IT must be tough being a carmaker. Just when you think everything is going your way, the goalposts move.

And so it seems with the latest offering, the Cerato.

The four-door sedan with so much promise hit the Aussie market with a price tag of $18,990 - $1000 cheaper than the super-price competitive Nissan Pulsar - and all looked rosy.

Enter the September sales campaign from Pulsar and what happens? $18,990 with air.

The Cerato does have power mirrors and cruise control, but no ABS. Metallic paint`s $50 dearer on the Pulsar, but that`s about it.

The Kia Cerato replaces all versions of the Kia Spectra, Mentor and Shuma and brings with it some technological advancements that stand it head and shoulders above those it supersedes.

It must be said that the Cerato has a "fresh" feel about it, inside and out, and also in the way it drives.

Inside, the plastics seem a little cheap, but at least they are quite bright and airy, which is something that can`t be said about many of the competitors in this class.

And Kia`s packed in the bells and whistles. Cruise control, power steering, 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.

As far as the chassis goes, the Cerato is built on a new platform that has a longer wheelbase and increased length and width.

It also has an all-independent suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars as standard, and rack-and-pinion steering system equipped with engine-speed-sensitive power assist.

Where the Cerato lacks a little is in the fact that it suffers from some understeer and torque steer. It must be said that most front-driven cars of this size do, but the Cerato is just slightly behind the pack.

Size is quite generous with quite a roomy boot as well. In the boot there are quick release levers for the fold down rear seats which expand the load space with a 60/40 split.

One cool feature is a battery saver that monitors the light system and turns off any lights accidentally left on when the car is locked.

All in all, Kia has come a heck of a long way since its introduction in Australia, and the other carmakers may have a fight on their hands to maintain momentum.