Kia Cerato: Smooth, smart and sporty

But more importantly it is a real driver’s car that is pleasure to take for a spin.

It is the kind of vehicle that you go for a drive in simply because you fancy a drive.

And the experience leaves you with a satisfied smile creeping across your face.

The Cerato is a class H car — which is a little surprising — as it does not look like a big family saloon at first glance. But it boasts a powerful two-litre engine, a plush leather interior and plenty of space for the blossoming family.

The Cerato is a brand new Kia model that has only just arrived on the island and is currently in the show room of Bermuda Motors in Hamilton.

It starts at $36,000 and you get good value for your dollar with Kia.

The automatic gearbox suits Bermuda’s roads and takes the stress out of shifting up and down the gears in heavy traffic or the open road.

If you want a little bit more control this Kia offers you the option of the Step-tronic alternative. But you really do not need it because the gear changes are smooth and inconspicuous.

When you slot the gearbox into reverse a smart little camera image appears in your rear view mirror.

This is a great little feature which makes parking and reversing around a corner much easier and a lot safer too.

Another great feature this Kia sports is the push button start.

There is no traditional turn of the key in the ignition.

The keys you get when you buy this Kia are not keys at all — they are a bit like plastic tokens. Anyway these plastic tokens have to be in the car when you hit the start button and your foot has to be on the brake too.

Compressing the ignition button sparks this purring machine into action. The hum of the engine is barely audible when you are inside the car — and when you are driving it is remarkable how quiet the ride is.

The Cerato’s steering wheel offers you a couple of extra accessories on top of the indicator, lights and windscreen wiper paddles.

There is a gear paddle you can use if you are in Step-tronic mode.

And you can also change your stereo settings without taking your hands too far away from the steering wheel.

Kias always come complete with the latest in driving technology and the Cerato is no different.

It offers a Bluetooth hands-free function for your cellphone. That means you can chat and drive safely and will not succumb to the temptation of putting your Blackberry to your ear when it rings.

It also boasts a USB connection socket for your laptop computer and an iPod adapter so you can stream your favourite songs into the stereo system.

There are front and back electric windows, which can all be controlled by the driver and a quick and efficient air conditioning system.

The unit also provides heating when it gets a bit chilly in the winter.

Not only does the Cerato look safe and robust it also comes with the Anti-lock Braking System, which gives you great control.

There are airbags for the driver and passenger as well as central locking.

And a nifty alarm system allows you to secure the vehicle when you park up.

This Kia sports a lot of the little features that come as standard in many cars these days like cup-holders and remote controlled wing mirrors. The CD stereo system is simple but offers good sound quality.

The Cerato boasts a plush leather interior with a smart silver chrome finish.

There are lots of little storage compartments inside and a spacious trunk that can hold all your shopping if you are on your way to town.

And you can easily fit three people in the back seat, which could make this car very popular with families.

Michael Butler, general manager, Bermuda Motors, said: “The Cerato will surprise a lot of people looking for a practical hatchback.

“The sports styling is no coincidence — it handles more like a high performance car — but it has plenty of room inside and standard features like the Bluetooth hands-free phone system make it really good value for a Class H vehicle.”