Emgrand EC7 I vs Cerato II (TD): which is better?
Geely Emgrand EC7 I (2009–2016) vs Kia Cerato II (TD) (2008–2013): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Geely Emgrand EC7 I
Kia Cerato II (TD)Specifications
| Geely Emgrand EC7 I | Kia Cerato II (TD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2009–2016 | 2008–2013 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.8 | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 126 hp | 126 hp |
| Torque, up to | 162 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 635 mm | 4 530 mm |
| Width | 1 789 mm | 1 775 mm |
| Height | 1 470 mm | 1 460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 650 mm | 2 650 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 160 mm |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 52 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 15 075 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Geely Emgrand EC7 I
Pros
- No data
Cons
- Engine Mitsubishi 4G6x/4G18: timing belt and balance shaft belt failure
Engine (Mitsubishi 4G6x/4G18): timing belt and balance shaft belt snapping; worn engine mounts.
Kia Cerato II (TD)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 engine (G4FC, G4FG): catalytic converter breakdown and debris entering the cylinders — scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 (G4FC, G4FG)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders — scoring; timing chain stretch after 150k km; knocking when worn (valves adjusted with shims).
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- Emgrand EC7 I — if you care more about: torque.
- Cerato II (TD) — if you care more about: fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Emgrand EC7 I or Cerato II (TD)?
Emgrand EC7 I: up to 126 hp, Cerato II (TD): up to 126 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Emgrand EC7 I — about 15 075 ₸, Cerato II (TD) — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.