Raising a Sting

What we like:

Sharp exterior styling

Butt coolers are a great plus in our tropical climate

Plenty of boot space

What we dislike:

Engine comes across as a little too weak at low rpms

Smart Trunk System not such a smart idea

The new car is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6 litre engine producing 130bhp, and running on a six-speed automatic, which are carry-overs from the previous model. Power is good for 130bhp and maximum torque of 155Nm is realised at 4,850rpm.

The engine comes across as a little too weak at low rpms, and you will often need to rev the car way past 3,000rpms to get some oomph. There is however that sweet spot past 4,000rpms, and thanks to the variable valve timing, and the engine does spin up from then on very willingly.

Its 6-speed automatic is well-spaced enough, and one of the rare times for a Korean brand, the brakes are actually adequate.

Fuel economy is claimed to be at 14.7km/l. But from our experience, you may just scrape that if you were to drive the car at a snail’s pace. Its 12.1 second century sprint is nothing to shout about, and you might just find yourself holding the throttle halfway down very often during your daily commute.

While there are those sporty looking 17” rims on the car, and it does look the part, the Cerato is tuned for comfort. That said handling is decently good, and the ride definitely comfortable.

The SX retails at $86,999* which delivers all the frills you could possibly ask for in a family 3-box (sans performance), and while it may come across as an attractive buy, the price is pretty close to some of the Japanese and even Continental competition albeit a little less kit.

Right at the point of entry is the L trim, which retails for a dollar less than $80k*. An attractive deal, if you are fine without that 8” touchscreen, and butt cooling; the rims are smaller 15” units which are a good thing, if cheaper tyre replacement cost sits well with you.

*prices accurate at time of publication

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