Kia Cerato 1.6 KX – new base model available, RM90k

Naza Kia has quietly introduced the Kia Cerato 1.6 KX, a new base trim for the sharply-designed C-segment sedan. The KX retains high equipment levels while dropping the price a full RM10,000 over the regular 1.6 model to RM89,888 on the road with insurance, but a fair few compromises have been made in the process.
Those compromises aren’t very noticeable when you look outside – the only changes to the exterior over the regular Cerato 1.6 are the removal of the chrome window strip and LED combination tail lights, the latter replaced by conventional bulb items.

Inside, the changes are a little more apparent. The dual-zone automatic climate control has been replaced by a manual single-zone unit, auto-levelling headlights have been replaced by manual controls and you can say goodbye to the aluminium pedals, electric seats with memory, gear shift paddles, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and soft touch upper door trims.
What you do still get are keyless entry, push-button start, auto headlights, cruise control, rear air-con vents, Flex Steer adjustable weight for the steering, front and rear parking sensors and a reverse camera. The KX also receives a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a feature the rest of the range should also be getting (the grey regular Cerato 1.6 you see in some of these pictures had it too).

Mechanicals remain unchanged from the regular 1.6, so the 130 PS/157 Nm Gamma 1.6 litre D-CVVT four-cylinder and six-speed automatic gearbox are retained.
Most affected by the bargain price tag, however, is the safety equipment. The KX loses curtain and side airbags, dropping the airbag count from six to just two, while traction and stability control have also been taken out. You do still get ABS with EBD and Brake Assist and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.

The KX is available in the same five colours as the rest of the Cerato range, and also comes with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
So, do you think the changes in equipment are fair considering the drop in price? Give us your opinions in the comments section after the jump.