The Kia Cerato III Sedan, specifically the facelifted version introduced in December 2016 and produced through January 2018, represented a significant step forward for Kia in the competitive compact sedan segment. This variant, powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated MPI engine producing 152 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, occupied a mid-range position within the Cerato lineup, offering a balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and features. It was primarily marketed towards buyers seeking a comfortable and reliable daily driver with a more refined driving experience than the base engine offered.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Cerato |
| Generation | Cerato III Sedan (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 MPI (152 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | December, 2016 |
| End of production | January, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 168 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp, 119.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm, 151.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 152 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76 Hp/l |
| Torque | 192 Nm @ 4000 rpm (141.61 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Nu / G4NA |
| Engine displacement | 1999 cm3 (121.99 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, D-CVVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1270-1331 kg (2799.87 – 2934.35 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 482 l (17.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1100 kg (2425.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 610 kg (1344.82 lbs.) |
| Length | 4560 mm (179.53 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16; 215/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2016 facelift of the Kia Cerato III Sedan brought with it revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated technology. The 2.0 MPI Automatic variant was a key component of this refresh, designed to appeal to a broader audience seeking a comfortable and well-equipped compact sedan. Built on the Kia’s platform, this Cerato aimed to provide a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra. The facelift addressed some criticisms of the previous generation, focusing on refinement and perceived quality.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Cerato variant lies Kia’s Nu series 2.0-liter inline-four engine, designated G4NA. This engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection (MPI) system, providing a balance between fuel efficiency and power delivery. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Kia’s Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) technology. D-CVVT optimizes valve timing based on engine load and speed, improving both performance and fuel economy. The engine produces 152 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 192 Nm (141.61 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine’s relatively simple design contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance. Paired with the engine is a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while not offering the sportiness of a dual-clutch unit, provides smooth and predictable shifts, prioritizing comfort and ease of use. The transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for everyday driving, with a focus on fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0-liter engine and 6-speed automatic combination delivers adequate performance for typical commuting and highway driving. Acceleration is reasonably brisk, though not particularly sporty. The automatic transmission generally shifts smoothly, but can sometimes feel hesitant during quick acceleration maneuvers. Compared to the base 1.6-liter engine, the 2.0 MPI offers a noticeable improvement in power and responsiveness. However, it doesn’t match the performance of the more expensive and sporty trims. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a relatively smooth ride over most road surfaces. Steering feel is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The overall driving experience is geared towards comfort and convenience rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 MPI Automatic Cerato typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels added features like leather upholstery, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and advanced safety technologies such as lane departure warning and forward collision warning. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the base trims, with leather options available on higher-spec models. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, with a focus on ergonomics. Optional extras included a premium sound system, navigation system, and keyless entry.
Chassis & Braking
The Cerato III Sedan utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. The front suspension incorporates a coil spring and anti-roll bar to improve handling and stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. The braking system is assisted by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. The chassis is designed to provide a balance between ride comfort and handling performance. Stabilizer bar thickness varied depending on the trim level, with higher trims often featuring thicker bars for improved cornering stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Cerato III Sedan, particularly the 2.0 MPI Automatic variant, received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and long warranty. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked the refinement and performance of some of its rivals. Fuel economy was considered average for the class. Compared to the base 1.6-liter engine, the 2.0 MPI offered a significant improvement in performance, but at the cost of slightly lower fuel economy. The 2.0 MPI Automatic was positioned as a sweet spot in the Cerato lineup, offering a good balance of features, performance, and price.
Legacy
The Kia Cerato III Sedan, including the 2.0 MPI Automatic variant, has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The Nu engine is known for its longevity and relatively low maintenance costs. While not without its flaws, the Cerato III has established itself as a solid contender in the used car market. Common issues are relatively minor, often related to wear and tear on suspension components or routine maintenance items. Today, these Ceratos represent a good value for buyers seeking an affordable and dependable compact sedan. The 6-speed automatic transmission, while not the most advanced, has also proven to be relatively reliable, with proper fluid maintenance.
