Internationally known as the Forte, Kia has given some revisions to the design of its Cerato sedan and hatchback. Minor interior upgrades have also been included in the revision.
The first thing to notice on the Cerato’s design is the ‘tiger-nose’ grille placed on the redesigned bumper in between the slightly larger headlamps. Extra air intakes also provide more of an aggressive image and looks more inline with the larger Kia Optima. Higher specced models will receive LED daylights. The rear sees less of a redesign on both the sedan and hatchback as just the taillamps and lower end of the bumper have been revised.
The Cerato will be available in three trims. The current EX and SX trims remain as the respectively lower and higher models but placed in between them will be the S model for those who wish for a sporty image. This will feature a ‘sport-tuned’ suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip. Interior additions will feature black cloth seats with white contrasting stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Top spec Cerato SX models will receive smart key with perimeter approach lighting and front door pocket lighting, new 17-inch alloy wheels and dynamic bending light technology controlled by the steering system as seen in the Optima. Interior additions include leather seats with heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat with a two-position memory setting, dual-zone automatic temperature, rear vents and a push-button start.
The upcoming Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will also be making an appearance on later models through the new seven-inch touch screen UVO3 telematics infotainment system. All trim levels also receive driver mode selection as standard giving patrons the option of the usual normal, Eco or sport.
In addition to this the Cerato will also provide safety options such as autonomous emergency braking, front collision warning, lane change warning, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, lane change assist, and wear-cross traffic alert.
Engine options remain the same, however the addition of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has been added into the works. Whether it replaces the current six-speed automatic transmission is uncertain.
Granted this information is directed at the American market based Kia Forte it is likely that future local Cerato models will find these same enhancements. When this will happen is yet to be revealed.