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This is an old car model that is no longer for sale by the local distributor since Jan 2010.
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   Consumer Reviews of Kia Cerato Variant 2
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4.0
 
12 Consumer Reviews
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Comfort
4.0 Reliability
3.5
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Handling
3.5 Features
3.5
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Exterior Styling
3.5 Interior Design
3.5
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Value for money
4.5 Engine Performance
4.0

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Btsp2004
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
Most reliable 1.6l car I've owned  Posted on 26 Oct 2017
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Been driving the car for 9yrs, and it's still giving me peace of mind.
Did not face any major problems so far.
Have tried traveling at 220km/h at NS highway.
Cornering at at speed (160-180km/h) at ease.
Suspension are beyond expection as going over hum at high speed without feeling any bum (better then 2008 E200 Which my friend owned)
Feel like traveling at 80km/h when the car is speeding at 160-180km/h.
Able to reach KL from Sing in just 90min.

What I like
Quiet cabin,
Excellent suspension,
Super cold aircon,
Spacious cabin space,
Huge trunks,
Travel from Sing to Penang in just 1 fuel tank at high speed.

What I do not like
FC is not as happening when driving in local city drive. Only manage to hit 9km/h


Johnny86
4th Gear
1 reviews
585 points
471 forum posts Joined on 04-Oct-2016
Reliable workhorse for 7 years  Posted on 01 Feb 2017
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 3.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Bought this 2.5yo in 2010.
1.6 manual, 121bhp was quite enough to handle daily driving. Rear legroom is spacious and decent for 3 adults. Boot space is good as well. Ended up throwing my storeroom in the trunk.

Back when the car was still pretty new, could do NSHW 180km/h with 5 passengers. However 160km/h is pretty much the upper limit for comfort, considering that this is 2007 technology from Korea. Not too shabby for what it went for.

The usual wear and tear items included steering clunking (bushing etc) AC compressor/coil, ignition coils/sparks, and on the 8th year the starter. Nothing more apart from front suspension mounts having to be replaced every 2-3years. Those are decently priced at distributors though.

Eventually got tired of manual, so traded in for an auto car. Personally never a fan of bigger sedans too, but now I appreciate the cerato V2's size as new sedans are almost much bigger yet does not seem to fit in more interior space.

Yet up until the day i traded in, not a single drop of oil leak from anywhere in the car - engine, gearbox, aircon, brakes all good. Was seriously considering to extend COE but could not find major parts to renew wear and tear on this workhorse.

What I like
- Decent FC - first few years could do 12km/L (paper is 13.2) not bad for a 10.2s car

- feels confident enough around corners

- Doesnt cost much to change oil - exactly 3 quarts each time with cheap original hyundai oil filter

- for a 2007 model it does look kinda sporty with its rear lid spoiler

- did not give "electrical problems", no premature battery draining whatsoever.
However did feel that overall system needs better grounding as it had perhaps deteriorated over time.

- rear multilink suspension; dont get that with competitor sedans..not even the avante.

What I do not like
- very few aftermarket parts. economical to stay stock though :p

- AC did spoil eventually on the 8th year, no choice but to pay for brand new (unlike japanese where u can easily get densos)

- AC takes a while to cool down on hot days

- (low demand) major body parts not available as V2 was stuck in between avante and forte; did not sell enough units to warrant mass production of spares

- stock brake fluid + brake pads too spongy; had to change both and felt ok after that

- engine bonnet cable broke during 8th year really mind boggling

- DIY changing your own fogs and headlights is a nightmare. This taught me to always buy "lasting" lights instead of "performance" ones


Saggi
1st Gear
6 reviews
25 points
277 forum posts Joined on 24-Jun-2005
KIA virgin taking a risk  Posted on 27 Jun 2009
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Having low coe recently, deciding to get a forte or cerato, finally decide a cerato sunroof. Basically forte sunroof only come in 2-litres.
As for avante sunroof, there is no change in the model since 2007, and same engine as cerato, then why not. Dont want to fork out so much since i will be out of town most of the time. From honda city to kia, my colleagues think i am crazy... Hahah. Because my honda metal become tin when being crushed and i feel so helpless can hear the metal crushing in... Scary!

What I like
The solid built of the car. When you lift the boot or engine compartment, you can feel the difference against a japanese car.
I normally seldom slow down at humps, so this car is solid… just go through.
Auto headlamps, auto-dim rear mirror.

What I do not like
Antenne, but is ok, you can change to internal antenna if you really dont like it.
Body heavy, so fc higher. Trade in between safety and fc.


Samnet
Clutched
5 reviews
15 points
134 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
Value for $$  Posted on 05 Feb 2009
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 4.0
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
Car with great design, ergonomics and Price.
With everything included (solar film, alcantra leather bucket seats, DVD player, full body kit, reverse sensor), the price is definitely worth it! can't ask for more actually.

Power is not lacking. With manual sports shift, you can control the torque and power u need.

Cruising at 100km/h is Dangerous! Cos the cabin is quiet and car is stable. you won't know you are already beyond legal speed limits!

Fuel consumption is reasonable given it's power. 12-13km/l

Passenger legroom is plenty.

Kia has really done a great job with this car! This is actually my 3rd Kia Car. I had Picanto, Rio before this. No regrets.

What I like
Bucket seats with alcantra leather
design and ergonomics.
Arm-rest with storage compartment
Price and everything that comes with it
quiet cabin, stable drive and handling
Large boot compartment (hatchback)
Overall excellence

What I do not like
Low head room- cos i am used to driving Vans.


Cwet88
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
Big, Cheap, Reliable.  Posted on 12 Jan 2009
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 4.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Actually I bought the V1 (auto/sedan) version 4 years back and just hit my 100K mileage.
While most people think Korea make can only last for 3 years, my Cerato actually had only 1 defect till date. (Alternator fail last month.)
The car is "hard" (approx. 1380kg) but i still manage to get 11km/litre on SPC 95petrol.
Petrol tank is huge, with at least 62 litre instead of what written on the spec.

What I like
Spacious interior;
"Strong" built;
Cheap;
Reliable;
Worth the money spent!

What I do not like
Car is too heavy, hence initial pickup is slower then other 1.6l makes.


Deputylove8
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
4 points
57 forum posts Joined on 17-Oct-2008
Value For Money!  Posted on 23 Dec 2008
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Comfort 5.0 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
Hey there! Just gotten this car for abt a month now. This is my 1st car and I have to say, it is really value more money for those of us who are willing to spend ard this price range.

What I like
Plus points:
1) It is a bargain!
2) I was surprised at the interior! For this price and its large and comfortable interior, one will not feel cramp.3 adults at the back will fit comfortably with shoulder room to spare. Mind you, my sister is on the larger side. This was one of the main pull factor.
3) Generous boot space. The boot is surprisingly very large! My Grandma's wheelchair fits in nicely when it is laid down with still room to spare at the sides. That's the other reason why I bought it coz it could fit my Grandma's wheelchair.
4) Driving feels smooth to me.
5) Powerful aircon! I always leave it at 1 and it still cold! Saves oil too dont ya think.
6) The staff at KIA was very nice!She threw in a surprise free gift when I collected the car! Hehe. I wont tell ya what it is though. But it did save me money.
7) Comfortable ride. Very comfortable ride.

What I do not like
The only thing I find discomforting the when it comes to sharp turns. It can turn well no doubt, but sometimes, I can 'feel' the turn. Hence, when it comes to turning, I will slow down a lot to maybe 50 before turning that wheel. But hey! Look at all the plus points! It is a real value for money car at this price range.


Outrider_76
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
Value For Money.  Posted on 30 Nov 2008
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 3.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
I'v tried a couple no.of cars mostly Japanese, but at last attracted to the Kia Cerato, maybe due the pricing that is within my budget. For a car that is below $50k, I tink the Cerato is the most excellence choice for those with a budget conscious.
The car handle quite well during high speed, especially during long loops, I felt like driving a continental car instead of driving a Korean brand. Having driven an Alfa, Renault and Opel I think this car is as almost as perfect compared to the Lancer or Mazda 3.
well i guess u hav to tried before u know how ok this car is.....

What I like
Spacious.
FC is ok.
Pricing is for the budget conscious.
DVD, GPS sound system is nice and cool.
Climate control.

What I do not like
Antenna looks very out dated, KIA engineer should look into it.


Mitsubishi_23
Clutched
3 reviews
13 points
64 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
A Comfortable car for the price paid for!  Posted on 24 Sep 2008
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Comfort 5.0 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
For the price i paid for and the comfort level i get from this car is good. The car is very spacious and quiet. With a good sound system installed really makes my ride even more relaxing.

Viewed quite a few cars before deciding on this car. I change from a normal car to Off Peak due to low usage of car, so since I wanna save, must well save more and chose a cheaper yet comfortable. Anyway after 3 - 4 years would change car liao, so what if the car cannot endure through 5 years or what.. Getting a cheap ride and changing a new car every 3 - 4 years time is better than driving a expensive car for 10 years. That's why my loan also super short term. Because it's cheap so that it is affordable for a short term loan.

What I like
Very Spacious
Fuel Consumption quite ok
Overall for the car is good
Economical Pricing
Performance not bad for a 1,600cc vehicle

What I do not like
Because the name is Kia lor. Of course driving a BMW or Ferrari got more style. Anyway this car is even more spacious than BMW 3 series, so cannot complain.


Eng00443
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
Good Car for a Cheap Price  Posted on 13 May 2008
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 3.0
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
Smooth driving and decent looking (both exterior and interior) for the price paid. Have most of the features necessary for a typical 1.6L car, but relatively much cheaper.

What I like
The driving feel is good, spacious, iPod ready, USB port available. Seats are higher, easier for elderly to get up and down the car.

What I do not like
Sound insulation not very good. Suspension not very good.


Maverous
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
Kia Variant 2 Premium Edition  Posted on 10 May 2008
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Just bought this vehicle. The feeling of driving is nice and comfortable. Seems like Kia is getting better. But i don't really know will the car last long. Hope i don't make the wrong decision.

What I like
I like the auto climate air-con control and sunroof.

What I do not like
The exterior and interior design so-so only.


Boy11
Neutral Newbie
6 reviews
0 points
1 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
a great new car that is still using a "WWII" radio antenna  Posted on 29 Feb 2008
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 3.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 3.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Overall i am quite satisfied with the car, good performance, roomy interior, decent fuel consumption for a car this weight and performance of about 11-13km/l.

however there a few area that seriously need some minor improvement.

1) still using the very old old extendable radio antenna. the only cars on the road that i still see have this extendable antenna besides korean cars are the 1990s' honda. I am even more disappointed especially when this model has just receive an update version last yr.

2) soft suspension, maybe just a bit too soft.

3) An updated variant 2 version with an old front grill design. Seems a little out of touch with the current styling. It seems to me that the designers at kia ran out of ideas and simply use back an ancient design on to the new version.

if u can look past the old WWII extendable radio antenna, old front grill design, soft suspension, this car is actually quite a good buy that is great value of $$.

i really hope the folks at kia can wrap up this minor finishing touches. Very often the small things also matters a lot


Anonymous
Neutral Newbie
23 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
 Posted on 23 Jan 2008
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 3.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Kia Cerato Variant 2
4 stars - based on 12 reviews