S-class sedans in Russia are actually an endangered species. The constant rise in prices is forcing many potential customers to choose a lower class model. In addition, modern B-class sedans are really good and ready to provide an acceptable level of capacity and comfort. Solaris, Rio, Vesta or Polo sedan - I fully understand the people whose needs are fully satisfied by these cars. And yet, if you are burning with the desire 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.
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 Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad from car kits supplied from South Korea.
Despite the completely dissimilar architecture of the panel, the “Koreans” are very close in terms of ergonomics. The quality of materials Kia surpasses Hyundai, but in the details everything is not so clear. So I can't pick a 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 upgraded in its historical homeland. And last year, the updated Cerato reached us. These cars are also assembled at Avtotor. And - unlike the Hyundai Elantra - in a full cycle: with welding and painting. So, other things being equal, the Cerato is a little cheaper than the Elantra.
For a long time to talk about the appearance of two sedans I consider it a pointless exercise. Here, as they say, the taste and color. The only truth is that Cerato and Elantra look absolutely European, without a pronounced touch of Asianism. 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 have not agreed among themselves which of the sedans will play the role of "poor relative" and which will carry the label of a more status car. It turned out to be a very interesting vinaigrette. For example, the Elantra has leather upholstery and an electric driver's seat. 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 closer is only at the driver's window, and the glove compartment is the simplest - without lighting and cooling.
In Cerato, it's the other way around. The seats can be upholstered exclusively with a “rag” and can only be adjusted manually, the USB port is the only one, which is surprising in itself for a car that has recently been updated. At the same time, there is a lot of soft plastic in the Kia cabin, power window closers are on both front doors, and the glove box 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. Unless 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 \u200b\u200bthe left knee of the driver). By the way, the steering wheels of both cars are heated around the entire circumference, and not just in the grip areas. And the presence of this option in itself distinguishes the “Koreans” from most competitors in the segment.
The chairs are absolutely unobtrusive, but the body is kept well. Power driver's seat and leather upholstery are available only Elantra. By the way, on the rich versions of the pre-styling Cerato there was an electric lumbar support, but now it has been abolished. Savings, everything. |
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In terms of space and amenities in the back row - parity: three head restraints, two-stage seat heating, separate air duct deflectors and the ability to comfortably accommodate two adults up to 190 cm tall. In principle, even three of us can get tolerably. |
However, if the heated steering wheel 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 in the back, Cerato and Elantra are extremely close. Both offer roughly the same headroom and knee room, two-stage seat heating, and separate air vents.
The engines and gearboxes of the two "Koreans" are corporate-wide. A 1.6-liter aspirated engine with a capacity of 130 hp is offered to choose from. (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 manual or 6-speed automatic. But if in the case of Hyundai Elantra you can combine engines and gearboxes as you like, then you won’t be able to buy a two-liter Kia Cerato with mechanics. Only automatic. By the way, it was the two-liter cars with a gun that participated in our comparison. The volume of the Kia trunk that we measured was 416 liters. Loading height - 700 mm. And the trunk opening is a whole meter!
The Kia trunk volume measured by us was 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 suspension is slightly stiffer than the Cerato, the steering wheel with a perfectly calibrated “zero feel” is slightly tighter, and there is more feedback. Absolutely European behavior! The Kia also handles absolutely reliably, but lacks that twinkle. The steering wheel is more empty and light, the suspension is a little softer. Moreover, if Kia levels out small irregularities more adequately than Hyundai, then in large pits its suspension can work until the lights out. But a bunch 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 money. 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 kilometers - a worthy indicator.
Summing up, for myself, I would definitely choose Hyundai. But if you are looking for a car in the 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 a slightly more comfortable Kia. By the way, if you do not turn the engine to the cutoff, the Cerato is also quieter than the Elantra: Hyundai is in trouble with the insulation of the wheel arches. 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 simply didn’t have other cars before, by and large. And for many, father's and grandfather's "Lada" and "Muscovites" formed the most desirable type of car, which now seems utterly traditional.
Text by Kirill Brevdo, photo by Alexander Obodets
What is the attraction of a sedan? Now, when the market is full of all sorts of different cars, the answer to this question does not seem obvious. In terms of practicality, a three-volume body is far from ideal: hatchbacks and station wagons imply much wider transformation possibilities 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 a habit: a sedan is for all time, 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 lured 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" had a new generation, and more recently, he got to Russia. In his company, we took a Toyota Corolla, which had 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 deliver maximum everyday joy to its owner.
In different markets, Corollas have always differed from each other. However, this tradition has been preserved to this day: for example, this sedan looks very different in America. We also 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 brought to Russia from abroad from the Turkish Toyota plant and sold with three power units: 1.33 (99 hp), 1.6 (122 hp) and 1.8 (140 hp) l. The weakest motor is combined only with the "mechanics", while the most powerful one assumes a variator by default. But the 1.6-liter engine is docked with both manual and CVT.
More recently, an updated Corolla has appeared on sale, which has been thoroughly retouched in appearance and interior. The world bestseller began 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 much richer than in the Kia, but the Corolla is still far from the German ideals. What's wrong? Well, for example, landing behind 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 adjustments. The front seats are softer and more amorphous than in Cerato, however, in essence, they are not inferior to Korean furniture: yes, they seem to be freer, but they hold tight in corners.
The Japanese car attracts primarily with its driving characteristics: it seems to be the most “natural” in terms of sensations. There is a clear and honest steering, which for me is the key to good handling; comfortable suspension and quite peppy motor. At first I was embarrassed by the variator, but it is configured in a way that other "automatic machines" did not even dream of. And the interior is nicely decorated: finishing materials and build quality are not satisfactory. "Toyota" seems to be the most comfortable due to the fact that it has a high dashboard - you feel protected in it. However, there are also disadvantages. I don't understand why a million and a quarter car doesn't have parking sensors. The rear view camera is, of course, good, but there is still not enough additional sound indication of approaching an obstacle. And, of course, it freezes out the need to visit MOT every ten thousand kilometers, 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. Here everything is on the sensors: both the screen itself and the “clickers” around it. A special failure is the volume control: poking at the drawn plus and minus is terribly inconvenient. Part of the problem is solved by the buttons on the steering wheel, but even they can not be compared with the usual "round" volume control - as in Kia and Hyundai. And this "piano lacquer" on the center console, framing the music center. Hey, gentlemen, designers of automobile companies! How long, huh? The beauty is dubious, and in the process of operation, the gloss quickly loses its presentation.
stepless variator
in the case of the Corolla, it can be considered a very successful alternative to the traditional "automatic"
The tunnel is practically non-existent;
and there is a large distance between its casing separating the front seats and the sofa cushion
Theoretically, Toyota will include
the longest load: with the sofa folded, the distance to the backs of the front seats is maximum
But at the back, everything is not so smooth - even despite the fact that there are no problems with space. The process of landing on the sofa is not overshadowed by anything, but there are fewer amenities: there are no separate ventilation ducts or heating; and the center armrest is located too low - much lower than its counterparts on the door upholstery. But in Toyota, it’s easier to ride in the back row of three: more legroom for someone who is destined to sit in the center (there is practically no tunnel; and there is a rather large distance between its casing separating the front seats and the sofa cushion).
The trunk is approximately the same size as its competitors, and there are no special nuances in terms of transformation: you can only recline the backrest, getting a decent step instead of a flat loading area. Theoretically, the longest cargo will enter the Toyota - another plus. And in the minuses we will add the complete absence of devices for fixing luggage.
Driving a Corolla is fun. Of course, there is no talk of any drive, but the car seems very lively and responsive. The variator works great: 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 equally: the steering wheel rotates a little harder than that of the Elantra, but the drive transparency of the Japanese is better. And it is impossible not to note 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 the change of generations, the Kia lineup launched a new branch, on which cee "d grew up with all its variations. And 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 Avtotor Kaliningrad plant, where a full-cycle assembly has been established. The buyer has a choice between two petrol engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters; while a weaker engine is combined with both “mechanics” and “automatic”, and a two-liter power unit can only be obtained with an automatic transmission.
The appearance of the Kia, although pleasant, is painfully inconspicuous: the sedan looks like some kind of “average”, moreover, over the years of its existence, it has become familiar. Salon on 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, but Cerato is cheaper than its rivals, even in conditions of equal trim levels. 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 more than a year. The cabin looks quite budget-friendly primarily because of the hard plastics, although my Jetta, which also has substandard trim materials, manages to create a more noble impression. I was more confused 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 nice to ride the Serato. I liked both the smoothness of the ride and the dynamics of acceleration. A curious feature was the button that changes the steering wheel settings. True, I did not appreciate this innovation: in the comfortable mode, the force drops so much that it becomes almost uncomfortable (paradoxically), and in the sports mode it seems as if the front wheels were slightly blown away.
Instead of a heaped multimedia with a touch-screen, Kia has a not too intricate head unit with the usual “insensitive” matrix display and key and knob control. However, it is much more convenient to handle music the old fashioned way than to achieve mutual understanding with more sophisticated systems adorned with large screens (like the Toyota multimedia center, for example).
A serious drawback of Cerato should be recognized as a pungent smell that exudes interior plastic. Frankly, this fact discouraged me a little: I was sure that the Koreans had long defeated plastic smells. Is it really the costs of the Kaliningrad assembly? But mediocre visibility cannot be attributed to production - these are the design features. Thick front pillars with “support” are able to hide an important part of the landscape behind them. The side mirrors are 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"
configured quite well and allows the motor to fully reveal its fighting qualities
Spacious in the back
and landing is no problem. As in the 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 dense, the lateral support is excellent. There are no problems with the adjustments: they are at a minimum, but the ranges are sufficient, so you can instantly adjust the “furniture” for yourself. It is spacious in the back row, and nothing overshadows the landing process - although tall citizens, it is possible, will note not the highest doorway. As in the Elantra, the side seats of the “seratic” sofa can be heated.
The trunk is not too impressive both in size and arrangement. The lid is held on hinges, which dive onto the luggage when closed; besides, the quality of the finish is very dull - there is a thin rug on the floor covering the full-size spare wheel. The saddest thing is the inability to open the trunk from the outside: there is no corresponding button on the lid. As an option - 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" give "Kia" life-affirming agility. Acceleration is active, and it is convenient to manage it: the box obviously knows its business! But in terms of handling, the “Korean” is far from ideal: with sharp maneuvering at a decent speed, the car starts to sway, revealing noticeable rolls; and the steering wheel seems empty all the time, although with the help of settings you can make it heavier or, on the contrary, lighten it to the extreme.
But with the smoothness of the Kia, everything is quite decent: the suspension rounds out significant irregularities in favor of the inhabitants of the cabin, and completely dissolves the small ones without a trace. True, the “Korean” seemed noisy: the song of the engine is always well heard, 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 have changed, and last year the sixth Elantra was introduced. This autumn, the sedan appeared in the showrooms of dealers, and immediately assembled in Russia - the car is produced at the Kaliningrad Avtotor using the SKD method. We sell modifications with gasoline engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters, each of which can be friendly with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Outwardly, the Elantra has changed: the lines have ceased to flow and lined up in a more strict and expressive form - and the sedan immediately visually rose in price. There is no doubt: of our trinity, Hyundai looks the most fresh and attractive. The color also enhances the effect - our car was painted in PhoenixOrange brick-red mother-of-pearl, which definitely attracts attention and ... money: the surcharge for any color other than the base white is ten thousand. Tolerable.
The 17-inch wheels on which our Elantra stood are 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 is similar in graphics to that of the Kia, but only the image quality of the Elantra is at a fundamentally different level, although there are no special advantages in terms of functions. Devices for information content are absolutely flawless.
Multimedia looks simpler than that of Toyota, solely because of the small screen size. And yet it is a full-fledged touchscreen, which is convenient to use. And most importantly, the volume is regulated by a normal knob, and not by touch buttons, as in the Corolla.
If we confine ourselves to purely superficial observations, then the interior of the Korean car makes the most favorable impression, but in reality the inner world of the Elantra is replete with hard plastic: for example, door cards are made almost entirely of it. Traces of savings can be found in other places: Auto mode is only available on the driver's window, and there is no backlight in the glove box.
I cannot fail to note the design of the new Elantra - finally, the cars of the Korean brand have found their face! It seems to me that many buyers will be tempted by appearance alone. Yes, 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 reach the Toyota. And yet, there is a certain contradiction in the car - especially in terms of equipment: here is the fattest stuffing, which contrasts with annoying flaws like a glove compartment without lighting and power windows that lack automatic mode (only the driver has it). In terms of dynamics, Hyundai slightly loses to Kia, but it steers a little more interesting, although I still liked Toyota more.
From the point of view of visibility, Hyundai is clearly better than Kia: the mirrors are the same in shape, but the A-pillars are noticeably thinner. The rear view camera suggests the trajectory - unlike the Corolla, where the lines in the picture do not move when the steering wheel is rotated.
The chairs are similar in shape to the Cerato seats, but are upholstered in something leather-like in appearance. The question of whether such furniture is needed in a relatively inexpensive car, we will take 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, you don’t have to worry here: like Kia, in Elantra all seats and steering wheel are heated.
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
trunks of Korean cars is reduced to an elastic mesh in the cargo compartment of the Elantra
In terms of space in the back row, Hyundai is comparable to Cerato, but the three of us will not sit so comfortably: there is less distance from the lining of the central tunnel to the sofa, so the passenger in the center will not be very comfortable. In addition, in the Elantra there is a distinct lack of headroom - the sloping roof is to blame.
The trunk is ordinary, although it should still be noted that here, too, a full-size spare tire on an alloy wheel is hidden underground.
The 2.0-litre Elantra rides briskly, though not as briskly 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 terms of 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.
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 lie precisely in the exterior, but in the cabin - after all, the cars are built on the same platform. Be that as it may, I will try to find differences in everything.
Story
First, let's take a look at history. At the moment, the Elantra is already on sale in the sixth generation, and the Cerato 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 world was shown the first Kia Surato in 2003, Elantra "experienced" 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 auto 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 most fuel efficient non-hybrid category. In 2008, she won first place in the "Best Choice" rating of the authoritative publication Consumer Reports. In 2009, Elantra was recognized as the best-made car according to the results of a study by marketing agency J.D. Power and Associates. Cerato 2 generations, produced at that time, did not particularly stand out with anything remarkable.
Prices and equipment
The 4th generation Kia Cerato, which has just entered the market, is offered in four trim levels: Comfort, Luxe, Prestige and Premium. Prices for Cerato 2018 model year start at 1 million 49 thousand rubles.
The Hyundai Elantra 6 generation, which has been produced since 2015, has a somewhat confusing set-list of five main “fillings” Start, Base, Active, Family, Comfort and two additional optional Style and High-Tech packages that can be supplemented with Family and Comfort packages . The cost of the car starts from 984 thousand rubles.
For 984 thousand you get 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 the Active configuration, costing from 1 million 135 thousand rubles. Kia Surato 2018 offers all this to the buyer already in the basic version.
It turns out that the Hyundai Elantra 2018 is more affordable, in fact. Maybe someone does not need metallic. As well as factory "casting". And later the owner can already put himself such wheels that he likes. And it's cheaper, by the way.
Exterior
Now it's time to finally compare the appearance of sedans. Let's make a comparison between the most popular models.
Hyundai Elantra 2010 model year, in my opinion, looks elegant and feminine.
All these curves of the body clearly indicate that the car should please the weaker sex rather than men. Although, this is my personal opinion. You may well disagree.
Cerato 2014 looks European cheerful and elegant.
It is felt 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 at the moment, Kia Cerato 2017 and Hyundai Elantra 2017 are of particular interest to potential owners of Korean sedans. 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 is able to distinguish Cerato 2017 from the pre-styling version. The appearance of the model remained the same, but in front the designers seemed to “let their eyes down” - the head optics received a more elongated shape at a lower height.
The same applies to the rear lights: the same form, but with a slightly different content. What their previous version did not suit is not clear.
The appearance of the Elantra 2017 is even more rapid than that of the 2017 Serato. 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 models of the 17th year, then I probably preferred a sedan from Hyundai (although I don’t like the name of this brand). His appearance rules - definitely. But this, of course, is my personal opinion, I repeat.
But if we compare the cars of 2018, then here I will not be able to 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 the Elantra.
Interior
Let's compare the interiors of popular years.
Design
Interior design Hyundai Elantra 2010 repeats the appearance 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 hand, everything is somehow clumsy, to be honest.
I don't even know which one I would choose.
The situation with the design of the console at Serato changes a little 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.
The interior of the Hyundai Elantra 2017, compared to the previous generation, is no longer so feminine. Now it is made in sharp and clear forms. There is something from the late eighties of the last century in it. Nostalgia.
But the most interesting, in my opinion, is the interior design of the 2018 Cerato. Most of all, I am attracted to it by retro-style air vents.
Material quality
The quality of the materials used in the interior trim is quite sufficient for the compact class, which includes Korean sedans. The machines use combined plastic: part of the panel is made of soft, part of hard. Moreover, the more expensive the equipment, the more soft plastic the Hyundai has and the more leather inserts the Kia has.
In the fifth generation Elantra, the center console is made of plastic that is pleasant to the touch, and in the sixth, oddly enough, we have a combination of soft and hard, and of average quality - the manufacturer's savings affect.
In the pre-styled third-generation 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, the dashboard visor. Well, or just a pseudo-line on plastic.
By the way, there is a slight difference between the models. In the expensive Cerato of recent years, the upper part of the door trim is made of soft plastic in front, while the Elantra is always made of hard plastic.
Separately, I want to say about soundproofing. The difference between the cars is palpable. Owners and test-drivers all note that the Elantra has low sound insulation. Especially strong noise comes 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
Ergonomics of cars at a good level, without gross miscalculations. Salons in both cases are quite spacious. 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 be uncomfortable in the back: there is not enough legroom and there is very little headroom.
Now about different things. The front seats in the Hyundai Elantra 2010 are moderately soft, with pronounced lateral support. Sit comfortably. But behind the back is not very comfortable - the seat back, which is made too flat, affects.
Visibility - who cares. For those who like to sit reclining in front, visibility is good, but for those who like to sit more upright, the low edge of the ceiling interferes.
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 of the glove box - he is too low.
In Elantra 2017, the problem with visibility is solved. And there is a lot of headroom in front, and the roof line does not interfere even with a vertical landing. But there is another problem - with a sense 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 cerate is devoid of such a disadvantage. According to reviews, its dimensions are well felt.
In the Elantra 2018, the front seats are comfortable, but now the lateral support is not so obvious.
By the way, I almost forgot. The rear doors swing open almost 90 degrees, which can definitely be added to the piggy bank of pluses, because. this is extremely helpful for landing in the rear row of seats.
The front seats of Cerato 2014 do not have lumbar support, but there is lateral support. After restyling, the chairs have changed a bit for the better. Sitting has become more comfortable, and lateral support has become more.
In Cerato 2018, the front seats are molded very well: both lateral support is pronounced and the seats are of normal length. Landing is comfortable.
There is plenty of headroom and legroom in the back. Seats, by the way, have a good length - which means that the legs will not get tired on long trips.
Driving performance
And finally, let's compare the driving performance of Korean sedans.
At one time, there were many reviews that the stern of the Elantra 2010 begins to sway at speeds above 120 km / h and, accordingly, the back begins to throw. Someone specified that not more than 120, but more than 150-160 km / h. One vlogger even tested it out by videotaping everything. 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 a straight line, this generation has minimal roll in corners, clear steering. The suspension is quite long-stroke, but elastic, it works out all the bumps well. By the way, the gas pedal is hard.
The Hyundai Elantra 2017 has a moderately stiff, comfortable and energy-intensive suspension for our roads. There is a good steering and the correct setting of the gas pedal.
Kia cerate 2014-2017 boasts an electric power steering with three degrees of adjustment. The car also has good directional stability. The suspension is firm but comfortable. By the way, the owners talk about the good light of the head optics, especially the low beam headlights.
Conclusion
I don’t compare 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’s not enough to see and fall in love, I think it’s necessary 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
In most cases, when releasing two models under the auspices of the same auto concern, designers and technologists try to do everything possible to avoid internal competition and not lose their own money. But at first glance at the Kia Cerato and Hyundai Elantra, it seems that this is an exception to the rule. Hyundai Kia Automotive Group is a single concern, on the basis of which both the first and second cars are produced. Both vehicles have a C-class and the same platform. Nevertheless, it would be wrong to call them twins, since among the many similar characteristics, very impressive differences can be clearly seen.
Kia Cerato - quality for reasonable money
Automobile Kia cerate (Cerato) is the ideal solution for those who do not chase fashion brands and do not want to spend their hard-earned money on brand prestige. In this case, the owner receives a relatively high-quality and comfortable vehicle for the whole family. The body of the model has relatively good corrosion resistance, however, experts recommend treating the hood with additional protection immediately after purchase, otherwise chips from flying road gravel and gravel cannot be avoided.
Very stylish and original design of the exterior and interior create a pleasant impression at first glance at this car. Unlike many competitors in the class, interesting interior finishes with light tones are used here. This is both a plus and a minus - on the one hand, a white or cream interior looks very original, but on the other hand, be prepared for regular visits to the sink and dry cleaning, as the seats and plastic elements quickly get dirty.
In terms of safety, according to the results of the international EuroNCAP test conducted with Cerato in 2006, the result is quite average - 3 out of 5 stars. Of course, this is not the lowest figure, but car owners need to be more careful when they are driving this car.
The main advantage that absolutely everyone is talking about is the price. On average, it is 30% cheaper than Japanese or German competitors.
Advantages:
- Profitable price.
- Variety of motors and equipment.
- Reliability of basic components and assemblies.
- Stylish design and exterior.
Flaws:
- Weak anti-corrosion resistance and lack of galvanizing of the body.
- "Gentle" chassis.
- The appearance of typical "sores" after 100 thousand kilometers.
- Small trunk volume (345 l).
Hyundai Elantra - cars for every day
If you think that it appeared only a few years ago, you are deeply mistaken. The history of this model dates back to 1990, when the first car rolled off the assembly line. And despite the fact that it was called J1 at that time, the main makings of the Elantra could already be traced. In recent history, this Korean car has become one of the most popular and best-selling not only in Asia, but also in Europe and the USA.
The first thing I would like to note about the Hyundai Elantra is unique and inimitable design. It was this bright and, if you like, branded appearance of a Korean that once struck the public and forced them to lay out their honestly earned money. However, in recent years, the concern has not paid much attention to updating the exterior, so many owners note that it is already a little "bored".
Nothing but laudatory words can be said about the interior. Regardless of the year of manufacture and configuration, Hyundai (Hyundai) Elantra always remains pleasant for the driver and passengers. The center console is quite comfortable and informative, and all the elements and controls are placed in such a way that even on the first trip they are used intuitively.
For safety, here are the same 3 stars as Cherato. Given that this is a budget car, which is often bought on credit, in principle, not so bad.
Base engines won't give you any dynamics or speed. Even the 2-litre model is far from pushing everyone to the right on the track. Nevertheless, a favorable price and a wide variety of trim levels allow the Hyundai Elantra to be in the ranking of bestsellers in the domestic automotive market.
Advantages:
- original appearance.
- It is the best offer on the market.
- Good selection of mods and engines.
- Proven Korean quality.
Flaws:
- Little space for rear passengers.
- Weak stabilizer struts for our roads.
- No dynamics (especially compared to turbocharged competitors).
- The body is subject to corrosion.
Similarities and differences
At the beginning of the review, we focused your attention on the fact that both cars are produced in different divisions of the same concern. This forms both similar and different features between them.
For example, the “gluttony” of engines in both Cerato and Elantra can be attributed to general characteristics. Even the most basic 1.6L will consume up to 9 l per 100 km in the urban cycle. A typical weak point of this engine is a poor cooling system and a tendency for rubber hoses to leak. If you are the owner of the Elantra, be sure to pay attention to the cooling radiator, which may require repair or replacement in 2-3 years. Both vehicles are front wheel drive. Models with a manual gearbox most often enter our market, but in Europe you can often find equipment with an automatic gearbox.
Running gear for the Elantra and Cerato are based on a single base (front McPherson, rear multi-link). They have relatively good comfort and even drive relatively well on our roads. With the timely replacement of all necessary consumables, the chassis on these cars can pass up to 150.000 km before requiring replacement.
Now it's time to talk about the differences. In fact, they are not so significant here. First of all, it must be said that the dynamics of the Elantra is only 0.3 seconds faster than that of the Serato. The maximum speed of the Hyundai is 200 km/h, while the Kia accelerates to 190 km/h. According to many owners, the Kia Cerato is quieter and more comfortable, since the Hyundai Elantra has an eternal problem with the noise of the wheel arches. But on the other hand, Hyundai is suitable for those who like a lot of usable space in the trunk, since it is almost 60 liters more than its "brother".
What to choose?
In this case, it is rather difficult to make an unambiguous choice, since both models are approximately the same in many basic characteristics. If you are young and not married, if you do not have a family with which you constantly need to travel to the country on weekends, then you should definitely look at the Hyundai Elantra. On the other hand, when choosing a family car, many prefer the Kia Cerato because of the higher comfort and more free space for rear passengers.
In many ways, individual preferences in detail form the final choice, so it's best to go for a test drive of both models before deciding on a purchase.
Owner reviews about Elantra iv
Review of Hyundai Elantra 1.6 (Hyundai Elantra) 2008
It so happened that the choice fell on the Elantra HD due to the fact that it was urgently necessary to change the car, but nothing else was found at a similar price. Therefore, there was no choice. The car, of course, is an amateur design. I would say that it is not even conservative, but outdated. It's not an aggressive design like the Lancer X that I also drove, not the eye-catching livery of the Solaris and the new generation Elantra (MD). At the same time, these are not conservative Volkswagen and Skoda. Taste and color...
But the car is good. The noise level is better than the Lancer X, but worse than the same Getz 2. First of all, the engine noise is not very noticeable. Either the device itself is like that, or the insulation is excellent. The suspension is soft, rolling, easy to swing. In turns, of course, big rolls. The steering wheel is not very informative. So you need to take this into account when maneuvering at high speed. Also, the car is afraid of a rut. If the track is icy, then you should not drive fast and you will have to hold the steering wheel more firmly (at 80-100 km / h).
Box in the city behaves perfectly. But on the track it can be called thoughtful. As many wrote in their reviews about this 4-speed automatic, when descending into a gear or two down when overtaking, the engine starts to “roar”, and only after a couple of seconds does traction come. Strange effect. Speedometer falters after 90 km/h according to GPS. So 120 km / h at 3000 rpm can hardly be called true. The minimum consumption, which, according to the BC, was achieved is 4.6 l / 100 km. On average, 6-7 l / 100 km comes out on the highway, and 8-10 l / 100 km in the city with a quiet ride. Elantra can be praised for a roomy trunk.
Strengths:
- Soft suspension
- Spacious interior
- Low fuel consumption + 92 gasoline.
- Inexpensive original and non-original spare parts
Weak sides:
- Uninformative steering wheel
- Valka suspension, which is afraid of a rut.
- The rear seats can be folded out only with the help of levers that are located in the trunk.
Review Hyundai Elantra 1.6 (Hyundai Elantra) 2007 Part 2
Hello everyone again. Immediately I ask you to understand and forgive because of the short review and the children's mileage on this car.
It has been 1 year and 5 months since the purchase of the Elantra. During this period, barely dashed off a little more than 27,000 km. The euphoria from the purchase has long passed, and it was not there as such because the car began to be looked at as a means of transportation, and not some kind of fetish.
I got used to the seats after Kia and settled comfortably. The suspension continues to please with its smooth ride. Warm in winter, cool in summer. Due to the size of the cabin, compared to a penny, parents began to ask more often to go somewhere on their business.
Strengths:
- Reliability
- Cost per hour
- unpretentiousness
- Cabin size
- Trunk
- Headlight
Weak sides:
- Lack of Mp3 and USB input on the head unit
Review of Hyundai Elantra 1.6 (Hyundai Elantra) 2006
I bought the Elanta on New Year's Eve, or rather, I took my beauty on December 28, 2006 and immediately drove it 200 km from the city, to the village to my parents) First impressions were amazing, well, in general, like the further use of this car.
I'll start with the suspension, cross-country ability and handling)) In the five years of ownership, I have never got stuck, I drive out of the city about once a week, once every two weeks, and there we have snowdrifts that are far from urban. So I didn't sit anywhere. On the track, the car holds itself amazingly, overtaking, like a glove, stands on the pavement. Even in winter, on clear ice, there was never a sense of danger. The maximum that I overclocked it was 180 km / h, more is just scary, but my husband managed to outdo me by 15 km / h more, total 195)) clapped on the pocket. All maintenance and repairs were carried out on time, which is probably why there were no problems at all with anything !!! Sat down and went.
