IN October last year I wrote how far Kia had come in the Australian car market, but still had a way to go in terms of matching the quality of its competitors.

That was a reaction to a week of driving a Cerato that had a few interior fit problems. Well we`ve just driven another Cerato and, just nine months on, the change is almost unfathomable.

How much better is it? Let me sum it up like this. The Cerato could well be Australia`s best buy in this price bracket.

Why the big change of heart? Well, for one, there were no obvious interior fit problems.

But by far and away was the amazingly solid feel of the car - with a fellow scribe who drove the car offering the backhanded compliment of "it doesn`t feel like a Kia".

It has a special feeling of safety and comfort that usually only comes with much larger and more expensive offerings. "Tighter" is the word.

It was also super-quiet at highway speeds, showed plenty of poise with its handling, and was incredibly economical. Perhaps if you were commuting this could be a contender after all?

It also comes with an impressive array of standard features with cruise control, heated power mirrors, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, CD player with six speakers, front and rear armrests with lockers and cup holders.

These features come with the price of $18,990 driveaway for the five-speed manual and an extra $2000 for the four-speed automatic.

Cerato is one of the roomiest interiors in this class in actual figures, but also feels much more spacious than many of its competitors due to a clever shape and layout. Boot volume is 348 litres, which will handle two large suitcases and a couple of overnight bags as well: again, more to due with smarter shape than just the cold hard figures.

This use of space inside doesn`t equate to a "blocky" car on the outside though, with some subtle styling lines lifting the appearance of its smooth shape.

Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre DOHC engine has enough to keep most happy - just topping the 100kW mark - and the automatic we tested is a nice match to its power and torque.

Possibly the only thing lacking with Kia`s surprise packet is the lack of optional ABS.

Considering the first Cerato we tested left a little to be desired, there might be a few gremlins, but these would most likely be on very early plated models and should be well out of the new car system by now. Nonetheless, your purchase decision should take this into account.

All in all the Cerato is an outstanding not-so-little performer.