Kia Cerato 3 / YD

Kia Cerato 3 debuted at the end of November 2012. Sales in Russia started in March 2013. The Kia Cerato 3 was not offered in Europe. In the United States and Canada, the car was sold under the name Forte. The sedan was called K3 in their homeland. The model was drawn in the California Design Center and received a more dynamic look than its predecessor. Compared to the second generation, the Serato 3 is 30 mm longer, 5 mm wider and 15 mm lower. The wheelbase stretched 50 mm, making it one of the largest in the class – 2700 mm. Exactly the same amount can be measured between the axes of the second generation Sorento. The increase in size has had a positive impact on the interior space. Passengers have a 482-liter trunk. Until November 2014, Kia Cerato 3 for the Russian market was assembled by a large-node method at the Kaliningrad Avtotor (since February 2013). Then the company began to produce cars on a full cycle with welding and painting the body. The restyled version was introduced in 2015 and became available in Russia in 2016. Of the notable improvements, we can note modified optics, radiator grille and bumpers. Despite the appearance in 2019 of the next fourth generation of the model, the sedan continued to be assembled until May 2020 under the name Cerato Classic. In the crash tests, only the American version - the Forte 2014 model year - was lit up. Unfortunately, the result, according to the specialists of IIHS (Insurance Institute of road safety of the USA), was mixed. When the frontal impact with a small 25 percent overlap strongly deformed the driver's seat, and the steering column moved to the right, because of which the head of the dummy did not fall into the airbag. In the mid-over impact, no comments were made.

Engines

Two petrol-powered, aspirated engines of 1.6 l/130 hp (Gamma/G4FG series) and 2.0 l/150 hp (Nu/G4NA series) were offered to choose from.

Both engines have a fairly long-lasting chain drive valve timing. The gaps of the valves in 1.6 are controlled mechanically by selecting pushers. The 2-liter unit uses hydraulic compensators.

Many owners of Cerato 3 are concerned about the longevity of the catalyst located in the exhaust manifold. When it is destroyed, there is a risk of ceramic dust entering the engine, which leads to the appearance of bullies on the walls of the cylinders, and subsequently to increased oil consumption.

In fact, when controlling the condition with an endoscope, traces of the beginning of destruction are detected on the surface of the catalyst (usually after 60-100 thousand km). However, when inspecting the cylinders, strips resembling bullies can also be found.

And yet, it is worth admitting that there are no mass cases of major repairs of engines due to the destruction of the catalyst, which led to nightmarish bullies and oil-gluttons.

However, many owners are rushing to get rid of the catalyst. The full cost of the procedure with the installation of a flame arrester and reflashing of the engine ECU is about 10 000 rubles. You can recoup part of the amount by handing over the catalyst to the point of reception for processing. The neutralizer contains precious metals.

It is believed that the 2-liter engine is less prone to the problem of catalyst failure.

Transmissions

The smaller of the engines was combined with both 6-speed mechanics and a 6-speed automatic. the 2-liter engine was paired exclusively with a 6-band automatic.

Difficulties with the speed switching of the M6CF1 manual box or the clutch pedal lift may occur after 50-100 thousand km. The culprit is a worn plastic stem of the pusher of the main clutch cylinder (700 rubles).

Factory clutch replacement is sometimes required after 100,000 km - usually due to the squeezable bearing. The new clutch set is available for 6-7 thousand rubles. Approximately the same amount in the service will be asked for work.

The A6MF1 automatic transmission is very reliable, provided that the oil is changed regularly (every 50-60,000 km). However, there are observations - tangible tremors during braking. The disadvantage can be overcome by updating the program of the control unit of the machine (about 3000 rubles).

Walking

The short-range suspension lacks energy intensity. It's easily punched on irregularities. Serato 3 "to like" flat roads with smooth turns.

Silent blocks of front levers (400-500 rubles) usually reach 100-150 thousand km. Ball supports (700-900 rubles) are sometimes given a little earlier due to torn anther.

Silent blocks of the rear beam (800-1300 rubles) run over 200,000 km.

Front hub bearings can sound after 80-120 thousand km. The cost of the bearing is 1-2 thousand rubles and about 1000 rubles replacement work.

Shock absorbers usually serve at least 100,000 km.

An electric powertrain is used in steering. After the restyling, it was modernized. There were also complaints of noise when the steering wheel was rotating. When contacting the service, dealers changed the steering column in the collection with EUR.

Other problems and malfunctions

Body iron Cerato 3 is not prone to corrosion. However, often on the roof and front pillars there were swelling of paint, and chips in these places soon bloomed. The problem is typical for many models of the brand, and already in several generations. When contacting the official service during the warranty period, the defective elements were repainted.

There were also comments on the quality of the Russian assembly. For example, the gaps of the hood and trunk lid were not carefully exhibited. In addition, the door handles were broken due to the overstretched fasteners.

In some cases, water was found in the trunk. It usually penetrated through the seals of the lights and the trunk lid.

On the rim of the steering wheel, scuffs sometimes appeared after 30-60 thousand km. During the warranty period, the steering wheel was changed, otherwise, for the reworking of the steering wheel, it was necessary to pay 3-5 thousand rubles.

Among the faults there are problems with the driver's windows (typical for pre-restyling samples). It could also have been a sleeve-upper.

Engines

• However, when inspecting the cylinders, strips resembling bullies can also be found.
• And yet, it is worth admitting that there are no mass cases of major repairs of engines due to the destruction of the catalyst, which led to nightmarish bullies and oil-gluttons.
• It is believed that the 2-liter engine is less prone to the problem of catalyst failure.

Transmissions

• Difficulties with the speed switching of the M6CF1 manual box or the clutch pedal lift may occur after 50-100 thousand km.
• Factory clutch replacement is sometimes required after 100,000 km - usually due to the squeezable bearing.

Other problems and malfunctions

• Body iron Cerato 3 is not prone to corrosion.
• The problem is typical for many models of the brand, and already in several generations.
• On the rim of the steering wheel, scuffs sometimes appeared after 30-60 thousand km.
• Among the faults there are problems with the driver's windows (typical for pre-restyling samples).

Kia Serato 3 is worth a look. Fear of serious problems with the engine is not worth it. The main thing is not to save on fuel and maintenance. The rest of the faults are insignificant and easily remedied.

• Engines: And yet, it is worth admitting that there are no mass cases of major engine repairs due to the destruction of the catalyst, which led to nightmarish bullies and oil-gluttons.
• Transmissions: Difficulties with the speed switching of the M6CF1 manual box or the clutch pedal back-to-back may occur after 50-100 thousand km.
• Driving: Short-sized suspension lacks energy intensity. It's easily punched on irregularities.
• Other problems and malfunctions: Body iron Cerato 3 is not prone to corrosion.

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