Kia Cerato KX - RM89,888!

While our first national car manufacturer came out with 'SV' variant for its models, indicating them as the base line models, Kia has came out with 'KX' for its Cerato. When the C-segment Cerato was launched, the base 1.6 litre variant is priced just slightly below the RM100k mark. However, the price is a huge leap compared to its predecessor, the Forte, which started from RM75k. By introducing the Cerato KX will pull the gap closer, which is a good thing.

It is inevitable that some features are omitted along the way of the reduction of price. Now priced at RM89,888 OTR with insurance, few changes are noticeable from the outside. The largest change must be the taillights, now with a simpler design with bulbs rather than LEDs. The chrome window strip found in the regular Cerato is replaced with a black strip. Other than those and a 'KX' emblem on the tailgate, it is largely identical to the regular Cerato.  

Interior wise is a different story. Auto dimming rear view mirrors, auto dual-zone air-cond (replaced with a manual single-zone unit), auto levelling headlights, shift paddle, electric seats and aluminium pedals are omitted. Soft touch upper door trim has been replaced with hard material. It gained a 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and reverse camera (the reverse screen is incorporated in the rear view mirror previously), which replaces the previous 4.3-inch unit. 

Airbags count is down from 7 to 2 and Electronic Stability Programme has been removed. Front and rear parking sensors retained, but I would prefer some comfort creatures to be omitted to compensate for more safety features. 

So it's a little bit here and there which helped to lower down the price, but the Cerato KX has still a pretty impressive equipment list. Keyless entry with start-stop button, cruise control, rear air-cond vents, auto headlights and wipers, pocket lights in the door handle area, puddle lights on the wing mirrors and Flex Steer system (which enables three choices of setting for the steering feel) are still available! 

The same 1.6 litre GAMMA powerplant with 130PS @ 6000rpm and 157Nm of torque @ 4850rpm is fitted for the Cerato KX. Moreover, 5-year unlimited mileage warranty is provided. So will you consider a C-segment Korean sedan priced in the usual B-segment sedans price range? I would!

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