The Kia Cerato IV Sedan 2.0 MPI (152 Hp) represents a significant iteration in Kia’s compact sedan lineup, produced from January 2018 to May 2021. Positioned as a mainstream offering within the fourth generation (BD) Cerato, this variant aimed to balance affordability with a respectable level of performance and features. It served as a key model for Kia in markets where sedans remained highly popular, offering a practical and efficient transportation solution. The Cerato IV, built on the K3 platform, represented a substantial improvement over its predecessor in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Cerato |
| Generation | Cerato IV Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 MPI (152 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 2018 |
| End of production | May, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 174 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 152 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 192 Nm @ 4000 rpm (141.61 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Nu / G4NH |
| Engine displacement | 1999 cm3 (121.99 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| 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 | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1295 kg (2854.99 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 502 l (17.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 1100 kg (2425.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 610 kg (1344.82 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4640 mm (182.68 in.) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Height | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| 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; 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Cerato IV 2.0 MPI is the Kia-Hyundai Nu engine family, specifically the G4NH code. This 1.999-liter inline-four cylinder engine utilizes a naturally aspirated configuration and multi-point fuel injection. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Kia’s Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) technology. This system optimizes valve timing based on engine load and speed, improving both fuel efficiency and performance. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, offering a direct connection to the engine and allowing for driver control. The engine’s design prioritizes reliability and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
Driving Characteristics
The 152 horsepower and 192 Nm (141.61 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 2.0 MPI engine provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was reasonable for daily commuting and highway merging, but it wasn’t designed for sporty driving. The 6-speed manual transmission offered precise shifts, but the gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy rather than outright speed. Compared to potential turbocharged variants (not widely available in all markets), or even the base 1.6L engine, the 2.0 MPI offered a more relaxed driving experience with readily available torque in the mid-range. The manual transmission allowed drivers to maximize the engine’s potential, but the overall experience was geared towards comfort and practicality.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 MPI trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and standard safety equipment like ABS, airbags, and stability control. Higher trim levels, often designated as LX or EX, added features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with optional leather available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over extravagant design.
Chassis & Braking
The Cerato IV utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, suitable for everyday driving conditions. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and precise control. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort, prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering, but the overall handling characteristics were more focused on stability and predictability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Cerato IV 2.0 MPI was generally well-received by automotive critics as a solid and reliable compact sedan. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and value for money. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of some competitors, and the interior materials were not as premium as those found in some other vehicles in the segment. Compared to the base 1.6L engine, the 2.0 MPI offered a noticeable improvement in performance, but at the cost of slightly lower fuel economy. Against competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra, the Cerato offered a compelling combination of features, price, and warranty coverage.
Legacy
The Kia Cerato IV 2.0 MPI powertrain has proven to be relatively reliable in the used car market. The Nu engine family is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs. Common issues are typically related to routine maintenance items such as spark plugs, air filters, and oil changes. The 6-speed manual transmission is also generally reliable, provided it is properly maintained. Today, these Ceratos represent an affordable and practical option for buyers seeking a dependable compact sedan with a proven track record. The Cerato IV helped solidify Kia’s reputation for building well-equipped and reliable vehicles, contributing to the brand’s continued growth and success.
