Bay Harbour: June 26, 2019

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PAGE 20 BAY HARBOUR Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Wednesday June 26 2019 Kia expands GT Line into Cerato range IN A GLOBAL market hell-bent on buying sport utility vehicles, there’s a lot to be said for the traditional family sedan and liftback/hatchback. There are plenty of bargains to be had in that part of the market, and although the segment has diminished a lot in recent years, there is still good choice, especially mid-size models. Personally, I’m a bit of a sedan fan, and I’m pleased to report there are still some crackers coming out of Asia. One of the very progressive Korean companies still offering sedans and liftbacks is Kia, and their mid-size model – the Cerato – has just entered a new generation. Effectively, there are six models in the range, LX, EX, GT Line and GT; the LX and EX are available in both body styles, the GT Line and GT are liftback-only variants. I’m scheduled into the turbocharged 1.6-litre GT later in the year, however, this evaluation focuses on the GT Line that is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2-litre engine which, incidentally, is pretty much a carryover from the previous generation. The Cerato GT Line is priced at $39,990, taking into account the range starts at $31,990 for the LX Motoring Ross Kiddie and ends at $41,990 for the GT. The GT Line gets a hefty range of specification, leather trim with heated and cooling seats, satellite navigation, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, smart cruise control and touch screen control system are all included, plus there is a high level of kit for safety. Fitment aside, what the Cerato does in the first instance is to provide an inviting driving experience, one which is smooth and relates to comfortable travel. It is also a car which won’t cost a lot of terms of usage. Kia rate the engine with a 7.4l/100km (38mpg) combined cycle average, and that wasn’t too far distant from the 8l/100km (35mpg) figure constantly showing on the fuel usage readout. It also displays a 5.5l/100km (51mpg) instantaneous figure when travelling at 100km/h (engine speed 2050rpm). On the subject of figures, the engine is rated with a 120kW (6200rpm) power output, that’s a hearty figure for a 1999cc engine, and it also gets a useful 192Nm of torque available just above midrange in the rev band at 4000rpm. It is a lively engine and lets you know when it is working hard but even though it is quite audible it KIA CERATO GT LINE: Sporty variant amidst comprehensive sedan and hatchback line-up. isn’t overbearing. The benefit is a fully responsive throttle pedal through the entire rev range, it is constantly eager. Power is transferred through a six-speed automatic gearbox to the front wheels, there are no surprises there, but to say the transmission is a beauty in terms of sophistication. Interestingly, there are no paddle shifters in the GT Line, but manual shifts can be made from the main gear lever. There are also three drive modes – eco, comfort and smart, the latter switching to sport mode if throttle percentage is high. I used smart mode mostly, it recognises each driver’s style and adjusts the engine management protocols to suit. In terms of acceleration, a GT Line buyer can expect a standstill to 100km/h time of 9sec, and it will power strongly through a highway overtake in 5.2sec. These aren’t as quick as what you’ll get out of the GT proper, but they are enough to satisfy the buyer who doesn’t want outright performance. I took the test car on my standard inland loop, incorporating a run up and down the Waimakariri Gorge incline. It cruises the long straights with quiet motion, and also takes on a sporty feel when presented with a corner or two. I pushed the test car in both directions in and out of the gorge, the chassis worked well, and that considering the rear suspension in the Cerato is a simplistic torsion beam type. Ordinarily, there’s some suspension movement restriction in non-independent systems, but body movement was well contained, and uneven road surfaces didn’t present any surprises, the spring and damper rates are set • Price – Kia Cerato GT Line, $39,990 • Dimensions – Length, 4510mm; width, 1800mm; height, 1445mm • Configuration – Fourcylinder, front-wheeldrive, 1999cc, 112kW, 192Nm, six-speed automatic. • Performance – 0-100km/h, 9.4sec • Fuel usage – 7.4l/100km towards controlled absorption. Steering feel is sharp, and directional accuracy is decisive. A lot of that has to do with the quality of the rubber, the Kumho tyres (225/45 x 17in) have high grip properties and are quiet on most surfaces. I’m buoyed by Kia’s continuation of the Cerato line, I guess the company could have decided to abandon the concept, but I can safely say those who do find their way into the hatch or sedan will find it a well-built, capable car that does very little wrong. It needs to be tempting, car makers that are still plying that part of the market have some amazing models that are hugely competitive. The Mazda 3 is one of those that has also just undergone a complete transformation, it is there to keep Cerato honest, it’s just as well, then, that the latter has the goods to compete.
Wednesday June 26 2019 REAL ESTATE Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi BAY HARBOUR PAGE 21 Perfect point of view 2a Foxfield Lane, Westmorland Auction: Thursday 4 July 2019, Unless Sold Prior 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 3 toilets | 1 living room | 1 dining room | 3 car-garage | 3 off-street parks | Listing Number: BE193312 With spectacular views across to the Southern Alps this home is in the perfect location. With a reserve in front and to the side you will never be shut out from your vista. Designed by Paul Foley, this spacious and elegant modern home has much to offer the discerning buyer, from its construction of Hebel and cedar to the space within. An ideal entertainers’ kitchen and large living areas will delight along with the four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The bonus of three car garaging should seal the deal for the serious buyer. With my clients downsizing, call now to view - you won’t be disappointed! Open Homes: Wednesdays 4:45pm - 5:30pm, Saturdays 2:00pm - 2:30pm and Sundays 16 June 2:00pm - 2:30pm until auction. Auction: Thursday 4th July 2019 from 12:00pm Harcourts Grenadier 98 Moorhouse Avenue (Unless Sold Prior) See you at the open homes or to arrange a private viewing of this property call Debbie Pettigrew on 027 777 0411 from Harcourts Grenadier Beckenham (Licensed Agent REAA 2008) or phone the office 337 1316. growing with you June 2018 | 100% Plants For winter wow Cool Choices For Colour & Contrast From swamp to sea views The journey begins with sarah the Gardener $7.90 incl. GST Snap it up Enter our annual Birdlife Photo Competition to win great prizes! clear the air Why groWing indoor PLAnTs is so good for you give it a grow from gArLic To chinese ArTichokes, We hAve your groWing TiPs covered the latest releases into the rose world + rose care through winter The magazine for gardeners who like to get their hands dirty SUBSCRIBE FROM $43. 50* *6 issues/6 months SUBSCRIPTIONS FREEPHONE 0800 77 77 10 WWW.GARDENER.KIWI
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Bay Harbour: June 26, 2019

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