William Stopford
Kia Cerato and Seltos recalled
Kia is recalling almost 10,000 Cerato and Seltos vehicles equipped with a 2.0-litre engine that may stall and/or fail.
2 Months Ago
About the Kia Cerato
Last updated Sep 29, 2025The Kia Certain hatch is expected to be replaced with an all-new generation in the first quarter of 2025. For now though, the current model (which has been around since 2018) continues on on run out.
A choice of two engines are available across the current Kia Cerato range. All Cerato variants except the flagship GT are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 112kW of power and 192Nm of torque and driving the front wheels through a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
The Kia Cerato GT gains a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, developing 150kW of power and 265Nm of torque, also sent to the front wheels but through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
CarExpert Rating
Good
Read the 2025 Kia Cerato reviewThis rating has been converted from our previous rating system. Read about our new review ratings.
Pros
- Refined ride, handling
- Seven-year warranty
- Class-leading boot space
Cons
- Dated interior
- Sensitive safety systems
- Price hikes
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Kia Cerato News
2025 Kia Cerato Reviews
2025 Kia Cerato Price
S
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $26,590 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $27,060 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $26,590 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $27,060 |
S Safety Pack
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $27,590 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $28,060 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $27,590 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $28,060 |
Sport
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $28,690 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $29,160 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $28,690 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $29,160 |
Sport Safety Pack
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $29,690 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $30,160 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $29,690 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $30,160 |
Sport+
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $31,740 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $32,210 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $31,740 |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $32,210 |
GT
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.6L, 7-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $36,390 |
| 1.6L, 7-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $36,860 |
| 1.6L, 7-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $36,390 |
| 1.6L, 7-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | $36,860 |
*excl. on-roads
All Kia Cerato Pricing
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2025 Kia Cerato Boot Space
The Kia Cerato sedan boasts up to 502L of storage space, while the hatch has a reduced capacity of 428L.
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2025 Kia Cerato Gallery
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the Kia Cerato
2025 Kia Cerato Interior
The interior of the Cerato is understated but functional. Hard black plastics dominate the space, including the centre console, door panels, and dashboard. This is typical for an economy car, and Kia has carefully allocated its limited budget across the Cerato S.
The Safety Pack includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, both of which feel comfortable. High-traffic areas, such as the armrest, feature soft-touch plastics. Small aluminium-look plastic trims contrast the black interior, although it's clear they aren't authentic.
The cloth-trimmed seats lack a premium appearance but offer comfort with supportive side bolstering and well-designed cushioning. The contoured headrests add a touch of uniqueness and provide a gentler feel.
The uncluttered dash layout benefits storage space, providing two separate shelves under the climate dials to accommodate both driver and passenger devices. However, storage elsewhere is limited; front door bins are small and poorly arranged, and the armrest cubby and glovebox are tight. Dual centre cupholders fit 1L drink bottles, and a drop-down holder for sunglasses is positioned above the dash.
In the second row, storage remains limited. Rear door bins accommodate only small drink bottles, and there are no map pockets on the seat backs, though a centre armrest with two fixed cupholders is provided. Connectivity is well covered in the front row, and rear passengers have access to one USB-C connection point.
The Cerato performs adequately in terms of passenger space. Average-sized adults will find it comfortable, though taller individuals may find headroom limited. There is ample space for feet under the front seats. A light-coloured headliner and air vents help prevent a claustrophobic feel in the back.
The Cerato sedan offers a generous boot capacity of 502L, the largest in the small car segment, though the opening is somewhat narrow. The rear bench folds 60/40 to provide additional space when needed. However, the boot can only be opened using the key fob, a limitation that impacts practicality.
2025 Kia Cerato Infotainment
Behind the steering wheel is a small screen flanked by an analogue tachometer on the left and a traditional speedometer on the right. Despite the availability of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in South Korea, the Cerato's setup feels dated. The small digital display can be customised to show vehicle settings, fuel economy, speed information, and safety system feedback. Navigation is straightforward, though the button controls feel somewhat tacky.
The infotainment system, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen, offers modern functionality with wireless smartphone connectivity. While many premium cars still require wired connections for smartphone mirroring, the Cerato's wireless capability is a welcome feature. However, Apple CarPlay was prone to dropouts, and the lack of a physical home button complicates exiting the mirroring screen. Additionally, there is a noticeable lag between inputs and responses on the screen, which stands out compared to the fast response times of modern devices.
The system includes two USB-A ports and a 12V outlet under the climate controls, allowing both front occupants to charge devices simultaneously. The climate control layout is familiar, with three rotary dials for mode, temperature, fan speed and four front air vents. This simple and effective setup is ideal for a rental-spec vehicle.
The 2025 Kia Cerato S is fitted with the following infotainment features:
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen
The Cerato Sport adds:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- DAB digital radio
The flagship Cerato GT is equipped with:
- Wireless phone charging
- Eight-speaker JBL premium sound system
2025 Kia Cerato Fuel Economy
There are 3 different fuel economy figures for the Kia Cerato
The most fuel efficient Kia Cerato is the GT with a 7-speed Automatic which is powered by a 1.6L Turbo Petrol Direct Injection and uses 6.8L of Unleaded per 100km on the combined cycle.
The Kia Cerato that uses the most amount of fuel is the Sport+ with a 6-speed Automatic which is powered by a 2.0L Multi-Point Injection and uses 7.4L of Unleaded per 100km on the combined rural and urban test cycle.
| Kia Cerato | Fuel Type | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 5-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | Unleaded | 7.4 L/100km |
| 2.0L, 6-speed auto, 4-door Hatchback, Petrol, FWD | Unleaded | 7.4 L/100km |
Cost of ownership
What are the running and servicing costs of a Kia Cerato?
All Kia Cerato variants are covered by the brand’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia.
The Kia Cerato S, Sport and Sport+ require services every 12 months or 15,000km, while the GT has a stricter schedule with 12-month, 10,000km intervals.
Kia offers seven years of capped-price servicing, which equates to $2970 for the Cerato S, Sport and Sport+, while Cerato GT owners pay $3281 across the same period.
Interval | S, Sport, Sport+ | GT 1.6-litre turbo |
|---|---|---|
1 year | $281 | $281 |
2 years | $475 | $461 |
3 years | $345 | $360 |
4 years | $614 | $504 |
5 years | $316 | $316 |
6 years | $603 | $703 |
7 years | $336 | $656 |
How does the 2025 Kia Cerato drive?
Our expert take on Kia Cerato drivability.
The 2025 Kia Cerato offers an enjoyable driving experience with a user-friendly design and a manageable learning curve. All controls are intuitive, and the car's compact size makes it easy to navigate city traffic and suburban streets. Parking is similarly effortless, aided by a reversing camera that simplifies the process further.
Although the Cerato S is not designed as a performance vehicle, it delivers a sporty feel on quieter roads, thanks to its smooth, naturally aspirated power delivery and precise steering. The 2.0-litre engine produces 112kW and 192Nm, providing sufficient power for urban driving. The engine performs best at a relaxed pace; under heavy acceleration, it tends to produce more noise than actual performance gains.
The steering is notably well-calibrated, avoiding the overly light and inconsistent feel found in some modern vehicles. The suspension setup is forgiving, balancing sportiness with comfort, even when navigating potholes and speed bumps.
However, there are some drawbacks. Certain safety systems included in the Safety Pack can be overly intrusive in their default settings, particularly blind-spot monitoring and forward collision-avoidance. The blind-spot monitoring system may trigger warnings for vehicles in adjacent lanes, while the forward collision-avoidance system can occasionally apply brakes unexpectedly when passing parked cars or navigating tight spaces. Some of these issues can be mitigated by adjusting the settings via the infotainment screen, though not all.
The rear cross-traffic alert system functions effectively, enhancing safety when reversing into busy streets. On the highway, the Cerato provides a comfortable ride, maintaining a cushioned feel at higher speeds, with a well-insulated cabin that keeps external noise at bay, making longer journeys more pleasant. However, when accelerating uphill with a load, the petrol engine can become noticeably noisy as it strains to maintain speed.
The Safety Pack also includes adaptive cruise control, which operates smoothly on extended journeys. Fuel efficiency during testing was difficult to assess accurately due to predominantly city driving conditions, but the observed consumption was 12L/100km, which is higher than expected for this type of vehicle.
2025 Kia Cerato Warranty
What is the warranty on a Kia Cerato?
The Kia Cerato offers a 7 year unlimited km warranty. This is separate to the warranty on offer under Australian Consumer Law which can be greater for certain parts based on what is deemed as a reasonable period of time.
Should you buy the 2025 Kia Cerato
Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.
The Kia Cerato is a practical and capable economy car that would benefit from an update. It offers sufficient infotainment and safety features to stay competitive and provides a comfortable driving experience in both urban and highway settings. The second row offers more space than most similarly priced hatchbacks, and Kia leads its class in boot space.
However, these features are unchanged for 2024 heading into 2025, and the price has increased by $6800 since the current model was introduced six years ago. The interior design and the less efficient powertrain reflect the vehicle's age. While sedan rivals in this price range are limited, the Hyundai i30 presents a newer alternative with the option of hybrid efficiency and a more refined interior—provided the budget allows for it.
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Kia Cerato FAQs
The cheapest Kia Cerato is the S that starts from $26,590.
The most expensive Kia Cerato is the GT that starts from $36,860.
The best towing capacity of a Kia Cerato is 1100 kg offered by the following variants: S, S Safety Pack, Sport, Sport Safety Pack, Sport+ and GT.
The largest Kia Cerato is the S which measures 1800mm wide, 4640mm in length and sits 1440mm tall.
The most powerful Kia Cerato is the GT which has 150kW of power from its 1.6L Turbo Petrol Direct Injection engine.
The Kia Cerato is built in Korea and shipped to Australia.
The heaviest Kia Cerato is the GT which weighs 1850 kg (kerb weight).
The Kia Cerato uses Unleaded.