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Editor Review
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Kia Cerato K3 vs Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6
10 Apr 2017  |  Subaru Reviews
The new Subaru Impreza is highly refined, more upmarket than before and is a stronger competitor than ever. We find out how it fares against two other Asian sedans.
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Kia Cerato
Most expressive styling
Decent power and handling capabilities
Well-equipped with amenities like a sunroof and ventilated front seats
Largest boot
Subaru Impreza
Sharper-looking than before
Most refined powertrain
Best handling in this test
Most modern and plush cabin
Least fuel efficient of the three
Toyota Corolla Altis
Not as attractive as the other two cars
Most eager powertrain but least fun to drive
Least inviting cabin
Most rear legroom
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   Consumer Reviews of Kia Cerato K3
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4.0
 
81 Consumer Reviews
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Comfort
4.0 Reliability
4.0
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Handling
4.0 Features
4.5
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Exterior Styling
4.5 Interior Design
4.5
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Value for money
4.5 Engine Performance
3.5

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govinkumar001
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 16-Sep-2021
Reliable 1st car  Posted on 19 Oct 2021
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Review
I bought a used 2017 k3 ex model when it was 3.5 years old and kept it for 11 months. Drove about 14,000 km on it. It was my 1st car so u wanted something reliable and fuss free. Fuel consumption ranges from 12 km/l to 13 km/l. I use cruise control function whenever I'm on the expressways which can improve fc to almost 16 km/l. Good luck trying to get C&C to replace parts. Make noise and write in to complain if you have to. The car is not speedy off the blocks which can be frustrating but it's not a major issue. I didn't have any issues with the car. Only my rear suspension needed replacing which took a long time before C&C agreed to do.

Likes:
1) low maintenance
2) reliability
3) excellent fuel consumption
4) cruise control

Dislikes:
1) initial pickup could be better
2) C&C can be a pain to deal with despite car being under warranty


DopeyOne
3rd Gear
4 reviews
414 points
122 forum posts Joined on 04-Feb-2015
Excellent NVH Characteristics  Posted on 09 Jan 2019
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
It has been a year driving the Kia Cerato (L Series)(Since Nov 2017). C&C's sales team was good in terms of delivery and support. My initial expectations about Korean makes wasn't quite high. I was wrong. Noise insulation in the K3 was good, can see the efforts they put in, with road noise was better than expected (Nexen Tyres). Internals were very comfortable with a bit of conti feel. Gear changes were responsive, no frills.

What I like
NVH Level
Comfortable Interior
Spacious Head/Legroom

What I do not like
Paintwork (Plastics vs Metal)


Ongys80
Clutched
1 reviews
9 points
36 forum posts Joined on 21-Mar-2010
Well Package Vehicle  Posted on 30 Jan 2018
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Was comparing between Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza and K3, in terms of drive and features, and just completed my first 1k servicing.

Found that the K3 to be the most value for money car, lots of nice features for the price point. A decent drive experience, much better than my previous Lancer Ex. While I was advised that ECO mode tends to be sluggish, I find it more than acceptable.

What I like
3 Drive modes, 6 airbags (piece of mind for a family sedan), ventilated seats, sports body kit, keyless entry with pushbutton start, motrex with android auto, auto headlights.

What I do not like
Removed blind side detection from the initial facelift model, no auto wiper, ventilated seats not as cooling after 1 month of use. C&C states that as long as the fan works, it is deemed as a non-issue. Car handling feels too light


tansk77
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 19-Mar-2017
Great value car  Posted on 25 Jan 2018
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Own this car since Oct 2017, so far it have exceed my expectations in all aspects except for the initial acceleration. It is definitely worth the $ for all the good features and I would say Kia have try to improve and is successful.

What I like
interior and exterior styling
comfort drive at higher speed
all the special features even though it is EX

What I do not like
initial pick up is weak.
Normal fuel economy


D3v1LmAn69
2nd Gear
1 reviews
243 points
209 forum posts Joined on 15-Jan-2012
Value for $  Posted on 07 Dec 2017
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Owned a SX gravity-blue for 1 month, just completed 1k servicing. Have to say this car really is worth it despite being korean-made. Besides having a sporty-exterior with 17" Rims and factory body-kit, interior has leather seats and 3 features that differentiate giving the conti feel:

rear aircon vents
ventilated driver and front passenger seats
motorized driver seat with 2 memory positions

Handling is smooth, pickup is a little slow but once reach 80km/hr and above will be okay. People who want quick acceleration boost may be disappointed. Very nice to cruise at 90-100km/hr on highways. Sound isolation is average but better than my previous 2009 Avante. FC around 11km/L based on my driving style

What I like
- auto-folding side mirrors
- ventilated driver seat- can choose warm or cool air blow up your bottom and back
- motorized driver seat- will move back when open door, move forward when close door
- push button to Start engine
- 17" rim. Rim design looks better than EX and L
- rear aircon vents - rear passengers love it!
- great legroom(at least 3" for rear passengers)
- motrex head unit with reverse camera

What I do not like
- slow pickup
- factory speakers giving sub-standard audio
- no beeping sound when lock/unlock car using remote transmitter
- average FC


lndomie
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 03-Dec-2017
Korean cars have improved tremendously  Posted on 02 Dec 2017
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Test drove few cars before going for this K3. Decided to proceed with the EX version as need to top-up additional $$ for the Sports version.Their difference are on LED Headlamp, key-less, sport rim (bigger), sun-roof and air-con electric seat.

Have been driving this car since Aug 2017 and never look back till now. The fantastic features, design of the car & classy interior are the main reasons.

Overall, this car is worth every penny! (decent value for money / within budget range)

What I like
Worth every penny
Stylish looks (exterior & interior)
Light Steering for city driving
Comfy & spacious seats
boot space

What I do not like
Acceleration/pick-up is a bit slow.
No key-less capability
Fuel Consumption (Avg is 12.8km/L)


Gdragon2004
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 09-Nov-2017
Most attractive vehicle  Posted on 09 Nov 2017
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Test drove the Kia k3 last July. This car was attractive to the eye and even had welcome lights. The sports model was the most pleasing due to the spoiler and paddle shifter that the basic model did not have. This car definitely looks better than the earlier facelift. Although this car is great had to settle to the attrage due to high Coe prices.

What I like
Spoiler
Paddle shifter
Welcome lights
Attractive look

What I do not like
Nothing much


Alanchensc
Neutral Newbie
6 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 15-Jan-2010
Much Improved Korean Car  Posted on 29 Sep 2017
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
Sold my BMW 320I in 2016 and bought this Kia K3 (EX) in late Dec'16 for SGD93K and have been driving this car for nine months till date. I have changed my view on Korean KIA since my first purchase of KIA.

I see no point to pay another SGD10K for the Sports Model - same engine size. Only LED Headlamp and sport rim and air-con electric seat different.

What I like
1) Quality of car interior like dashboard is of much better quality than a Toyota Altis
2) Design of car look is good ever since Audi car designer moved to Kia and created this new K3 look in the market
3) Fuel consumption is about 12-13 km/l
4) Stable on the road even driving at 150 km/hr (West Malaysia)
5) Cruise control and rear air-con like Continental Specs

What I do not like
1) A bit sluggish on the pick up perhaps due to the car heavier weight as compared with Toyota Altis - but I find the pickup is much better than Toyota Altis - I used to owned two Toyota Altis in the past
2) Car salesperson give good service but after car sales servicing at Kia Motors is poor - Toyota Borneo Motor seems to have better after car sales servicing


Rronnie
Neutral Newbie
4 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 26-Jul-2006
One of the most decently priced package currently  Posted on 21 Sep 2017
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 2.0
Handling 2.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
I have been driving this for 2 years now. Inside, it feels like an older generation Audi, at least it feels part German, and that makes it roomy, comfortable, quiet and well equipped. The sports pack comes with body trim, factory leather, sunroof and ventilated seats.
Decent value for the money, compared to competition out there.

What I like
Spacious Cabin and Boot
Quiet
Well Equipped
Comfortable with a touch of Audi Feeling

What I do not like
The engine feels under powered
The reliability still needs to be addressed


bengreat68
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 13-Jul-2017
Absolutely a nice car for the price  Posted on 01 Sep 2017
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
I got my K3 sx sports model on July and been driving close to 9000 km. I love the european style looking interior and all the features like aircon seat, sun roof etc.

It's comfortable to drive and really value for money.

Though some people may complain about the light steering but personally i find it rather good if you have to drive around the city with lots of turning.

The only complain i have is the pick up seems a tad sluggish, maybe due to weight of the car.

Overall, I would recommend this car for this budget range.

What I like
The overall looks (both in and out)

The features that come with it

The smooth drive

The value for money

What I do not like
The sluggish pick up


Neutoris
Neutral Newbie
3 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 13-Mar-2013
Best Value Car in the Market  Posted on 29 Aug 2017
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
I've been driving this car for awhile and I must say its one of the best value car in the market. The car is feature packed and is European styled. Driving this car on the road would definitely turn heads!


Cteo17
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 02-Aug-2017
My first drive with a kia car  Posted on 02 Aug 2017
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Kia k3 L
This is the first time i drove a Kia car, and to be frank it really amazed me.
Design: for a 1.6 car, to have such a design is a luxury. Exterior is nice, interior look class. What more can we ask for
Price: for $80k+, you get such a car, with nice design and good engine spec, what else can you ask for
Drive and handling: acceralation is abit poor, due to the heavy weight of the car. But when you reach beyond 50kmh, the drive get smoother and powerful. FC wise, i am getting about 12.5km/liter (before run in servicing) and i think it is a good fc considering the size and weight of the car. Have done my run in servicing, and will see if the FC will get better.
Feature wise, nothing i can said. I opt to buy the L model, then it just a very basic car, with no additional feature like steering wheel control button, eco/sports mode etc.

What I like
Smooth and stable drive at high speed
Design

What I do not like
Acceralation could be better, maybe with a better air filter installed instead?
Future batch may consider this to further improve the performance.


stefanchan
Clutched
3 reviews
6 points
20 forum posts Joined on 17-Apr-2017
K3 L Model  Posted on 18 May 2017
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 3.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Test drove the L model. Very basic interior, plastic feeling interior. Pick up is smooth. Good for basic use car.

What I like
Smooth pickup
6SP

What I do not like
Light steering


teecy
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
1 points
3 forum posts Joined on 14-Apr-2017
Can't find any reason not to!  Posted on 13 Apr 2017
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 3.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
Been looking for a car since late 2016. Im a car person and enjoys a good drive.

Naturally very put off with Kia brand. Call me a badge whore, but read on...

I've tested the following car: Altis, QashQai, Elantra, K3, golf, astra, civic, Jetta, Pulsar (non exhausive) and eventually ended up with a tug-o-war with the Golf & Civic. Golf for the drive train but kinda wary of the gearbox due to what i've read online (sometimes reading lesser is better). Civic 1.6A for its looks but i realised its on CVT? Basically isnt it the same FD that we used to love 10 years ago?

Realised K3 wasnt in the running? Read on..

I simply can't convinced myself to throw another 15-20k and overlooked K3. The features are second to none in the price range. It is relatively roomy at the rear as well. Boot size no complains. Good looks!

As my title says, i had to.

What I like
Feature packed car - ventilated seat, 17in rims, big boot. Parking assist etc..

Best bang for buck - low dep

Awesome good looks from all angles

Reliability - from C&C, hope its good

Drive seat is comfortable

Soft interior materials all around. I had to search for their plastics.

What I do not like
SX model lackof HID. Not sure why they scrimp on the cheap items. Maybe saving it for the SX sports.

Engine lacks a punch but well its a heavy vehicle

The weird looking bulging and curvy dashboard. (need getting use)

Light steering

2 X airbags


Titank
1st Gear
1 reviews
52 points
165 forum posts Joined on 19-Feb-2007
Cheapest Car In The Singapore  Posted on 09 Apr 2017
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 3.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
This car is consider one of the cheapest in the market where the depreciation is not as high compare with the Japanese & Continental makes. Driving the car is very stable like a tank. Perhaps due to the weight it seem slow in the pickup, this may not be a decent FC.

What I like
Big boot space.
Big space for rear seat passengers.
Nice continental aesthetics feeling.

What I do not like
Pickup is slow especially the car seem very heavy.
No rear aircon for the basic model.

Kia Cerato K3
4 stars - based on 81 reviews