AS the autumn of the year continues to make its presence felt, Kia maintains its place as the fastest growing marque in Europe.
The Korean carmaker has posted record September sales exceeding 20,000 units for the very first time and its European performance for 2004 stands at 125,544 sold, a 32 per cent increase over last year.
To date, UK sales of well over 25,000 vehicles are up 48 per cent over last year and the Pacific Rim manufacturer's sustainable growth strategy, conducted via its some 140 dealerships alongside some clever consumer offers, has resulted in a 1.22 per cent market share to date.
Prime movers in this success story have been Kia's full-blown MPV the Sedona and the recently launched A-segment supermini, the Picanto. Now Kia's commitment and appeal to the family motorist has been further extended with its latest offering, the lower medium sector Cerato.
Created to replace the discontinued Mentor saloon and the ageing Shuma II hatchback in a segment successfully stalked by the likes of the Ford Focus, Vauxhall's Astra and the VW Golf, the Cerato is shorter, but higher and wider than its predecessors and the passenger space has been used to good effect.
There are seven models in a line-up which includes both hatchbacks and saloons. The hatch is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine while the saloon has the 1.6 and a 2.0 petrol engine options. A 1.5-litre diesel power source will be available next spring.
The test car was the two litre saloon derivative, boasting classy looking, sporty lines which give the appearance of a car in a much higher price bracket than this Cerato's sub-£12 grand price tag.
This version is due in the showrooms before Christmas and is based on the chassis of sister company Hyundai's Elantra.
These days, Kia are very much motivated by the high quality and value of their products and the Cerato is no exception. It's a desirable package which banishes the low-rent look of its predecessors in favour of good quality plastics and fabrics while the test car SE also featured the hi-tec look of metal grain finish.
In fact, the range-topping SE model also takes the value-for-money philosophy onto an even higher plane, coming with the luxury of leather seating which is even equipped for winter warming with heated front seats.
There are innumerable places in which to store things including a lit and lockable glovebox, centre armrest receptacle, seat back pockets and an overhead console with user-friendly sunglasses storage, while the luggage bay on the saloon is family sized and cargo carrying can be increased by folding the 60:40 rear seat backrest to create a high, flat load area.
The dash set-up is easy on the eye with sensibly set-out dials and Kia's kit for cash policy means generous levels of standard equipment on all models with even the GS entry level including air con, electric front windows, powered and heated door mirrors, remote central locking, twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist
The Cerato SE goes even further, adding the likes of electric windows all round, full climate control air con, six-speaker sound system and cruise control
However, while the JVC audio system includes a four-speaker CD/MP3 player, for the sake of security, you still have to remove the radio front when leaving the car - or am I just nit-picking here?
Despite, the lack of reach adjustment on the tiller, the driver's seat boasts a user-friendly ratchet height adjust system which, combined with the steering wheel's vertical movement, provides a driving position which should easily suit most people.
Overall vision is good and the smooth-running two-litre CVVT petrol engine - a first for Kia - does justice to the 141bhp on the box. The 0-62mph sptint takes a commendable nine seconds, en route to a top speed, where legally allowable, of 129mph.In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined driving cycle figure promises, depending on individual driving styles, 37.7mpg.
Mounted on 16-inch alloys clad with Bridgestone Potenza rubber, the Cerato saloon felt at home whether on the straight and narrow or stringing together a series of bendy bits and, while the power steering could, perhaps, have been a little more communicative, it handled tidily while the softish suspension set-up contributed to a comfortable ride on most surfaces.
The Cerato saloon is definitely an eye-catcher, yet another excellent effort from Kia which offers family-style motoring and great value, plus the peace of mind of a three-year warranty, all at an extremely wallet-friendly asking price.
FAST FACTS
Kia Cerato 2.0 SE Saloon
Price: £11,995
Mechanical: 143bhp, 1,975cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 9 secs
Combined mpg: 37.7
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 180g/km
BiK Rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust