Connect with us
Byron Bay News and Weather copy
The Northern Rivers News
Mt Warning News and Weather copy
The Northern Rivers Weekly Advertising
Kyogle News
Grafton News and Events copy
The Northern Rivers Funerals
Byron Bay News and Weather copy
The Northern Rivers News
Mt Warning News and Weather copy
The Northern Rivers Weekly Advertising
Kyogle News
Grafton News and Events copy
The Northern Rivers Funerals
previous arrow
next arrow

Motoring News

KIA BRAND MAKES ITS MARK, BUT . . .

Published

on

Cerato Sport

KIA BRAND MAKES ITS MARK, BUT . . .

By DEREK OGDEN

Cerato Sport + . . . no substitute for performance.

Is it not unchallengeable that a car with a name like a wood-fired Italian pizza – Cerato – should come in for some spicing up, especially if it takes on a ‘sport’ suffix?

Advertisements

The proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating and in the case of the upgraded small hatch and sedan from Kia it sadly falls short of sporting expectations. In line with its recent rebranding, Kia has juggled, sort of, what had become its best-selling vehicle.

Four models – S, Sport, Sport + and GT – are carried over, with S and Sport gaining an optional Safety Pack at $1000, which consists of autonomous emergency braking with cyclist detection, enhanced solid rear disc brakes, blind sport warning, rear cross-traffic alert and power folding mirrors.

Thrown in for the S are a premium steering wheel and shift knob, bringing it in line with Sport.

The S, Sport and Sport are powered by the carryover 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine producing 112 kW and 192 Nm, while the GT continues with the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder motor with 150 kW and 265 Nm.

The six-speed manual transmission has been deleted, replaced by a six-speed automatic, driving the front wheels. The GT stays with the seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).

Prices start at $25,990, drive away, for the entry-level S, $27,990 for the Sport, $31,960 the Sport+ and $36,990 for the GT. All apply to sedan and hatches. Premium paint adds $520.

Seven years on, Kia’s seven-year warranty, seven-year fixed price servicing and seven-year roadside assist still applies. On test was the Cerato Sport + hatch.

STYLING

Cerato Sport

Cerato Sport

If the designers’ intention is to present a platform for the company’s rebranding, the new Cerato upgrade works, with a stylised version of the name ‘Kia’ literally front and centre of the bonnet.

Thereafter, subtlety takes control, with a new headlamp design extending the grille pattern out to the car’s flanks, the reworked front bumper adding a sleek sporty character.

Front foglamps are slotted into the restyled air intake grille, sharpening the looks up front. In profile the Cerato Hatch is a model of restraint, with one exception, a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, differentiating the Sport and Sport + from the rest of the range.

It’s as you were at the rear, with the exhaust the only change, being concealed for an up-to-date hatchback appearance.

INTERIOR

Cerato Sport

Cerato Sport

Sport+ retains leather-appointed seats, heated upfront, that are comfortable without being supportive in a lateral context.

Other carryover features include electrochromic mirror, and power exterior folding mirrors, soft-touch trim, illuminated glovebox and passenger-side seat-back pocket.

Luggage space in the hatch is unchanged at 428 litres, expanded to 741 litres with 60:40 seat backs folded.

INFOTAINMENT
New features across the Cerato range are highlighted by a 10.25-inch audio-visual unit with LCD screen. Built-in satellite navigation, with ten-year MapCare and SUNA traffic updates, also allows access to DAB digital radio, voice recognition, wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, plus the dial-up soothing Sounds of Nature.

To maintain occupant aural pleasure all round, a rear-seat sleep mode can be called on to limit the speaker level in the back for occupants to enjoy a more restful environment.

A 4.2-inch TFT LCD cluster is standard across the model range setting out information such as drive mode – normal, eco, sport, smart – average and instantaneous fuel consumption, trip meter and odometer, plus fuel range, lane keep assist status driver attention level and compass bearing.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The Kia Cerato Sport + upgrade does not go as far as the powertrain, with the carryover 2.0-litre MPI four-cylinder engine, producing 112 kW and 192 Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.

There is no longer a manual option.

SAFETY
Active safety is high on the list for the Cerato, with anti-skid braking and electronic stability control, plus autonomous emergency braking programmed for pedestrian and cyclist.

All models feature lane keep assist, now with lane follow assist added, lane departure warning and driver attention alert. Sport + and GT blind spot detection is standard with the addition of blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist and safe exit warning.

Across the range are parking sensors (front and rear), high beam assist and reversing camera.

DRIVING
As mentioned previously, performance is where the Cerato, with sporting pretensions, is wanting. The Sport and Sport + 2.0-litre claiming a mere trot from zero to 100km/h in around 10 seconds. It’s left to the GT with 1.6-litre its turbo power to carry the sporty flag, with the same speed from a standstill coming up in roughly seven seconds.

Fuel consumption is claimed to be 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the combined urban / highway cycle, while on test the Sport + Hatch recorded 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres on a highway run.

Ride and handling remain pleasantly unchanged, with the Sport + keeping the tried-and-true McPherson Strut front end and couple torsion beam axle at the back tuned especially for Australia by our own engineers.

Steering is also a carryover motor-driven power system providing quick response from good feedback. All models utilise ventilated front discs.

SUMMARY
Sorry for resorting to semantics, Kia, but my idea of a car tagged with the word ‘sport’, especially a hatchback, is generally a ‘hot’ act. Unfortunately, the Cerato Sport +, as a performer, left me cold.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL LINE-UP
Kia Cerato S: $25,490
Kia Cerato S Safety: $26,490
Kia Cerato Sport: $27,590
Kia Cerato Sport Safety: $28,590:
Kia Cerato Sport +: $30,640
Kia Cerato GT: $35,290
Note: These are driveaway prices and include all government charges and dealer delivery costs.

SPECIFICATIONS (Kia Cerato Sport + 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, 6sp automatic, FWD Hatch)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.999 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 112 kW
Maximum Torque: 192 Nm
Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.4 L/100km

DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4510 mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm
Width: 1860 mm
Height: 1440 mm
Turning Circle: N/A
Kerb Mass: 1320 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Seven years / unlimited kilometres

RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Safety: 6/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 6.9/10

Advertisements
Tenterfield-The Bowlo

Local News

Hyundai Launches New Santa Fe Hybrid in Australia: Rivalling Toyota Kluger and Kia Sorento

Published

on

By

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Launches New Santa Fe Hybrid in Australia: Rivalling Toyota Kluger and Kia Sorento

 

By Jeff Gibbs

Hyundai has unveiled its latest offering in the family SUV market with the 2024 Santa Fe, a seven-seat hybrid vehicle designed to compete directly with the Toyota Kluger Hybrid and Kia Sorento. This new model introduces significant enhancements and a variety of options tailored to meet diverse consumer needs and preferences.

Model Range and Pricing

Advertisements

The new Santa Fe comes in three distinct grades: the base Santa Fe, the mid-tier Elite, and the top-of-the-line Calligraphy. The entry-level front-wheel-drive Santa Fe starts at $55,500 before on-road costs, marking a nearly $10,000 increase from its predecessor. Customers looking for enhanced stability can opt for all-wheel drive for an additional $3,000. The Elite variant, priced at $65,000, includes all-wheel drive as standard, while the range-topping Calligraphy is available from $75,000 and offers both seven- and six-seat configurations.

Power and Efficiency

Each model in the lineup features a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 172kW and 367Nm of torque. This setup achieves an impressive fuel efficiency of 5.6 litres per 100km, matching the fuel consumption of its main competitor, the Toyota Kluger.

Design and Features

The 2024 Santa Fe boasts a bold, boxy silhouette reminiscent of classic Land Rovers, enhanced by dynamic H-shaped headlights and a distinctive light bar across the front grille. Standard features on the base model include 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass. Inside, the vehicle sports dual 12.3-inch digital displays for multimedia and driver instruments, cloth seats, and comprehensive safety features including 10 airbags and a suite of active driver aids.

Technology and Comfort

The Santa Fe is equipped with Hyundai’s Bluelink app, offering over-the-air update capabilities and smartphone mirroring, along with a wireless device charger. All-wheel-drive variants benefit from multiple driving modes such as Snow, Mud, and Sand, enhancing the SUV’s versatility across different terrains.

The Elite trim upgrades the interior with synthetic leather-wrapped seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an additional wireless device charger. It also replaces the standard six-speaker stereo with a premium Bose sound system for an enriched audio experience.

Calligraphy models elevate luxury with Nappa leather upholstery, a sunroof, power adjustments for the front passenger seat, and a head-up display that projects essential driving information directly onto the windshield.

For added convenience and health safety, the Calligraphy variant includes a UV-C sterilisation tray located in the dashboard above the glove box, capable of sanitising items in just 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Hyundai’s 2024 Santa Fe positions itself as a strong contender in the competitive hybrid SUV market in Australia, blending performance, luxury, and advanced technology to cater to the modern family’s needs. With its comprehensive features and competitive pricing, the Santa Fe is set to challenge established rivals and appeal to a broad audience seeking a reliable, stylish, and efficient family vehicle.

 

For more motoring news, click here.

Advertisements
Tenterfield-The Bowlo
Continue Reading

Local News

Genesis Australia Poised to Enter High-Performance Market with Magma Sub-Brand

Published

on

By

genesis g80 magma

Genesis Australia Poised to Enter High-Performance Market with Magma Sub-Brand

 

By Jeff Gibbs

Genesis Australia is eagerly positioning itself to launch its new Magma performance sub-brand, aiming to compete directly with established high-performance divisions like Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, and Audi Sport. The Magma brand, unveiled at the New York motor show in March 2024, signifies Genesis’ commitment to performance models, starting with the G80 sedan in Middle Eastern markets.

While plans for the Australian launch remain preliminary, Justin Douglass, the head of Genesis Australia, expressed strong interest in bringing Magma to the local market, known for its appetite for high-performance vehicles. “The Magma range seems to resonate well with what we anticipate the market will welcome. We’re excited about the potential of introducing it here once available,” Douglass remarked.

Advertisements

In Australia, performance models form a significant part of car sales, with AMG variants constituting about 28% of Mercedes-Benz’s overall sales in 2023, or approximately 6,808 units. Similarly, BMW M’s sales surged by 19.7% in 2023, with about 6,664 units sold, underscoring the market’s robust demand for high-performance cars.

Genesis aims to develop a high-performance Magma model for each vehicle in its current lineup, potentially introducing six models based on the G70, G80, G90, GV60, GV70, and GV80. However, the G90 large sedan, not available in right-hand drive, will likely be excluded from the Australian market, leaving five potential models for introduction.

Among these, the GV60 electric vehicle is a frontrunner to debut the Magma sub-brand in Australia. A concept version was showcased in New York featuring distinctive orange paintwork and performance enhancements. The GV60 Magma concept not only promises a more aggressive styling but also improved electric motor technology, offering a glimpse into the potential capabilities of a production model, which might parallel the mechanically related Hyundai Ioniq 5 N with its 448kW/740Nm output, significantly more powerful than the current top GV60 Performance Lux variant.

 

For more motoring news, click here.

Advertisements
Tenterfield-The Bowlo
Continue Reading

Local News

Introducing the 2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri: A Bold New Chapter for V12 Enthusiasts

Published

on

By

2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri

Introducing the 2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri: A Bold New Chapter for V12 Enthusiasts

 

Keypoints:

  1. Enhanced V12 Engine Performance: The Ferrari 12Cilindri boasts an upgraded F140 6.5-litre V12 engine, delivering 610kW at 9500rpm—significantly enhancing its power and rev range compared to the 812 Superfast for faster speeds and superior responsiveness.
  2. Revolutionary Design and Aerodynamics: The 12Cilindri features a radically streamlined design with a monolithic bonnet, minimal cooling vents, and wrap-around headlights, complemented by advanced aerodynamics such as a speed-responsive twin-element active rear wing for optimal performance.
  3. Cutting-edge Interior Technology: The interior of the 12Cilindri is outfitted with three advanced displays and offers optional high-end features like a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, blending luxury with the latest technology for enhanced comfort and entertainment.

By Jeff Gibbs

In 2025, Ferrari is set to launch the 12Cilindri, its most ambitious V12 model to date, replacing the celebrated 812 Superfast with a vehicle that promises not only a continuation but an evolution of Ferrari’s illustrious V12 heritage. Unveiled at a glamorous event on Miami Beach just before the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix, the 12Cilindri signifies a radical departure in design and engineering while paying homage to the iconic front-engine V12 configuration that Ferrari aficionados have long revered.

Advertisements

Powering the 12Cilindri is the enhanced version of Ferrari’s storied F140 6.5-litre V12 engine, which first roared to life in the Ferrari Enzo and later powered models like the F12 and 812 Superfast. Through extensive modifications and updated internals, this engine now delivers a staggering 610kW at a dizzying 9500rpm. This represents a significant increase from the 812SF, pushing the boundaries of performance further with a rev limit that exceeds the previous model by 1000rpm. This elevation in power is complemented by a more accessible torque distribution, ensuring that 80% of its 678Nm is available from as low as 2500rpm, despite a slight decrease from the 812SF’s torque figures.

2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri Engine

2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri Engine

Aesthetically, the 12Cilindri strikes a distinct pose with a cleaner, more streamlined design characterised by a monolithic bonnet and minimal cooling vents, diverging sharply from the 812SF’s sculptural and vent-infused facade. The design features wrap-around headlights and, in the coupe version, a strikingly large glass roof, contributing to a bold reinterpretation of Ferrari’s design language.

The chassis of the 12Cilindri has been completely reengineered, utilising a new aluminium structure that is 15% stiffer than its predecessor, paired with a slightly shorter wheelbase but increased overall dimensions. This new framework supports advanced aerodynamic features, including a twin-element active rear wing, which adapts dynamically to speed variations to optimise performance.

2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri Interior

2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri Interior

Performance-wise, the 12Cilindri mirrors the impressive capabilities of the 812 Superfast, achieving 0-100km/h in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 340 km/h. The Spider variant, while slightly heavier, boasts nearly identical performance metrics, ensuring that the exhilarating Ferrari driving experience is preserved across different model configurations.

Underpinning the mechanical prowess of the 12Cilindri is a suite of sophisticated systems designed to harness and refine the raw power of the V12. The introduction of an 8-speed DCT transmission from the SF90, enhanced for quicker shift times, and a comprehensive array of control systems including advanced four-wheel steering and a new evolution of the Side Slip Control, ensure that the 12Cilindri is as agile as it is powerful.

The interior of the 12Cilindri is a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to blending technology with luxury. The cabin is outfitted with three high-definition displays and offers customisation options like a state-of-the-art 15-speaker Burmester sound system, setting a new standard in automotive interior design.

Slated for European delivery in late 2024 with Australian deliveries expected by mid-2025, the 12Cilindri is poised to become a new benchmark in high-performance sports cars. Priced at EUR 395,000 for the coupe and EUR 435,000 for the Spider, it is set to continue the V12 legacy, providing an exhilarating blend of traditional Ferrari power and innovative design to the discerning enthusiast.

 

For more motoring news, click here.

Advertisements
Tenterfield-The Bowlo
Continue Reading

NRTimes Online

Advertisement

National News Australia

Latest News

Verified by MonsterInsights