2006 Kia Cerato EX 1.6 CRDI turbo diesel

Summary:

Incredible buy

Faults:

When I first got the car, the vent on the climate control only worked on max power. That was fixed under warranty.

Also a factory defect in the clutch pump. Also replaced free of charge.

General Comments:

I got this car last year as a car to replace my old work mule, a 1997 Ford Fiesta 1.8 diesel. This was a pre-registered car, so it never left the dealer's hands. The car came fully loaded with ABS+EBD, traction control, climate control, power windows, power mirrors, leather interior, etc...

I've had the car for a year now, and it drives like a dream. Its 1.6 CRDI engine (the same that exists in its successor, the Cee'd) puts out 115 HP, not a race car, but for highway travel, this more than does the job and is extremely fuel efficient (getting around 45 mpg).

Service wise, the Kia dealership is thorough, they check every point, verify every fluid, even lube the door hinges. While the cost for a routine checkup costs a lot more than what it cost for my 13 year old Fiesta, it's worth the extra money.

All in all, I strongly recommend Kia in general.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th October, 2010