S-class sedans in Russia are actually an endangered species. The constant rise in prices is forcing many potential customers to choose a model in the lower class. Plus the modern B-Class sedans are really good and ready to provide an acceptable level of roominess and comfort. Solaris, Rio, Vesta or Polo sedan - I quite understand the people whose needs are fully met by these cars. And yet, if you are eager to buy a car more solid and spacious, if you are ready to pay more than a million rubles for it, there are interesting offers on the C-class sedan market. Today we are holding a mini-battle of two fresh "Koreans" - Hyundai elantra and Kia Cerato.
The current generation Hyundai Elantra is the sixth in a row. World premiere took place in the fall of 2015 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and sales in Russia started last summer. Cars are assembled at the Kaliningrad enterprise "Avtotor" from supplied from South Korea car sets.
Despite the completely dissimilar panel architecture, the “Koreans” are very close in ergonomics. The Kia outperforms Hyundai in the quality of materials, but the details are not so simple. So I do not presume to highlight the favorite.
Kia Cerato has changed only three generations in its life, the last of which was presented four and a half years ago. But at the end of 2015, the sedan was seriously modernized in its historical homeland. And last year updated Cerato reached you and me. These cars are also assembled at Avtotor. And - unlike Hyundai Elantra - in a full cycle: with welding and painting. So, all other things being equal, Cerato is slightly cheaper than Elantra.
Long talk about appearance I consider two sedans a pointless occupation. Here, as they say, taste and color. The only truth is that Cerato and Elantra look absolutely European, without a pronounced touch of Asiatic. The difference in the geometric dimensions of the two sedans is a matter of millimeters. A wheelbase and is completely the same - 2700 mm. I must say, this is a standard indicator for most representatives of the C-class.
There are more nuances inside. Kia and Hyundai clearly did not agree among themselves which sedan will play the role of a "poor relative", and which one will be labeled more status car... The result is a very curious vinaigrette. For example, leather upholstery and an electric driver's seat are available for Elantra. She, like most modern cars, two USB slots in the front of the cabin. But at the same time, Hyundai does not have a single gram of soft plastic, an automatic door closer is found only in the driver's glass, and the glove compartment is the simplest one - without illumination and cooling.
In Cerato, the opposite is true. The seats can be upholstered exclusively with a "rag" and are only manually adjustable, the USB port is the only one, which is surprising in itself for a car that has been updated quite recently. Moreover, in Kia showroom a lot of soft plastic, power window closers are on both front doors, and the glove compartment is illuminated and cooled. And not only in the most expensive Premium version, but also in the more affordable Luxe and Prestige.
The ergonomics of the two sedans, despite the completely different architecture of the front panel, are very similar. All buttons and keys are in place, so you won't have to get used to anything either there or here. Except that the key that activates the steering wheel heating is located a little more conveniently in Hyundai - on the center console (in Kia - in the area of the driver's left knee). By the way, the steering wheels of both cars are heated around the entire circumference, and not only in the grip points. And the presence of this option in itself favorably distinguishes the "Koreans" from most competitors in the segment.
The chairs are absolutely unobtrusive, but they hold the body well. The driver's seat servo and leather upholstery are only available on the Elantra. By the way, on the rich versions of the pre-styling Cerato there was an electrically adjustable lumbar support, but now it has been abolished. Savings, all the cases.
In terms of space and amenities in the back row - parity: three head restraints, two-stage heated seats, separate air vents and the ability to comfortably accommodate two adults up to 190 cm tall.In principle, even three of us can be accommodated tolerably.
However, if the steering wheel heating is not a unique option even by the standards of the class, then the heated rear row is a very significant trump card for Kia and Hyundai. By the way, in terms of space and comfort at the back, the Cerato and Elantra are extremely close. Both offer roughly the same head and knee headroom, two-stage seat heating and separate air vents.
Engines and gearboxes of the two "Koreans" are corporate-wide. You can choose from a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with 130 hp. (Cerato for two horsepower weaker, but this difference in the declared power is nothing more than internal bureaucratic troubles) or a 2.0-liter 150-horsepower engine (also atmospheric). Transmissions - 6-speed mechanics or 6-speed automatic. But if, in the case of the Hyundai Elantra, you can combine motors and gearboxes as you like, then you won't be able to buy a two-liter Kia Cerato with mechanics. Only a machine gun. By the way, it was the two-liter cars with the automatic machine that took part in our comparison.
Both cars have a full-size spare wheel and a toolbox under the floor.
From the point of view of the driver, for whom the car is not just a household appliance, but also a source of joy, the Elantra is preferable. Its suspensions are slightly stiffer than the Cerato, the steering wheel with a finely calibrated "zero feel" is a little tighter, and there is more feedback. Absolutely European behavior! The Kia also handles absolutely reliably, but lacks that spark. The steering wheel is empty and lighter, the suspensions are slightly softer. And if small irregularities Kia levels out more adequately Hyundai, then in large pits its suspensions can work before rebound. But a bundle of a two-liter engine and a machine gun is enough always and everywhere. And although cars with a 1.6-liter engine account for the bulk of Russian sales, I would not save. The fuel consumption of a 150-horsepower car with hydromechanics, even in the urban cycle, will be in the region of 10 liters per 100 km of track - a decent indicator.
Kia Cerato is not at all conducive to active driving and will hardly please the experienced driver. This is a fairly comfortable household appliance for moving in space, but no more.
To summarize, for myself, I would definitely choose Hyundai. But if you are looking for a car for your family, it is better to go for a test drive to dealers of both brands. It is possible that the wife and children will prefer the slightly more comfortable Kia. By the way, if you do not turn the engine before the cut-off, Cerato is also quieter than Elantra: with insulation wheel arches Hyundai is in trouble. And yet the difference between these cars is in the nuances.
Kia Cerato 2.0 AT Prestige
Power 150 HP Acceleration 0-100 km / h 9.3 s Price 1,119,900 rubles.
Power 140 HP Acceleration 0-100 km / h 10.2 s Price 1,294,000 rubles.
Power 150 HP Acceleration 0-100 km / h 9.9 s Price 1,294,900 rubles.
Kia Cerato 2.0 AT Prestige
Toyota Corolla 1.8 CVT Style Plus
Hyundai Elantra 2.0 AT Comfort
Kia Cerato, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra
In our country, people drove golf-class sedans even before the invention of this very class - we just didn't have any other cars before. And for many, father's and grandfather's "Zhiguli" and "Muscovites" have formed the most coveted type of car, which now seems utterly traditional.
Text by Kirill Brevdo, photo by Alexander Obodets
What is the sedan's appeal? Now that the market is full of all kinds different cars, the answer to this question does not seem obvious. In terms of practicality, the three-box body is far from ideal: hatchbacks and station wagons imply much wider possibilities of transformation when it comes to transporting goods. In favor of the sedan, you can come up with various arguments of any degree of persuasiveness, but the main argument will still be habit: a sedan is for all times, because it is a classic of the genre.
Recently, however, the four-door body is experiencing serious competition from new formats: the market is enslaved by crossovers. And yet, sedans have their own army of fans who cannot be seduced by a high seating position and high ground clearance, but can be enticed by design, technology, equipment and god knows what else. What exactly? We decided to check this by collecting a collection of three popular models. The main ringleader was the new Hyundai Elantra: a year ago the “Korean” got a new generation, and more recently it reached Russia. In his company, we took a Toyota Corolla, which has just gone through a restyling. And the third we called Kia Cerato - the most obvious rival for Japanese and Korean cars. All cars are equipped with the most powerful engines and automatic transmissions possible. So, let's try to figure out which of the three cars is ready to bring maximum daily joy to its owner.
In different markets, Corollas have always been different from each other. However, this tradition has survived to this day: for example, in America, this sedan looks completely different. We sell the so-called global model with a different body design. Despite the presence of its own assembly plant near St. Petersburg, the car is being transported to Russia from abroad from the Turkish Toyota plant and are sold with three power units: 1.33 (99 HP), 1.6 (122 HP) and 1.8 (140 HP) HP. The weakest motor is combined only with "mechanics", while the most powerful one assumes a CVT by default. But the 1.6-liter engine mates with both the manual gearbox and the CVT.
More recently, an updated Corolla has appeared on sale, with which the exterior and interior have been thoroughly retouched. The worldwide bestseller has begun to look clearly more interesting, and yet the beauty of Toyota still does not shine. However, this is just a matter of taste.
The interior of the Japanese sedan is significantly richer than in the Kia, but the Corolla is still far from the German ideals. What's wrong? Well, for example, landing at the wheel. It seems that you can get a job without any problems, but after Hyundai and Kia it seems that there is not enough range of steering wheel adjustments. The front seats are softer and more amorphous than in Cerato, however, in essence, they are in no way inferior to Korean furniture: yes, they seem to be more free, but they hold tight in turns.
The Japanese car attracts first of all with its driving characteristics: it seems the most "natural" in sensations. There is a clear and honest steering wheel, which for me is the key to good handling; comfortable suspension and a pretty peppy engine. At first I was embarrassed by the variator, but it is configured in a way that other "automatic machines" never dreamed of. And the interior is nicely decorated: finishing materials and build quality are satisfactory. "Toyota" seems to be the most comfortable because of the fact that it has a high dashboard - you feel protected in it. However, there are also disadvantages. I don’t understand why there is no parking sensor in a car worth a million and a quarter. A rear-view camera is, of course, good, but there is still not enough additional sound indication about approaching an obstacle. And, of course, the need to visit MOT every ten thousand kilometers freezes out, which greatly increases the cost of maintaining the car.
Toyota boasts the most advanced multimedia device, but its main gripe is the lack of physical buttons. Everything here is on the sensors: both the screen itself and the "push buttons" around it. A special failure is the volume control: poking at the drawn plus and minus is terribly inconvenient. The buttons on the steering wheel partly solve the problem, but even they cannot be compared with the usual "round" volume control - as in Kia and Hyundai. And also this "piano lacquer" on the center console, framing the music center. Hey, gentlemen, designers of automobile companies! How long, huh? The beauty is doubtful, and in the process of use the gloss quickly loses its presentation.
Stepless variator
in the case of the "Corolla" can be considered a very successful alternative to the traditional "machine"
The tunnel is practically absent;
and between its casing separating the front seats and the sofa cushion there is a large distance
Theoretically, Toyota will include
the longest load: with the sofa folded down, the distance to the backs of the front seats is maximum
But at the back, everything is not so smooth - even though there are no problems with space there. The process of landing on the sofa is not overshadowed by anything, but there are fewer amenities here: there are no separate ventilation ducts or heating; and the center armrest is too low - far below its counterparts on the door trims. But in Toyota it is easier to ride in the back row three of us: more legroom for the one who is destined to sit in the center (there is practically no tunnel; and there is a rather long distance between the casing separating the front seats and the sofa cushion).
The trunk is approximately the same in size as that of competitors, and there are no special nuances in transformation: you can only fold the backrest, getting a decent step instead of a flat loading area. Theoretically, Toyota will carry the longest load - another plus. And in the minuses we will add the complete absence of devices for fixing the luggage.
It is interesting to ride the Corolla. Of course, there is no question of any drive, but the car seems very lively and responsive. The variator works great: it deftly pulls the car after the engine, without breaking the connection between the desired and the actual. The steering wheel is filled with effort and information in equal measure: the steering wheel rotates a little harder than that of the Elantra, but the transparency of the drive in the Japanese is also better. And also it should be noted that the obvious fact that the sound insulation has been worked out more carefully. Like!
The current sedan is no longer young: it appeared in 2012. By the way, about the body: the first generation Cerato, which replaced the Sephia model, existed in two guises - both as a sedan and as a hatchback. However, with a change of generations the lineup Kia has launched a new branch, which has grown cee "d" with all its variations, while Cerato retained only a four-door modification.
By the way, the Koreans themselves are deprived of the opportunity to make a mistake with the name of the car: in their homeland, the sedan is sold under the designation K3. And in North America this car is named Forte.
Cerato comes to the salons of Russian dealers from the Kaliningrad plant "Avtotor", where a full-cycle assembly has been established. The buyer has a choice between two gasoline engines 1.6 and 2.0 liters; more than weak engine combined with both "mechanics" and "automatic", and a two-liter power unit can be obtained only with automatic transmission.
The appearance of the "Kia", though pleasant, is painfully inconspicuous: the sedan looks somewhat "average", moreover, over the years of its existence, it has become familiar. Salon against the background of "Corolla" and "Elantra" looks, forgive me, lonely: it seems the most plastic. But this simplicity, in fact, does not spoil the impression of the car, since there are essentially no reasons for complaints: the ergonomics are good, and all the necessary amenities are present. No frills? Well, so what to do with it - but Cerato is cheaper than its rivals, even in conditions of equality of configurations. And for buyers of cars of this class, this is an argument!
"Kia" looks quite modern, but inside it is already noticeable that this car has been produced for several years. The salon looks quite budget-friendly, primarily because of the hard plastic, although my Jetta, whose finishing materials are also not up to par, manages to create a more noble impression. I was more embarrassed by the persistent smell of phenol that exudes the interior - for an expensive car of a decent brand, this is completely unacceptable! But it turned out to be pleasant to ride the "Serato". I liked both the smoothness of the ride and the dynamics of acceleration. An interesting feature is the button that changes the steering wheel settings. True, I did not appreciate this innovation: in the comfortable mode, the effort drops so much that it becomes almost uncomfortable (paradoxically), and in the sports mode it seems as if the front wheels are slightly deflated.
Instead of a fancy multimedia with a touch-screen, the Kia has a not too sophisticated head unit with an ordinary “insensitive” matrix display and control of keys and knobs. However, dealing with music the old-fashioned way is much more convenient than reaching mutual understanding with more sophisticated systems decorated with large screens (like Toyota's multimedia center, for example).
A serious drawback of the Cerato is the pungent smell that the interior plastic exudes. Frankly, this fact discouraged me a little: I was sure that the Koreans had won out over plastic smells for a long time. Is this really the cost of the Kaliningrad assembly? But mediocre visibility cannot be attributed to production - these are the design features. Thick A-pillars with "support" can hide an important part of the landscape behind them. Side mirrors small, but generally informative. There was no rear view camera on our car - this is the prerogative of the top version. Premium.
6-speed "automatic"
tuned pretty well and allows the motor to fully reveal its fighting qualities
The back row is spacious
and there are no problems with landing. As in "Elantra", the side seats of the sofa can be heated
The trunk cannot be opened from the outside:
there is no button on the lid. You can uncork it with a key or a lever near the driver's seat
I liked the front seat: the padding is tight, the lateral support is excellent. There are no problems with adjustments: there are a minimum of them, but the ranges are sufficient, so you can instantly adjust the "furniture" for yourself. The back row is spacious, and the landing process is not overshadowed by anything - although tall citizens, it is possible, will notice not the highest doorway. As in the Elantra, the side seats of the seratic sofa can be heated.
The trunk is not very impressive in both size and arrangement. The lid is held on hinges, which, when closed, dive onto the luggage; in addition, the quality of the finish is quite dull - on the floor there is a thin rug covering the full-size spare tire. The saddest thing is the inability to open the trunk from the outside: there is no corresponding button on the lid. Alternatively, use the key, where the button is still there. Or pull the lever on the floor next to the driver's seat.
A two-liter engine, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, endow Kia with life-affirming agility. Overclocking is active, and it is convenient to manage it: the box clearly knows its business! But in terms of handling, the "Korean" is far from ideal: with sharp maneuvering at a decent speed, the car begins to swing, revealing noticeable rolls; and the steering wheel always seems empty, although with the help of the settings you can make it heavier or, conversely, lighten it to the extreme.
But with the smooth running of the "Kia" everything is quite decent: the suspension rounds out significant irregularities in favor of the inhabitants of the cabin, and dissolves small ones without a trace. True, the "Korean" seemed noisy: the song of the engine is always well listened to, and other acoustic debris reaches the ears of passengers more often than in Hyundai and Toyota.
For a quarter of a century, five generations of the model managed to change, and last year the sixth Elantra was presented. This fall, the sedan appeared in dealerships, and immediately Russian assembly- The machine is produced at the Kaliningrad Avtotor by the SKD method. We sell modifications with 1.6 and 2.0 liter gasoline engines, each of which can be friendly with both mechanical and automatic transmission gear.
Externally, the Elantra has changed: the lines stopped flowing and lined up in a more strict and expressive form - and the sedan immediately visually rose in price. There is no doubt: Hyundai looks the most fresh and attractive out of our trinity. The effect is enhanced by the color - our car was painted in brick-red mother-of-pearl PhoenixOrange, which definitely attracts attention and ... money: the surcharge for any color scheme other than the basic white is ten thousand. Tolerable.
17-inch wheels on which our "Elantra" stood, a sign of the Style package (80,000 rubles), which also includes xenon, keyless entry and a Supervision dashboard with a color display. The latter in terms of graphics is similar to that on the Kia, but the image quality of the Elantra is at a fundamentally different level, although there are no special advantages in terms of functions. In terms of information content, the devices are absolutely flawless.
Multimedia looks simpler than Toyota, solely due to the small size of the screen. And yet it is a full-fledged touchscreen that is easy to use. And most importantly - the volume is regulated by a normal knob, and not by touch buttons, as in the "Corolla".
If we restrict ourselves to purely superficial observations, then the interior of the Korean car makes the most favorable impression, but in reality inner world"Elantra" abounds in hard plastic: for example, door cards are made of it almost entirely. Savings can be found elsewhere as well: Auto mode is only provided for the driver's window, and there is no backlight in the glove box.
I cannot fail to note the design of the new "Elantra" - at last the cars of the Korean brand have found their own face! It seems to me that many buyers will be tempted by looks alone. And the interior looks very even - it looks clearly more expensive than the interior of the Kia, although the quality of the materials does not match the Toyota. And yet there is a certain contradiction in the car - especially in terms of the equipment: here is the fattest stuffing, which contrasts with annoying shortcomings like the glove compartment without illumination and power windows, devoid of automatic mode (only the driver has it). In terms of dynamics, Hyundai is slightly inferior to Kia, but it drives a little more interesting, although I still liked Toyota better.
In terms of visibility, Hyundai is clearly better kia: the mirrors are the same in shape, but the A-pillars are noticeably thinner. The rear-view camera prompts the trajectory - unlike the Corolla, where the lines in the picture do not move when the steering wheel is turned.
The seats are similar in shape to the Cerato seats, but they are covered with something leather-like. The question of whether such furniture is needed in a relatively inexpensive car, we will take it out of the discussion. But there is no doubt that an ordinary "rag" is more comfortable: in summer, the skin heats up quickly and cools slowly. As for winter, there is no need to worry: like Kia, all seats and steering wheel are heated in the Elantra.
In the "Elantra" in the back row
there is a distinct lack of headroom - this is due to the sloping roof
The only noticeable difference
luggage racks of Korean cars are reduced to an elastic mesh in the cargo compartment of "Elantra"
In the open space in the back a number of Hyundai comparable to Cerato, but the three of us will not be so comfortable to sit: the distance from the central tunnel lining to the sofa is less, so the passenger in the center will not be very comfortable. In addition, in the "Elantra" there is a distinct lack of headroom - this is due to the sloping roof.
The trunk is normal, although it should be noted that here, too, a full-size spare wheel on a cast disc is hiding underground.
The two-liter Elantra rides briskly, though not nearly as lively as the Cerato. But I liked the chassis settings much more than that of the Korean brother: the suspension is not so relaxed, but at the same time it is in no way inferior in ride smoothness - even adjusted for tires with a smaller profile. And the energy intensity is quite decent: you won't scare Hyundai even with relatively large irregularities - rather, you will be scared yourself.
Korean cars have always been distinguished by their quality and reliability. If in the middle of the last century, there was a large gap between Asian and European companies, then closer to the 2000s, the situation leveled off. Today, car manufacturers such as Kia Motors and Hyundai are able to impose competition not only on Europeans, but also on Americans. In this article, we decided to look at the current situation from a new perspective, and compare Kia Cerato and Hyundai Elantra.
Hyundai Elantra is a popular middle class car, first presented to the public in 1990. In 1991, mass production of the model started. Elantra, initially, did not enjoy great success in the world market, but after the restyling in 1993, the situation changed dramatically.
In 1994, the presentation of the second generation Elantra took place, which could not boast of a bright appearance, but attracted motorists with dynamism and reliability. In 2000, the public got acquainted with Elantra 3, which had already been included in various “TOPs” in sales. In 2007, serial production of the fourth generation Korean car began, on the basis of which, later, the famous Hyundai i30 hatchback was built.
In the spring of 2010, the fifth generation Elantra was presented, which, today, is considered one of the best-selling in Russia, in its class. The debut of the sixth generation of the model is planned soon. It is worth noting that the most successful year for Elantra was 2008, as the model consistently ranked in the top five in various versions. In 2009, the Korean car was recognized as the highest quality in the "Compact" class.
Kia Cerato, whose name is translated from Italian as shiny, rubbed, is one of the most successful developments of the Korean company. The debut of the model took place in 2003, and a year later Cerate began to be supplied to the European and American markets. It is worth noting that in the US the model is called - Kia Spectra... According to experts, the main disadvantage of the car is low level security systems.
In 2008, the premiere of the second generation Cerato took place, the sales of which in Russia started in the spring of 2009. In 2013, as part of the Los Angeles auto show, the third generation Cerato was presented to the public, which has been on the domestic Avtotor since February 2013.
Which is better - Kia Cerato or Hyundai Elantra? Considering the fact that Elantra has seen more in his lifetime, it is he who is the winner in this local confrontation.
Appearance
Comparing the exterior of both cars, it is worth noting immediately that they are externally made in completely different ways. The appearance of Cerato looks very solid and personable, immediately predisposes to itself and attracts with a stylish design. The exterior of Elantra shows sportiness and dynamism, which are perfectly combined with relief and athleticism.
In front of Cerato, a wide windshield is installed, providing an elegant view to the driver, and a long smooth hood, with two neat side air vents. The Elantra has a very similar "lobovuha", but the hood is not as convex as that of the opponent, and its side "eyebrows" are noticeably larger. The nose of the Cerato is equipped with a branded radiator grille, reminiscent of bird wings, and stylish elongated headlights. Elantra has a very compact false radiator grille and high-located led lights the top of which reaches the middle of the bonnet.
The lower part of the Cerato bumper is equipped with a wide air intake, which merges together with the foglights. At the bottom of the opponent's bumper, you can see a small trapezoidal grille, on both sides of which stylish fog lights resembling a boomerang.
On the side, the cars are also noticeably different. For example, the lower contour of the Cerato glazing zone is falling, which clearly contrasts with the flat line of the opponent. In addition, Cerate has larger side doors. It is worth noting the stamping, which in Elantra is mostly horizontal, and in Cerato they are wavy in nature.
Among the general points, I would like to highlight the domed roof and the relatively powerful wheel arches. Purely visually, the body of the Hyundai Elantra looks more aerodynamic.
At the back, the cars are very similar, but this is not uncommon for representatives of this segment. Among the differences, I would like to note the presence of a small spoiler on the cut of the Elantra roof and a more powerful bumper from Cerate. As a result of the last restyling, both cars got enlarged headlights, which are similar in shape.
Considering the above, I would like to award a draw at this point.
Salon
Comparing the interior of both cars, one can immediately single out a clear favorite - of course, this is Kia Cerato. At first, interior decoration this car is made in a very progressive and striking style. Secondly, the layout of the elements looks balanced, and there is a complete lack of something superfluous. In the design of the Elantra salon, on the contrary, there is a tradition and conservatism, from which motorists, to put it mildly, are not delighted.
It is worth noting that the dashboards of both models are installed at an angle relative to the driver, which greatly facilitates the control process. As for the steering wheel, in this regard, Cerato also looks the best, since his steering wheel is more functional and technologically advanced.
In terms of roominess, the car is very similar, but the quality of finishing materials, again, is better in Kia Cerato.
Specifications
Honestly a moment of comparison technical characteristics is the most difficult, as it is incredibly difficult to achieve maximum objectivity. Fortunately, in 2017, both concerns released new updates to their models. We will contrast them today.
For comparison, we have selected two 1.6-liter versions that run on gasoline. Among other common points in cars, I would like to note the presence of a system front wheel drive, and the same type transmission box- 6 automatic transmissions.
So, despite the fact that both power unit boast a similar volume, their capacity is slightly different. The Elantra engine produces 128 horsepower, which is 2 "horses" less than that of Cerate. The Kia developers managed to achieve this by increasing the maximum torque. However, in terms of dynamics, the cars are similar. For example, the acceleration time from zero to hundred is the same for both cars - 11.6 s.
Interestingly, in terms of consumption, there is parity - Elantra, with an average fuel consumption of 6.9 liters, only 0.1 liters of its counterpart.
In terms of dimensions, the situation is as follows: the Elantra body is 10 mm longer than Cerato and 5 mm higher. As for the size of the wheelbase, it is identical - 2700 mm. The same can be said for the height. ground clearance- 150 mm.
Among other points, I would like to note the fact that Cerato has a larger trunk by 24 liters, but it is 30 kg lighter than its opponent. Both cars are equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels.
Price
Analyzing the modern market, you can find out that average cost Hyundai Elantra 2017 - 1,110,000 rubles. You will have to pay about 1,035,000 rubles for it. The difference is, of course, insignificant, but given the fact that Cerate is better in many aspects than its current competitor, it is he who is a more attractive option in terms of cost. Plus, Kia also has a richer basic equipment list, which, by the way, can give odds to American and European more hyped cars.
I think people who are wondering which is better: Kia Cerato or Hyundai Elantra are more interested in technical and operational characteristics than in the appearance of these cars or the design of their interiors. As for me, their most significant differences are precisely in the exterior, but in the cabin - the cars are built on the same platform. Be that as it may, I will try to find differences in everything.
History
First, let's remember a story. At the moment, Elantra is already on sale in the sixth generation, and Cerate is only in the fourth. The reason for this difference is the longer history of the model from Hyundai - the first generation was released back in 1990. At the time when the first Kia Serato was shown to the world in 2003, the Elantra was "outliving" the third generation.
As a result, the Koreans had two C-class sedans, which were designed to compete almost on an equal footing with representatives of the American and European car industries. By the way, the model from Hyundai has proven itself in this capacity. Elantra 4 generations in 2006-2007 ranked second among compact sedans in the category of most fuel efficient non-hybrid vehicles. In 2008, she was awarded first place in the "Best Choice" rating by the authoritative publication Consumer Reports. In 2009, Elantra was recognized as the highest quality car produced by the research of the marketing agency J.D. Power and Associates. Produced at that time, the 2nd generation Cerato did not stand out as anything remarkable.
Prices and configuration
The 4th generation Kia Cerato, which has just entered the market, is offered in four trim levels: Comfort, Luxe, Prestige and Premium. Prices for Cerate 2018 model year start at 1 million 49 thousand rubles.
Hyundai Elantra 6th generation, produced since 2015, has a somewhat confusing set-list of five basic "fillings" Start, Base, Active, Family, Comfort and two additional optional packages Style and High-Tech, which can be complemented by the configurations Family and Comfort ... The cost of the car starts from 984 thousand rubles.
For 984 thousand you will receive Elantra with the usual paintwork on stamped steel wheels. For metallic you need to pay 10 thousand - this, by the way, applies to all trim levels. And light-alloy wheels appear only in configuration Active worth from 1 million 135 thousand rubles. Kia Serato 2018 offers all this to the buyer already in the basic version.
It turns out that Hyundai Elantra 2018 is more affordable, in fact. Maybe someone doesn't need metallic. As well as factory "casting". And later, the owner can already put himself such wheels that he likes. And it will cost less, by the way.
Exterior
Now it's time to finally compare the appearance of sedans. Let's compare the most popular models.
Hyundai Elantra 2010 model year, in my opinion, looks elegant and feminine.
All these body curves clearly indicate that the car should rather please the weaker sex than men. Although, this is my personal assessment. You may well disagree.
Cerato 2014 looks European-like cheerful and elegant.
One feels that the car is aimed primarily at the western market. The exterior design was created by the American design studio Kia, led by chief designer Tom Kearns.
But of particular interest among potential owners of Korean sedans are currently the Kia Cerato 2017 and Hyundai Elantra 2017. The first is a restyled version of the 3rd generation, and the second is a representative of the sixth generation.
Only a connoisseur of this brand can distinguish Cerato 2017 from the pre-styling version. External appearance the model remained the same, but from the front the designers seemed to have “eyed” - the head optics got a more elongated shape at a lower height.
The same applies to the taillights: the same shape, but with slightly different content. Than them previous version did not suit - it is not clear.
The appearance of the Elantra 2017 is even more impetuous than that of the Surato 2017. With a similar body profile, sporty notes emphasize the chopped forms of the head and rear optics.
If I was wondering what to choose from the 17 models, I would probably prefer a sedan from Hyundai (although I don't like the name of this brand). His appearance rules - unambiguously. But this, of course, is my personal opinion, I repeat.
But if we compare the cars of 2018, then I cannot give a definite answer. Yes, Elantra looks defiant. But Cerato 2018 is somehow more modern, or something ... There is something in it, harmoniously harmonious.
Although no, if you are guided by appearance, I would still choose Elantra.
Interior
Let's compare the interiors of the popular years.
Design
Interior design Hyundai Elantra 2010 repeats the exterior of the car: the same smooth lines and rounded shapes.
Salon Kia Cerato of the same years gives me mixed feelings. On the one hand, there is no such femininity in the interior, on the other, everything is somehow clumsy, to be honest.
I don't even know which of these options I would prefer.
The situation with the console design for Serato changes slightly in the third generation. Not so rude, but still nothing to be proud of, I think.
In the restyled Cerato 2017, with small touches, the designers were able to make the console more interesting. The architecture has remained the same, but the feeling of rejection no longer arises.
Interior of Hyundai Elantra 2017 compared to previous generation, no longer so feminine. Now it is made in sharp and clear forms. There is in him something from the late eighties of the last century. Nostalgia.
But the most interesting, in my opinion, is the 2018 Cerato interior design. Most of all I am attracted to it by the air vents in the retro style.
Quality of materials
The quality of the materials used in the interior trim is quite sufficient for the compact class, to which the Korean sedans belong. Composite plastic is used in the machines: part of the panel is made of soft, part of it is hard. Moreover, the more expensive the equipment, the more soft plastic from Hyundai and more leather inserts from Kia.
In the Elantra of the fifth generation, the center console is made of plastic, pleasant to the touch, and in the sixth, oddly enough, we have a combination of soft and hard, and average quality - the manufacturer's economy affects.
In the third-generation pre-styling Serato, the plastic of the panel is always solid, but depending on the budget, you can get some elements, covered in leather with stitching. For example, a visor dashboard... Well, or just a pseudo-stitching on the plastic.
By the way, there is a slight difference between the models. In expensive Ceratos of recent years, the upper part of the door trim is made of soft plastic in the front, while in Elantra it is always made of hard plastic.
Separately, I would like to say about noise insulation. The difference between cars is tangible. The owners and those conducting the test drive - all as one note that Elantra has low noise insulation. The noise is especially strong from the wheel arches. And if the 2010 model was spoken of as not "noisy enough", then the latest version is simply scolded. The car is expensive, but the acoustic comfort is almost completely absent. You expect more from a car of this class.
In relation to Cerato, until 2016, they also complained about insufficient sound insulation, but after restyling, the situation improved. Now the model from Kia clearly outperforms Hyundai in this parameter.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of cars are at a good level, without gross miscalculations. The salons in both cases are spacious enough. Everything is more or less the same, but there are some differences.
An important rule, which, in principle, is true for most cars in general, and for ours in particular. People taller than 185 cm will feel uncomfortable in the back: there is not enough legroom and there is very little space overhead.
Now about different things. The front seats in the Hyundai Elantra 2010 are moderately soft, with pronounced lateral support. Sit comfortably. But the back is not very comfortable for the back - the seat back, which is made too flat, affects.
Visibility - as anyone. For those who like to sit recumbent in front, visibility is good, but those who like to sit more upright are hampered by the low edge of the ceiling.
Another miscalculation. This time - with a glove compartment. If there is no front passenger, then everything is fine. But if he is sitting, then with his feet he will interfere with the opening glove box- it is too low.
In Elantra 2017, the visibility problem has been resolved. And there is a lot of space above your head in the front, and the roof line does not interfere even with vertical fit... But there is another problem - with the feeling of the dimensions of the car. The fact is that the front part is made low. Because of this, the driver does not see the edge of the hood, and it takes time to get used to. Kia Cerato is devoid of such a flaw. According to reviews, its dimensions are well felt.
In the 2018 Elantra, the front seats are comfortable, but the lateral support is now less pronounced.
By the way, I almost forgot. Rear doors swing open almost 90 degrees, which can definitely be added to the piggy bank of pluses, tk. it helps the rear row of seats tremendously.
The front seats of Cerato 2014 do not have lumbar support, but there is lateral support. After restyling, the chairs have changed slightly in better side... Sitting has become more comfortable, and the lateral support has become more.
In Cerato 2018, the front seats are very well molded: both the lateral support is pronounced and the seats are of normal length. The fit is comfortable.
There is plenty of headroom and legroom in the back. The seats, by the way, have a good length, which means that your legs will not get tired on long trips.
Driving performance
And finally, let's compare driving performance Korean sedans.
At one time there were many reviews that the Elantra 2010 feed begins to swing at speeds above 120 km / h and, accordingly, the back starts to throw. Someone specified that not more than 120, but more than 150-160 km / h. One video blogger even verified this by recording everything on video. It turned out that there was nothing like that. Therefore, it is not clear whether this is true or fiction. Or partly true - in some cases. In general, he proved that the car keeps a straight line quite well.
In addition to keeping the straight line, in this generation there are minimal rolls in corners, precise steering. The suspension is quite long-travel, but elastic, it works out all the irregularities well. By the way, the gas pedal is hard.
Hyundai Elantra 2017 has a moderately stiff suspension, comfortable and energy-intensive enough for our roads. Good steering and correct setting of the gas pedal are noted.
Kia Cerato 2014-2017 boasts electric power steering with three levels of adjustment. The car also has good directional stability. The suspension is stiff, but comfortable. By the way, the owners are talking about good light head optics, in particular, the dipped headlights are well executed.
Conclusion
I do not compare the technical characteristics, because the machines are made on the same platform and everything is the same here. What to choose, everyone must decide for himself. It is not enough to see and love, I think it is imperative to get into the car and steer a little around the city in order to understand what is more comfortable for you.
I hope my comparison of Cerato vs Elantra was helpful to you. Good luck with your choice!
Video reviews and test drives
S-class sedans in Russia are actually an endangered species. The constant rise in prices is forcing many potential customers to choose a model in the lower class. Plus the modern B-Class sedans are really good and ready to provide an acceptable level of roominess and comfort. Solaris, Rio, Vesta or Polo sedan - I quite understand the people whose needs are fully met by these cars. And yet, if you are eager to buy a car more solid and spacious, if you are ready to pay more than a million rubles for it, there are interesting offers on the C-class sedan market. Today we are holding a mini-battle between two fresh "Koreans" - Hyundai Elantra and.
The current generation is the sixth in a row. The world premiere took place in the fall of 2015 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and sales in Russia started last summer. Cars are assembled at the Kaliningrad enterprise "Avtotor" from vehicle kits supplied from South Korea.
Despite the completely dissimilar panel architecture, the “Koreans” are very close in ergonomics. The Kia outperforms Hyundai in the quality of materials, but the details are not so simple. So I do not presume to highlight the favorite. |
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Kia Cerato has changed only three generations in its life, the last of which was presented four and a half years ago. But at the end of 2015, the sedan was seriously modernized in its historical homeland. And last year, the updated Cerato reached us. These cars are also assembled at Avtotor. And - unlike Hyundai Elantra - in a full cycle: with welding and painting. So, all other things being equal, Cerato is slightly cheaper than Elantra.
I think it is pointless to talk about the appearance of two sedans for a long time. Here, as they say, taste and color. The only truth is that Cerato and Elantra look absolutely European, without a pronounced touch of Asiatic. The difference in the geometric dimensions of the two sedans is a matter of millimeters. And the wheelbase is completely the same - 2700 mm. I must say, this is a standard indicator for most representatives of the C-class.
There are more nuances inside. Kia and Hyundai clearly did not agree among themselves which of the sedans will play the role of a "poor relative", and which one will bear the label of a more status car. The result is a very curious vinaigrette. For example, leather upholstery and an electric driver's seat are available for Elantra. She, like most modern cars, has two USB slots in the front of the cabin. But at the same time, Hyundai does not have a single gram of soft plastic, an automatic door closer is found only in the driver's glass, and the glove compartment is the simplest one - without illumination and cooling.
In Cerato, the opposite is true. The seats can be upholstered exclusively with a "rag" and are only manually adjustable, the USB port is the only one, which is surprising in itself for a car that has been updated quite recently. At the same time, there is a lot of soft plastic in the Kia cabin, the power window closers are on both front doors, and the glove compartment is illuminated and cooled. And not only in the most expensive Premium version, but also in the more affordable Luxe and Prestige.
The ergonomics of the two sedans, despite the completely different architecture of the front panel, are very similar. All buttons and keys are in place, so you won't have to get used to anything either there or here. Except that the key that activates the steering wheel heating is located a little more conveniently in Hyundai - on the center console (in Kia - in the area of the driver's left knee). By the way, the steering wheels of both cars are heated around the entire circumference, and not only in the grip points. And the presence of this option in itself favorably distinguishes the "Koreans" from most competitors in the segment.
The chairs are absolutely unobtrusive, but they hold the body well. The driver's seat servo and leather upholstery are only available on the Elantra. By the way, on the rich versions of the pre-styling Cerato there was an electrically adjustable lumbar support, but now it has been abolished. Savings, all the cases. |
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In terms of space and amenities in the back row - parity: three head restraints, two-stage heated seats, separate air vents and the ability to comfortably accommodate two adults up to 190 cm tall.In principle, even three of us can be accommodated tolerably. |
However, if the steering wheel heating is not a unique option even by the standards of the class, then the heated rear row is a very significant trump card for Kia and Hyundai. By the way, in terms of space and comfort at the back, the Cerato and Elantra are extremely close. Both offer roughly the same head and knee headroom, two-stage seat heating and separate air vents.
Engines and gearboxes of the two "Koreans" are corporate-wide. You can choose from a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with 130 hp. (Cerato is two horsepower weaker, but this difference in declared power is nothing more than internal bureaucratic troubles) or a 2.0-liter 150-horsepower engine (also naturally aspirated). Transmissions - 6-speed mechanics or 6-speed automatic. But if, in the case of the Hyundai Elantra, you can combine motors and gearboxes as you like, then you won't be able to buy a two-liter Kia Cerato with mechanics. Only a machine gun. By the way, it was the two-liter cars with automatic transmission that took part in our comparison. We measured the volume of the Kia's trunk to be 416 liters. Loading height - 700 mm. And the trunk opening is a whole meter!
We measured the boot volume of the Kia at 416 liters. Loading height - 700 mm. And the trunk opening is a whole meter!
From the point of view of the driver, for whom the car is not just a household appliance, but also a source of joy, the Elantra is preferable. Its suspensions are slightly stiffer than the Cerato, the steering wheel with a finely calibrated "zero feel" is a little tighter, and there is more feedback. Absolutely European behavior! The Kia also handles absolutely reliably, but lacks that spark. The steering wheel is empty and lighter, the suspensions are slightly softer. And if small irregularities Kia levels out more adequately Hyundai, then in large pits its suspensions can work before rebound. But a bundle of a two-liter engine and a machine gun is enough always and everywhere. And although cars with a 1.6-liter engine account for the bulk of Russian sales, I would not save. The fuel consumption of a 150-horsepower car with hydromechanics, even in the urban cycle, will be in the region of 10 liters per 100 km of track - a decent indicator.
To summarize, for myself, I would definitely choose Hyundai. But if you are looking for a car for your family, it is better to go for a test drive to dealers of both brands. It is possible that the wife and children will prefer the slightly more comfortable Kia. By the way, if you do not turn the engine before the cut-off, the Cerato is also quieter than the Elantra: with the insulation of the wheel arches, Hyundai is in trouble. And yet the difference between these cars is in the nuances.
