The car we know by name Kia cerato, has two more aliases. In America, this is the Kia Forte - and just a month ago, it was the overseas version. And now it has been followed by a version for the Korean domestic market called the Kia K3. By and large, the new Forte and K3 are one and the same car, but there is still a difference.
Recall that with the change of generations, the sedan acquired different, slightly more noble proportions: the front roof pillars were moved back, the rear overhang became 60 mm larger, and rear racks for the first time in the history of the model, additional windows appeared. The total length of the sedan, compared to its predecessor, has grown by 80 mm - up to 4640 mm, although the wheelbase has not changed (2700 mm).
The new interior promises to be more spacious than the car of the outgoing generation. The Koreans could not resist the temptation to put a separate rock of the media system display in the center of the front panel, but they left analog devices with dial gauges. The K3 has seven airbags, ventilation for the front seats and a heated rear sofa are among the options. For the Korean car, the volume of the trunk according to the VDA standard was announced: 502 liters versus 482 for the previous sedan.
The main thing that distinguishes the Korean version from the American one is the engine. If the Forte is equipped with the same aspirated 2.0 MPI (147 hp) of the Nu family as the four-door of the previous generation, then Kia sedan The K3 is the first model with a 1.6 engine of the new family, which by 2022 will consist of sixteen engines for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles.
The 1.6 engine on the K3 is naturally aspirated and features reduced friction and a multipoint fuel injection system with two injectors in the intake tract of each cylinder. The developers promise that dual atomization will reduce the total amount of gasoline used. At the same time, the engine output is not a record one: 123 hp. and 154 Nm. The 1.6 GDI engine with direct injection in the previous generation sedan produced 132 hp. and 161 Nm.
From the Smart Stream family and a variator, which replaced the "automatic" and has a pulling reinforced belt instead of the common pushing one. New motor and the transmission made the sedan more economical than its predecessor: the passport fuel consumption was reduced from 7.3 to 6.6 l / 100 km.
In korean Kia market The new generation K3 will start selling at the very end of February. Prices are already known: from $ 14,900 (400 more expensive than the outgoing model) to $ 21,000. Alas, nothing is known about the timing of the appearance of this car in Russia under the familiar name Cerato, although there is no doubt that the sedan will reach us.
The middle-class car Kia Cerato first rolled off the assembly line in 2003. Today, the release of the fourth generation of the model has been launched. The main task set by the manufacturer with the release of the Kia Cerato is to replace the obsolete Kia Spectra, which has been in production since 2000. The novelty managed to impose a worthy competition on the permanent leaders of the C-segment automotive market: Mitsubishi lancer, Ford focus, Toyota corolla... In the domestic market, the model was able to secure a strong position. The latest generation car is produced today at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad.
Kia Cerato of the fourth generation became larger, received new body and modern interior. The platform for the car is a base from another hatchback Kia ceed- these two cars remain similar to each other as before. As for the power plants, the range of available Kia Spectra engines still remains deep: there are 1.6 and 2.0 liter power units with various boost levels. Many potential hatchback owners are interested in the question: what is the resource of the Kia Cerate engine? We will try to answer this question in detail within the framework of this article.
Powertrains Kia Cerato
In addition to the 1.6 and 2.0 power plants, the hatchback is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine from the Sorento crossover, however, deliveries of such a modification to the CIS countries were not made. In the period from 2003 to 2008, the car was actively equipped with a 1.6 engine with 105 "horses", which received the G4ED marking. After some time, the G4ED motor was replaced by a more powerful and improved analogue of the G4FG. In Russia, there are practically no modifications of the model with diesel engines: they are not common as they are sensitive to fuel quality. The two-liter power unit is represented by a unit labeled G4GC - this is an improved version of the engine previously produced since 1997.
In 2006, a 122-horsepower 4GFC engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters began to be installed under the hood of the Kia Cerato. With the release of the second generation of the model, and new engine G4KD with G4KA stem of the Theta family. Third production generation Kia Cerato spawned several more solid power plants: the 1.6-liter 4GFG, which is a variation of the 4GFC, and the two-liter G4NA with an aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head.
The G4KD engine is an upgraded version of the G4KA engine, which was previously popular and in demand among car owners. The differences between the two units are reduced to a modified intake receiver, a modified valve timing system, and phase shifters on both shafts. All these design changes have led to an increase in the power of the G4KD - it is equal to 163 "horses". But for Russian market the manufacturer decided to "strangle" G4KD to 150 Horse power... The recommended gasoline is AI-95, but it can easily "digest" fuel with an octane rating of 92. There are no hydraulic lifters, which means that the owner of the Kia Cerate will have to independently regulate thermal clearances approximately every 90 thousand kilometers, or earlier, if characteristic noises appear in the operation of the motor.
But it should be borne in mind that the G4KD is characterized by the sound of a diesel engine before reaching the operating temperature. Also, hatchback owners often notice a grinding noise - this is also the norm for this engine, as fuel injectors make themselves felt. However, if vibrations occur between 1000 and 1500 rpm, the spark plugs should be replaced. It is important to monitor the condition of the catalyst - its destruction can bring considerable trouble. This device serves over 100 thousand kilometers. With high-quality and timely maintenance, the G4KD power unit works properly 350 thousand kilometers to the first overhaul.
Gasoline inline four with two camshafts located according to the DOHC scheme. The engine is equipped with a multi-fuel injection system - an economical unit with low fuel consumption. The injectors do not over-consume fuel; they supply fuel to the engine cylinders accurately and in a timely manner. The engine is part of the Gamma family of installations, in fact, like the G4FA. The main difference between the two units comes down to the increased piston stroke in the G4FC. In all other respects, these are largely identical installations, equipped with a timing chain drive, and not a belt, which gives the motor an additional resource. The manufacturer claims that the timing chain has a virtually unlimited resource, but this is not entirely true. The first symptoms of a faulty and stretched chain make themselves felt at the turn of 110-120 thousand kilometers.
As for the new engine, here is the classic scheme: a cast-iron cylinder block and an aluminum head. Thanks to the PMV intake manifold, the manufacturer has managed to significantly reduce the total weight of the G4FC. The only drawback of the motor is that when the circuit is broken, the valve bends. Another thing is that this happens very, very rarely. You need to really try to break the timing chain without giving a single signal about the exhaustion of its resource. But there are exceptions - the chain can break suddenly, another thing is that such a nuisance is rather an isolated one. As for the resource of the Kia Cerate G4FC engine, this indicator is determined not by the manufacturer, but by the manner and style of driving. In practice, in Russia, a motor runs on average 380-400 kilometers.
The G4NA was based on the G4KD installation, which has been proven by time and practice, and does not have any serious drawbacks. A resource-intensive chain serves as a timing drive, serving an average of 120-130 thousand kilometers. The G4NA also bends the valve in the event of an open circuit, which does not happen very often. A distinctive design feature of the unit from its predecessor is the presence of hydraulic pushers. In the previous engine modification, the thermal clearances had to be adjusted manually. In addition, the G4NA turned out to be long-stroke - the ratio of piston stroke to cylinder size is greater than one.
Despite its high technical and operational characteristics, the G4NA has some serious disadvantages. The main disadvantage of the motor is its structurally complex design. Koreans have done so to exclude the possibility self repair engine. The installation is practically not amenable to major repairs, although there are craftsmen who sort out the G4NA engines. How they walk after the intervention and what their resource is - the question remains open. Another weakness of the G4NA is its sensitivity to engine oil. Only the recommended lubricant should be poured into the engine, otherwise there is a high probability of premature failure. In all other respects - a reliable and proven engine, which is distinguished by acceleration and dynamics. With correct and timely maintenance, the G4NA resource is 350-380 thousand kilometers.
In 2010, the 1.6-liter G4FG engine was born to replace the outdated 4GFC powerplant. By that time automotive world made serious progress, realities demanded a completely different approach to the production of reliable motors. So the G4FG was equipped with advanced technological systems Dual CVVT and MPI multipoint fuel injection. By design, it is an in-line four-cylinder power unit with boost levels from 120 to 130 horsepower. The engine is "powered" by AI-95 fuel, but the Kia Cerate can also be operated on AI-92 gasoline. The main thing is that the fuel is of high quality, without unnecessary impurities and additives. The cylinder head and cylinder block are 80% made of aluminum; a chain with a resource of 120 thousand kilometers serves as a timing drive.
Automotive experts consider the G4FG engine one of the most reliable in the Kia Cerato powertrain lineup - it is easy to maintain and repair. The quality of service determines how long and trouble-free the engine will work: changing the engine oil after 15 thousand km or once a year if the car is rarely used. Under heavy loads and constant operation of the hatchback, the lubricant change intervals are different - every 7.5 thousand km. As for the timing chain, the manufacturer indicates that the service life of the drive is equal to the operating resource of the motor. That is, in fact, at the entire turn of the G4FG operation, the chain does not need to be changed. But with work under load, the first symptoms of a circuit malfunction often appear - clatter, vibration and knocking. In this case, it is urgently necessary to replace the chain, pump and rollers. The resource of the Kia Cerato engine, as practice shows, is 400-450 thousand kilometers.
Car owners reviews
Kia Cerato is a successful car in all respects, distinguished by a high level of assembly, quality, unpretentiousness and adaptation to Russian operating conditions. Gasoline power plants provide the car with acceptable dynamic and operational characteristics, the chance of running into financially costly repairs is minimal. To disable the Kia Cerate units ahead of schedule, only the owner's unscrupulous attitude, aggressive driving style and neglect of the passage of a smooth Maintenance cars. What is the actual resource of the Kia Cerato engine, what problems the car can bring to its owner, the reviews of those people who are well familiar with this hatchback model will tell.
Resource 1.6-liter engines
- Egor, Tyumen. Kia car Cerate 2010 release, G4FC engine, second generation car. Mileage at the moment is 160 thousand kilometers. During this time, I replaced only the timing chain, rollers and a pump. I did not change anything else, the motor did not cause any problems at all. Change in time engine oil and adhere to a calm driving style. I like the car because the engine is equipped with VVTI system like Toyota - "126" horses under the hood, but it feels like all 150-160 horsepower. Very vigorously, the machine pulls from its place, up to 2.5 thousand revolutions per minute, the highest dynamics. I recommend to everyone a model with such a motor.
- Sergey, Moscow. The main criterion in choosing a car for me has always been the reliability of the engine. In 2008, I purchased a second generation Kia Cerate with a G4FC engine. Today the odometer shows 130 thousand kilometers. I have not changed the timing chain yet, it is working properly and I do not hear any extraneous sounds in the operation of the motor. The car was advised by my colleague in the workshop, who passed more than 250 tyk in the first generation Cerato and the car is still in good condition... I think that the figure of 350 thousand kilometers for this motor is quite real.
- Alexey, Tula. Kia Cerato 3rd generation, G4FG engine. The manufacturer has assured a resource of 200,000 kilometers, and many confuse the warranty resource with the nominal one. That is, the Koreans give guarantees that there will be no serious breakdowns until the first 200 tyk, and then everything is in the hands of the owner of the car. I've been driving Cerate since 2018, the mileage is only 30 thousand kilometers. I like the car for everyone: from the interior to the exterior. A solid vehicle for daily city trips. The only thing that scares you is the impossibility of major repairs. Of course, it's too early to think about it, but an acquaintance at the service station said that 450 thousand km is the ceiling for this engine, and then only a new car. In this motor, non-removable cast iron sleeves which cannot be bored due to insufficient free space between the cylinders.
- Cyril, Vladivostok. Hello, I have a 1st generation Kia Cerato with an old 1.6 liter G4ED engine. What I love about this machine is the easy and affordable maintenance. I change consumables on time, buy only original components, now the car's mileage is 240 thousand km, a hatchback since 2004. Pleased with adequate fuel consumption, a spacious luggage compartment and a pleasant interior. In general, if you are looking for reliable car for daily city driving is one of the best options today. Today, a fourth generation model is already being produced, but I do not want to sell my car yet, since it completely suits me in terms of reliability and quality. I am sure that 350 tyk for this machine is far from the ceiling.
Engines of 1.6 liters in most cases satisfy the needs of the owners of Kia Cerate - they provide the necessary level of dynamics within the city. With the exit to the track, there is a lack of power. The G4FC resource from the owners' reviews is 350-380 thousand kilometers, the figure may vary to a greater or lesser extent depending on the quality of car service. The G4FG engine is considered the most reliable - this engine is able to overcome over 400,000 kilometers before the first overhaul.
Resource 2.0-liter engines
- Valentin, St. Petersburg. Kia Cerato 1st generation, engine marking G4GC - completed mainly the first generations of the hatchback. I have had a "Korean" since 2007, during this time I have wound a lot - 260 thousand km. What I dislike about this power unit: it is very noisy, it resembles a diesel engine during operation, sometimes it seems that you are driving a tractor. Perhaps this is the only feeling I have. Because I had a lot of cars, both Korean and Japanese. Cerato 2.0 turned out to be the noisiest. Were there any serious breakdowns? I’ll answer honestly - it wasn’t. I changed the ignition coil, as misfires started one day. Candles, filters, engine oil - all according to the maintenance regulations. Sometimes the owners of Kia Cerato 2.0 complain about the freezing of the rpm - I did not have such a problem, but the master at the service station said that everything is solved by changing the firmware. Perhaps my comment will help someone.
- Mikhail, Chelyabinsk. Kia Cerato 2.0 with G4KD engine - noisy engine, it seems to me that in a constructive sense it has a lot in common with the G4GC, which was installed on the first generation Cerate. But do not be afraid of its noisy - the motor does an excellent job with its functional duties. Over the years of owning this car, I have traveled literally the whole country. The car never let me down - now it's already 200 thousand kilometers. I removed the catalyst and "stitched" the engine for Euro-2. So the familiar master at the service station advised me to do it - I don't see anything wrong with that, this operation does not affect the resource in any way, at least not negatively. In the same place, at the service station, he said that you will drive the car the same amount, that is, 350-400 thousand km for the G4KD engine is a normal indicator, but if you do not neglect the maintenance.
- Yuri, Irkutsk. I have a Cerato produced in 2013, a two-liter G4NA engine. I have a sad experience of owning a car: once the engine power dropped critically, the car stopped driving altogether, the revolutions began to float on Idling... I went to the diagnostic center, they said that the catalyst had melted, it was removed, the snag was installed, the car seemed to regain its former confidence, but after 20-30 thousand kilometers a ringing appeared in the third cylinder. I can't understand what it is, because there are no hydraulic lifters in it, and I recently changed the timing chain - it served exactly 130,000 kilometers. Now I am looking for a reason that it might be. The odometer is 180,000 kilometers.
- Vasily, Perm. The main difficulty that can overtake the domestic owner of Kia Cerate is the presence of a catalyst. Engines with this device are simply not designed for operation in our region. If you remove it and put a snag, then you can ride with peace of mind. In any other case, get ready for the fact that the motor can be covered with a copper basin at any time. It was like that for me with a mileage of 100 thousand km. I read the information on the network, everywhere they write that the catalyst is designed specifically for this service life. After 30 tyk replaced the chain with rollers and a pump. The engine does not cause any special problems, in general it is reliable and unpretentious. It has minor flaws, and the two-liter G4NA is not ideal, but with the right approach and care it will serve faithfully 400 thousand kilometers. A friend's Kia Cerato has covered 350 thousand km and so far the flight is normal.
Power units Kia Cerato with a displacement of 2.0 liters is generally considered constructively successful. They are simple in design, unpretentious, without serious "chronic" diseases. Powertrains G4NA and G4KD will be the best choice for those who do not enjoy driving a car with 1.6-liter engines. These engines generate more torque, provide the car with more power. The resource of the G4NA and G4KD motors, according to the owners, is 380 and 350 thousand kilometers, respectively. The only serious flaw in the engines is the presence of a catalyst, with which hatchback owners often have to fight by all available means.
KIA Cerato in production since 2003. During this time, 3 generations of the model have been produced, which successfully compete with Ford Focus, Citroen C4 and Toyota Corolla in the C-class. Korean car built on the same platform as,. It is completed with gasoline and diesel engines with a volume of 1.6 to 2.4 liters. Although the second generation version with a powerful 2.4-liter engine was not officially delivered to Russia.
Everything about the KIA Cerate engine
First generation
In the period from 2003 to 2008, the Cerato was equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with 105 horsepower, as well as a two-liter internal combustion engine with 143 horsepower. The two-liter engine, which belongs to the Beta II series, features a piston stroke of 93.5 mm and a cylinder diameter of 82 mm. This indicates the torsional nature of the power unit. The cylinder block here is made of cast iron in the old fashioned way. The resource reaches 300-350 thousand km. Among the disadvantages is a high level of noise, although a solid margin of safety and durability is much more important in this case.
Over time, the 1.6-liter G4ED engine was replaced by a more powerful 122 hp analogue of the G4FG. with. It was equipped with a proprietary CVVT system, which changes the valve timing, a chain was used to drive the timing, which increased the reliability of the power unit. Among the features, it can be noted that with a mileage of 300,000 km, you have to adjust the thermal clearances.
Occasionally in Russia you can find diesel versions of the first generation KIA Cerato. We are talking about 1.5 CRDi and 2.0 CRDi, which produce 102 and 112 hp. with. respectively. They use turbochargers, systems Common rail... The main advantages of diesel versions include low consumption fuel - no more than 7 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle (for comparison, gasoline KIA Cerate with automatic transmission can consume 1.5-2 times more fuel), as well as good traction characteristics... Even in the 1.5 CRDi version with the D4FA motor marking, the torque reaches 235 Nm. But in Russian conditions, diesel KIA Cerato requires preventive cleaning. fuel system... Clogged nozzles show up in different ways:
- Problems with starting in the winter.
- Gaps in the cylinders, which are clearly audible on a cold one - the engine is troit.
- Dips during overclocking.
- Increased fuel consumption.
The aforementioned problems happen due to the fact that the injectors are coked with resins, hard deposits. As a result, the nozzles are blocked, the needle valve loses its tightness. Other elements of the fuel system also suffer from contamination by sludge particles. We recommend using for rinsing. The additive restores the plunger pairs of the injection pump, cleans the walls of the nozzles and nozzles from carbon deposits. Working surfaces are restored due to the active ingredient RVS. The additive is effective only in cases where the wear of the elements of the plunger pairs has not reached critical values - over 0.09 mm, in which the internal combustion engine is difficult to start both on cold and hot.
After cleaning the fuel system, refuel KIA Cerato only at proven gas stations. If you are not sure about the quality of diesel fuel, add an additive to the tank that will increase the cetane index, remove water from the fuel, clean the gas exhaust duct and combustion chamber from carbon deposits, and decompose piston rings, will prevent corrosion of the injectors.
Second generation
Since 2008, the second generation KIA Cerato has been produced. The most popular in the line of engines are gasoline units with a volume of 1.6 liters and 2.0 liters. It's about G4FC and G4KD.
G4FC is a typical representative of the Gamma series, similar to the G4FA. The piston stroke is 85.4 mm. The resource, according to the manufacturer's promises, is from 180 thousand km. But with proper maintenance, this KIA Cerato engine quietly runs over 200 thousand km. Although sometimes characteristic problems appear: freezing of revolutions due to failures in the firmware of the motor ECU, unstable operation due to breakdown high-voltage wires broken ignition coil.
The G4KD is a Mitsubishi engine prototype that belongs to the Theta II family. Among the advantages are high-torque and a solid resource, a good power reserve - 150 liters. with. The disadvantages include a high noise level before heating, a small catalyst resource. It serves about 150 thousand km, then begins to collapse, dust particles enter the cylinders, provoking their accelerated wear.
Third generation
The new KIA Cerato entered mass production in 2013. It is produced at the facilities of a domestic plant in Kaliningrad. Supplied with gasoline engines volume of 1.6 and 2.0 liters. Their power is 130 and 150 horsepower, respectively. These are striking representatives of the Gamma and Nu series, which, due to modern components, are lightened by about 30% compared to their predecessors. Both engines are suitable for measured city driving, are noisy at high revs, but on the other hand they are reliable and durable with timely maintenance.
For individual countries, the KIA Cerato is available with a diesel 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 128 liters. with. It has a number of advantages, for example, low consumption and a pleasant pickup already in the first moments of turning on the turbine, but the exactingness of the quality of diesel fuel forced the manufacturer to abandon the sale of diesel Cerate in Russia. Therefore, there is no need to wait for mass distribution.
TOP-3 rules: how to extend the life of the KIA Cerate engine?
- Quality service consumables, the frequency and grade of engine oil must comply with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Competent operation.
- Timely diagnostics and repair of internal combustion engines, fuel and other related systems. If you find problems with starting, precarious work idling, power drop, increased noise of bearings, pistons or gas distribution mechanism, vibration, high consumption fuel and oil, you need to carefully check the KIA Cerato engine and eliminate the existing breakdowns.
When the cause is trivial wear and tear, contamination of the working surfaces with carbon deposits and deposits, treatment with an additive or will contribute to recovery. This will strengthen the friction units, normalize fallen compression, and reduce oil and fuel consumption. It is advisable to combine the use of an oil additive with routine maintenance. This will maximize the engine resource due to a cermet layer 0.5–0.7 mm thick. It will keep the oil film on the running surface, thereby reducing cold start wear. Serves as a damper between contact parts, protects them from hydrogen cracking, resistant to high temperatures.
Gearbox KIA Cerato
During production, KIA Cerato was equipped with five- and six-speed manual transmissions, as well as four- and six-speed automatic transmissions: F4A42, A4AF3, A4CF2, A4CF1, A6GF1. Each of them has certain advantages and disadvantages. Take F4A42 as an example. This automatic transmission- prototype Mitsubishi assault rifle, produced back in 1997. The box has a solid resource, is very reliable, but with high mileage and untimely maintenance, it can suffer from oil starvation. Subsequently, the torque converter wears out, jolts, kicks, crunching when switching, increased noise, hum, knocking, bearing whine appear.
The recovery will be facilitated by an additive. It is added directly to the oil for CIP gear repair, gear wheels and other contact surfaces. As a result of processing, the amount of noise and vibration is reduced, the service life of the parts is extended, and shifting becomes easy and smooth.
IMPORTANT: the additive is also suitable for modern Cerato DCT gearboxes with two clutches.
As for the mechanics of KIA Cerato, most of the complaints from car owners are related to the operation of the synchronizer. The rest of the box is operated normally, runs without problems for 6–8 years. The main thing in this case is a preventive oil change. It is not provided by the automaker, but it is recommended when the mileage is over 100 thousand km. It is advisable to combine routine maintenance with the transmission of the RVS Master Transmission additive or. The composition forms a dense layer of cermet on the working surfaces, restores the geometry of parts, reduces the level of noise and vibrations. In other words, the additive really helps the box to live longer in difficult operating conditions.
South Korean cars passed long way progress
Starting with the first Hyundai Sonata we saw in the late 1980s with its flimsy body, small engine and boring handling. The South Korean auto industry has indeed received a lot of complaints. But in the years that followed, he turned his product into a viable one, and one of the strongest contenders for your dollar.
The efforts of both the minders and bodybuilders have led to significant increases in durability, and while a pre-owned Hyundai or Kia might have been a rather risky proposition 15 or 20 years ago, they've done a lot more today.
Kia, in particular, is committed to supporting that claim and is doing so with the industry's best seven-year new car warranty. The Kia we're reviewing here doesn't have a seven-year warranty, but it is covered by a five-year / unlimited mileage warranty, which means that later versions of this program may still carry the factory warranty.
Today in our review - Kia Cerato 3 generation, which is available in the form of a sedan and hatchback and was released in 2009, as completely new model... In fact, the car was a model sharing product between Kia and its parent company, Hyundai.
To be honest, we think the Kia version is a more attractive car with a slightly more aggressive appearance and the less over-styling that plagued many South Korean cars of this era.
The only mistake was that, even the top complete set Kia got a simpler, rear axle, while Hyundai elantra acquired a multi-link rear suspension.
Originally launched as a four-door sedan, the 1.6-engined Kia Cerato 3 was available in S, Si and SLi trims with improved standard equipment as equipment levels increased. But there is one catch here: while all Cerato got dual front airbags, the brakes are anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic distribution braking force and full-size side curtain airbags, only the Si and SLi receive a truly important safety feature: maintaining stability control. This means that if you are concerned about security, you should avoid the entry-level version.
For several years, there have been signs that the Korean brand Kia was destined to create some really cool cars. For example, Picanto was an immediate success. And the Sorento was a strong competitor in the (affordable) large SUV segment. Each new generation of Kia products represents a quantum leap from what it was before - it's definitely a brand that learns very quickly. One of the lessons was that smart design is important to Europeans. Consequently, the brand took out several tens of thousands of dollars to lure under its wing "ace" - German designer Peter Schreier from Audi. This new Kia Cerato is one of its first products.
Appearance
Riding neat 16 '' alloy wheels, Kia Cerato 3 generation restyling looks more expensive than it actually is, and is also more compact than paper sizes. And we suspect that this design is so clean that it is unlikely to date at all. Likewise, the interior represents an important step forward. At first glance, it might seem like there are too many shades of dark gray plastic around, but you can get around the interior and you might be surprised to find that the top of the bezel is made of a soft-touch material.
Salon
The instrument cluster in the Kia Cerato 3's cabin looks very sporty, with three large, overlapping dials. And on the dashboard, you'll find a quirky center section that houses the sound and ventilation controls in a strip of black plastic edged with glossy material.
The build quality, by the way, looks very impressive. Although the Kia Cerato looks relatively compact from the outside, it is certainly one of the most spacious in its class. There's plenty of legroom in the cabin, as well as a spacious 415-liter boot that contains a full-size spare tire.
The rear seats are split and can be folded down to accommodate larger items. Those in the front are also well served with the driver's seat height adjustment as well as the steering wheel tilt adjustment. As usual, Kia has ticked many boxes when choosing the Cerato from Korea - this model boasts air conditioning, front / rear fog lights, electric mirrors, power windows on all sides, radio / CD player with USB / auxiliary support. , remote control audio system and six airbags. ABS with EBD installed but not electronic system stability (ESP).
Engine
When the Cerato was first launched in Russia, it received several trim levels that included a four-speed automatic transmission, which was not good enough. And on the other side - a six-speed manual, which completely revealed dynamic characteristics Kia Cerato 3.
Under the hood, both versions have a 2.0-liter power unit with 115 kW and 194 Nm of torque.
The main problem of the Kia Cerato 3 is that the gearbox is not configured correctly, although it is enough for driving around the city. Why is that? It's simple - the maximum torque reaches 4300 rpm, and the gearbox shifts too early, and with each gear change, the engine goes back to 2000 rpm. The engine wants to run, but it never got a chance to reach its full potential. Of course, this problem can be overcome with steering wheel mounted switches.
On paper and according to the owners' reviews, the Kia Cerato looks like one of the stellar cars in its segment. The fully alloyed 2-liter four-cylinder seems to be relatively high-tech, with two camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It develops an impressive 115 kW and 194 Nm of torque.
Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, or a four-speed automatic. With a 0-100 km / h speed of about 10.3 seconds, the Kia Cerato is unlikely to be slow, but also not as fast as you'd expect it to be. Especially when you take the ratio of relatively high power and light weight (1 236 kg). And perhaps worst of all, it's not that economical - you will struggle to reach 6.6 L / 100 km, and 8 L / 100 km is more likely.
The box cannot unleash the full potential of the engine. Engine noise is transmitted to the passenger compartment not only when the rpm is high. Fuel economy certainly suffers too. Changing the oil in the Kia Cerato 3 also deserves special attention.
The car uses a torsion bar suspension at the rear (which allowed Kia's designers to add that large trunk) and there's no magic in the action. In general, and for more low speeds The Kia Cerato rides well, demonstrating good characteristics depreciation.
However, when the road surface deteriorates, reviews for the Kia Cerate 3 Restyling agree on one thing: one main drawback Cerato - Poor NVH control (noise, vibration, harshness). There appears to be too little soundproofing material in the body to prevent road and tire noise from entering the cabin, which, in combination with a noisy and somewhat harsh engine (at high revs), creates general impression lack of comfort. And honestly, the harder you push the Kia Cerato, the less impressive it gets. The steering is electric and almost completely devoid of any feedback, which will not please enthusiastic drivers.
Electronics
There are also petal-shaped switches for automatic models, sports pedals, chrome door handles (inside and outside), 17-inch alloy wheels and MP3-compatible single CD player with USB and aux input, six speakers and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity.
Trunk. With the seats up, there is 385 liters luggage compartment Expandable with 60:40 almost flat folding rear split bench.
Around the cabin is a deep center console, a fairly large glove compartment, glass holders for front and rear passengers, front bottle holders and a large open compartment at the base of the B-pillar.
Peculiarities
Kia engineers conducted extensive testing in Tasman and the Otago area of New Zealand to tune the front and rear torsion bar suspension and struts to better suit local conditions. The suspension has received different struts and redesigned spring rates compared to other markets, and steering the motor has been re-calibrated by the software.
The Flex-Steer system, which was available on the Hyundai i30 and Santa Fe, is now installed on the Kia Cerate 3 Prestige. The system allows the driver to adjust the steering wheel weight to one of three settings; Normal, Comfort and Sport. The subtle feel of the Comfort setting makes parking easier, while the Sport mode has a pleasant turning effort that will be appreciated by keen drivers. In turn on Kia Cerate 3 suite steering rack shifted forward and the geometry of the suspension behavior did not change, which Kia said is favorable for steering wheel centering and feel, although this was not evident during our test drive.
Kia Cerato 3 Restyling is available in three specification levels; LX, EX and SX. Basic model The 1.8L LX features front fog lights, keyless entry, front and rear proximity sensors, cruise control, steering wheel audio and a height-adjustable driver's seat. 1.8L EX has LED daytime running lights running lights, touch screen with audio system and rear view camera. The 2.0L SX adds 17-inch alloys, leather upholstery, heated front seats as well as cooling for the driver, steering wheel-mounted gear levers, dual-zone climate control and a sunroof.
Active safety functions are presented in the form of sustainability management vehicle(VSM), electronic control Stability Control (ESC), Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control (TCS) and Hill Start Control (HAC).
Passive safety features include six airbags and seat belt sensors for all seating... The previous model only had a four-star ANCAP safety rating and while it hasn't been tested yet, Kia expects a full five stars when the new model is crash tested.
The Cerato is offered in three models starting with the 1.8L LX for $ 29,990 and $ 33,490 for the 1.8L EX, while the top of the 2.0L SX range is priced at $ 38,490.
The Kia Cerato 3 2.0 engine is one of the most productive in its segment, and even the base model has many trim levels on offer.
Complete set
Standard includes heated mirrors with LED indicators, power windows, central locking with remote control, climate control with dust filter, on-board computer with six functions, Super Vision instruments, steering wheel audio system.
The difference between restyling and dorestyling
Whereas the previous generation Kia Cerato was a relatively nondescript C-segment competitor that didn't make much of an impression, the newcomer is a lot different. The new Kia Cerato with the crisp modern styling that every brand prides itself on is eye-catching at first glance. With its chunky overhangs, Lexus-style tail end and new tiger nose (look at the grille), the Cerato shows that Kia is starting to develop its own design language. While the design is nothing entirely new, there are some very nice details, including an interesting "stepped" shoulder line.
16.09.2018
Kia Cerato appeared in the markets of the CIS countries in 2004. At home in South Korea, its sales began a year earlier, where this model has the designation K3. The car replaced the predecessor Spectra, popular at the time in North America and Korea. The car gained wide popularity in Russia only starting from the second generation, in some countries the model was designated as Forte. It happened in 2009, when the production of a new model was set up on an assembly line in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan. In the new homeland, it sold very well, some state-owned enterprises bought new items in small batches. In Russia, the model also turned out to be popular: it is already something better than the Rio, but slightly inferior to the Optima in terms of size and equipment. Since 2013, the production of the third generation of the model began. Naturally, the design has been updated, the interior has been improved, engines and safety have been brought up to modern requirements. In 2016, the third generation was restyled. In 2018, the first sales of the new fourth generation of the car began. Kia engines Ceratos were mainly gasoline, with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 liters, however, in the first generation, one could find diesel engines of 1.5 and 2.0, which were installed on European modifications, as you know, in Europe they are very fond of and for good reason. In the next generations, they did not take root due to the fact that the model was reoriented to the markets of North America, Asia, the CIS countries, and in Europe it was replaced by the Ceed hatchbacks, which more meet the requirements of this market.
1.6 G4FC Gamma
For the first time under the hoods Kia given the Hyundai engine appeared after the purchase of the last Kia company. Both manufacturers live side-by-side on the Korean peninsula, so the takeover of one brand by another was only a matter of time. It happened in 2007, just then the second-generation Cerato was preparing to enter the CIS market, so a fresh unit under its hood also did not become something surprising. According to the principle of the device, this is a conventional in-line four with an aluminum head, overhead camshafts, made according to the usual DOHC scheme. Also from the unusual systems here on American and some other modifications there is direct fuel injection into the GDI cylinders, which, in theory, should reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency while reducing the amount of harmful emissions. Such a system is very disliked by buyers. old Mitsubishi, since she was too capricious for Russian conditions. According to the owners of old Cerato with such a motor, they did not experience any problems with the system.
On Russian modifications of Cerate up to the fourth generation, the fuel supply system was left MPI, since it is considered more reliable in operation and less demanding on fuel quality and maintenance.
Concerning performance characteristics, then the power unit is quite suitable for the Cerato: lightweight, compact, with sufficient recoil. 130-horsepower power unit could be complemented by an automatic and mechanical boxes transmissions, but it is obvious that it turned out to be more responsive precisely on the "mixer", as the manual transmission is often called. The automatic transmission ensures comfortable movement around the city, and on the track with such a transmission it is worth overtaking more carefully. However, such a return is quite sufficient for everyday driving on city affairs with occasional trips to the country. The small power has a significant justification: the engine consumes only 6.4 liters of 92 gasoline in the combined cycle. If we take purely urban indicators, they reach 8 liters, and in the intercity it will consume only 5.4 liters. Great option for economical driving.
The 1.6 G4FC Gamma engine has proven to be one of the most popular on Kia and Hyundai vehicles since 2009. It was installed on many inexpensive models from these manufacturers and not only.
Maintenance is hardly expensive and stressful. The manufacturer recommends servicing at least once every 15,000 kilometers for countries with mild and warm climates. In winter conditions in the CIS, this period is halved, since a heavy load falls on the engine and it has to work longer on idle, which also does not pass without a trace for the oil. Change oil filter every oil change is recommended, and air - every fourth. As an oil, most owners recommend using any branded oil 5W30, 5W40, 0W40 or 0W30, which is extremely important for the harsh Russian winter.
As for maintainability and reliability, everything is like everyone else's. With normal maintenance and timely replacement of consumables, the Cerate 1.6 engine will be able to drive more than 200,000 kilometers without major repairs without any problems. Premature breakdowns and surprises are extremely rare here, if not to say that they do not occur at all. Units of this series were produced in millions of copies for different models and sales markets. They were installed on such mass models as Rio, Solaris, Elantra, Sid and have been repeatedly tested and adjusted taking into account many features of operation and maintenance. Increased attention should be paid, except perhaps to the sounds emitted by the power unit during cold start and after warming up. If the noise of the chain does not disappear after warming up, then you should contact the service to adjust the valves. Usually, this should be done every 90-100 thousand kilometers. The overhaul of the G4FC Gamma is extremely difficult and expensive, so it will be cheaper to buy a contract power unit with low mileage, since it will be very easy to do this due to their massiveness.
2.0 G4KD Theta 2
This engine appeared a little earlier: in 2005, because its presence under the hoods of Cerato also did not come as a surprise. This is another engine of the old Mitsubishi development, which is listed as 4B1 in the line of the Japanese manufacturer. He has a modification 4B11, which is a direct heir legendary motor 4G63, to which the owners of Lancer Evolution are ready to erect a monument. This means that the Korean car industry also has a piece of the sporting past. Compared to the first generation Theta, this unit received an improved connecting rod-piston group, a modified intake, a modified variable valve timing system, which is called CVVT here, new firmware was installed and power increased. Now the 2-liter engine develops 163 horsepower instead of 150 from the previous generation. However, it is strangled in the CIS markets by software to reduce the tax burden to the same 150 forces.
Its characteristics are much more interesting than that of the 1.6-liter counterpart. This motor, as mentioned just above, develops more power, but is equipped only with automatic transmission gear. Despite this, its driving characteristics are much more vigorous than that of its more compact brother: when overtaking on the track, a small margin is felt under the pedal, so you can carry out this maneuver more confidently. In the city, such power allows you to confidently stay in the stream, to keep up with traffic lights, but nothing more: it will be extremely difficult to turn on street racing mode on it, since acceleration to the first 100 km / h is much beyond six seconds. But the consumption of 95 gasoline is sane: about 9 liters in city driving, about 5.5 on the highway and about 7 in the combined cycle. Another worthy option for combining city life with long distance driving.
Motor 2.0 G4KD, installed on expensive Cerato modifications. It has a significantly large torque reserve. With the help of firmware, the power is increased to 170 horsepower. Particularly interesting are the Koup models equipped with this unit.
The oil change interval here is about the same as that of the younger brother: in countries with a mild climate and a stable average annual temperature, you can change the oil every 15,000 kilometers, but in difficult conditions, including the harsh Russian winter, it is better to halve the interval. If you do not follow the recommendations, then by about 100,000 kilometers, oil consumption will appear, and there will be a need to add about a liter of oil between maintenance. A two-liter internal combustion engine has much more resource: according to the manufacturer, it is capable of driving about 250 thousand kilometers without major repairs. In fact, some owners drove up to 350 and even 400 thousand without repair, thanks to a responsible approach to maintenance and repair of the power unit on their part. No wonder the same motors are used on big sedans Kia Optima and Sportage crossovers.
Of the obvious problems, we can note the same clanking of the timing chain during a cold start, characteristic of diesel engines noise, incomprehensible clicks during operation - all this is design features and should not cause concern. Unless, after warming up, the sounds of the "diesel heart" and the chain should disappear, if this does not happen, you should contact the service. Another unpleasant feature of the motor is the loudness of its operation. Since the foundations of its design were laid a very long time ago, when few people thought about silence, you can only protect yourself from it with an additional layer of noise insulation. With spare parts, the situation is also comparable to younger brother: there are a lot of them, and in almost all stores for Koreans, and the cost is slightly higher than for VAZ.
