engineers to reduce the manufacturing tolerances by Hwaseong. In later test reports, the gaps were actually honorable mention, they were comparable to those from Acura and Audi. Decisive, however, this contributes no change of the engineer, but the basic construction of the side profiles. These were laid down earlier, ranging from the A-pillar to the rear lights. With fewer parts to the development possibilities of reducing inaccurate fit.

The body has a drag coefficient of 0.32 on the scale and 0.33 on the hatchback.

The permissible roof load is 75 kg, the trunk is determined by the body. In hatchback he summarizes 228 liter and thus 50 % less than the Golf V. The smaller volume is produced primarily by the higher boot floor. Without this would result in a rear seat folded down stage to the necessarily higher mounted rear seats. This includes the golf, but it also holds a quarter more ( 1305 to 1048 liters). Such a maximum volume is Kia for the notchback not. It sums up in imputed backrest with 381 liters but 30 more than the Golf. Meanwhile sill height ( 69 cm ) circles the Cerato with 67 cm ( steep ) and 71 cm ( notchback ), about passing load must weigh 450 kilograms ( inmates but are counted ).

The measures for noise reduction, the manufacturer of detail. The noise is analyzed by the ADAC to 130 km / h low, he would pushy about it in the petrol models in the tested diesel it stay calm. Its refinement is described as quiet. American tester moved in 2.0 L petrol model, the comfort limit at 110 km / h and remembered a quieter Hyundai Elantra. This uses the same engine and running it at 110 km / h with 3000 tours. An Auto Bild test of petrol models measured in 2004 Cerato identical values ​​to the Gulf in the Municipal and decibels above that at 130 km / h

The security of Karossiere clips the ends of the scales.

Motors

The translation of both petrol engines is the same. This saves costs and results at the same pace at the same speed ( 3000 at 110 km / h in the details area body). The diesel gearboxes the top gear 20 percent lower (so that the speed drops to around 2400 rpm ) and tuned for each of the three diesels slightly different. All transmissions are distinguished by precise and light gear guide. The 2.0 - liter diesel heated, an electric heater in the ADAC test forward only slowly, however, "good" is missing in the rear, time information. The entry-level diesel remained untested, its gasoline counterparts took 11 minutes, the 2.0 -liter petrol engine 9 minutes of warming from -10 to 22 ° C.

In the ADAC test the Cerato runs with petrol engines slightly ( 2.0 liter engine ) to significantly (1.6 - liter engine ) economical than usual in 2005, the larger diesel consumed half a liter above the class mean. These values ​​are consistent with those economical Cerato - driver, the average is but about a liter over: 8.7 l/100 km in the entry-level petrol engine, 9.2 in petrol car, 6.3 in the entry-level diesel and 7 liters in the big diesel. All models are equipped with 55 l capacity.

The petrol engines comply with the Euro 4 emissions standard; all diesel Euro 3, regardless of the summer of 2005 optional, open particulate filter. The retrofit possibilities inform the linked motor products.

In Germany, only the 1.6 with 77 kW, the 2.0 available with 105 kW and in the hallway of 1.5 CRDI engines with 75 kW and the 2.0 CRDI with 83 kW with a gasoline engine.

Footnotes and Sources