The 2016 Kia Cerato is the definition of a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done kind of car. It’s not flashy, it’s not particularly exciting, but it’s a solid choice for someone who just wants a reliable, comfortable ride without drawing any attention. Whether that’s a perk or a drawback depends on what you’re looking for.

At a glance, the Cerato is actually a good-looking car. The design is modern, clean, and inoffensive—there’s nothing wrong with it, but there’s also nothing that really makes it stand out. If you’re in a car park full of hatchbacks and sedans, good luck finding it in a hurry. Some might call it “understated,” while others might just call it “boring.” Either way, it’s a car that blends in perfectly, which makes it a great pick if you don’t want to attract too much attention—say, for example, if you happen to be in certain, shall we say, “alternative business ventures.”

For a 2016 model, the interior is well laid out—simple, modern, and functional. The materials are decent for the price point, and everything is easy to use. The seats? Comfortable at first, but after a couple of hours behind the wheel, you might start losing feeling in your backside. The infotainment system is basic but gets the job done. You won’t be wowed by the stereo or GPS, but at least they work as intended.

On the road, the Cerato is actually a pleasant surprise. The gearbox is smooth and shifts quickly without hesitation. The ride is comfortable, with decent suspension that soaks up most bumps well. Road noise is kept to a minimum, and the steering feel is adjustable, which is a nice little feature. It’s not a sports car by any means, but for daily driving, it does exactly what it needs to.

Technology-wise, the Cerato keeps things simple. You won’t find cutting-edge features, but it has everything you’d expect—Bluetooth, a touchscreen infotainment system, and standard safety features. It’s not going to blow your mind, but you won’t feel shortchanged either.

Now, here’s where things get a little concerning. While nothing major has gone wrong (touch wood), at 50,000 km, the car is already starting to feel a little rough around the edges. The engine sounds a bit off, and the suspension has completely given up, needing a full replacement. The once-smooth ride now feels loose, and overall, the car lacks that “tight” feel it had when new. That being said, if you’re looking at buying one in 2025 with high mileage, make sure it has a solid service history—otherwise, you might be in for some costly surprises.

One of the best things about the 1.8L Cerato? Fuel efficiency. It’s genuinely impressive—so much so that it feels like you’re barely visiting the petrol station. If saving money on fuel is a priority, this car does a fantastic job.

Back in 2016, the Kia Cerato was a great value-for-money option—reliable, comfortable, and efficient. Fast forward to 2025, and while it’s still a decent used buy, you’ll want to be extra careful. If you can find one with a full-service history and well-maintained suspension, it’s still a solid choice. But if it feels loose, worn out, or neglected, you might want to look elsewhere.

Would I recommend it? If you need an affordable, no-frills daily driver and aren’t expecting excitement, sure. Just don’t expect it to age like fine wine.