Kia Cerato Saloon (04-06) - Review

Review by David Ross on
The Cerato saloon replaced the old Mentor in the Kia line up and it's a big improvement, however that's not a difficult achievement. It was designed for 'European' tastes but unfortunately the dour and ungainly looks, along with a low rent and cheap-feeling interior meant few people bought one. It's a good value used buy - as long as the price is low enough - and is an ideal choice if you want a reliable runabout. The saloon version is even more scarce than the hatchback and lacks the five-door models practicality. It's best avoided as there are far better alternatives out there.
2 out of 5

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2 out of 5

Comfort

Interior space is another area that Kia has tried to deliver on, and there's no shortage of space good front head and shoulder room and rear leg and shoulder space. However the seats are quite basic and offer little support for long journeys.

2 out of 5

Practicality

The boot is a decent enough size, and the rear seats actually split fold for those occasions when more carrying space is needed. However the saloon lacks the practicality of the hatchback although there are a number of storage areas in the cabin - even one for your glasses.

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How does the boot space compare?
410 litres
405 litres
Kia Cerato Saloon (04-06)
345 litres
334 litres
2.5 out of 5

Behind the wheel

The interior is getting better for a Kia, but still can't compete with the sophisticated finish of European and Japanese rivals. However it's pleasant and easy to live with and the excellent level of equipment goes a long way to make up for it. The driving position is good for cruising and all-round visibility is good.