Cerato IV (BD) vs Jetta VII: which is better?
Kia Cerato IV (BD) (2018–present) vs Volkswagen Jetta VII (2018–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Cerato IV (BD)
Volkswagen Jetta VIISpecifications
| Kia Cerato IV (BD) | Volkswagen Jetta VII | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2018–present | 2018–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 | 1.4 TSI |
| Power, up to | 150 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 192 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 640 mm | 4 702 mm |
| Width | 1 800 mm | 1 799 mm |
| Height | 1 450 mm | 1 458 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 686 mm |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 50 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Cerato IV (BD)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 engine (G4NA, G4NB): cylinder scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 (G4NA, G4NB)): cylinder scoring; increased oil consumption; catalytic converter debris.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Volkswagen Jetta VII
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI): water pump and thermostat module leaks
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI)): water pump and thermostat module leak; turbo wastegate rattle.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- Cerato IV (BD) — if you care more about: wheelbase.
- Jetta VII — if you care more about: torque, 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: Cerato IV (BD) or Jetta VII?
Cerato IV (BD): up to 150 hp, Jetta VII: up to 150 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Cerato IV (BD) — about 16 475 ₸, Jetta VII — about 8 650 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.