The facelifted Kia Cerato has been unmasked… sort of.
An image posted by KoreanCarBlog shows the updated small sedan during what’s believed to be its promotional photoshoot, showing the revised front end, light signature, and the new Kia logo proudly on the nose.
It will touch down in Australia in May 2021.
We can see the front will be flatter than before, the face more aggressive, and the LED daytime-running light signature similar to that of the updated Stinger liftback and the new Kia EV6. New wheels fill the arches on this vehicle too.
As before, sedan and hatchback versions will be offered, with the range likely to be headlined by the flagship GT and its 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol four mated to a seven-speed DCT.
A manual could be on the cards too given Hyundai offers a six-speed stick shift in the i30 N Line variants.
Lower grades in Australia are expected to retain a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, though it’s unclear whether it’ll stick with a conventional six-speed automatic or move to a CVT like the related Seltos crossover and Hyundai Kona.
We’re still yet to see what’s in store for the cabin, but expect mild revisions to include the availability of a 10.25-inch high-res touchscreen for high-grade models, and an 8.0-inch display for base grades with wireless smartphone mirroring.
There could be a revised instrument cluster with the option for a 10.25-inch digitised setup on flagship models, as well as an enhanced driver assist suite allowing for Level 2 autonomy – think adaptive cruise control with Lane Following Assist and front cross-traffic AEB.
Kia should be just days or weeks away from revealing the new Cerato, so stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest ahead of its local launch in May.
While passenger car sales continue to fall in Australia, the Cerato remains Kia’s top seller locally.
A total of 17,559 units found Australian homes in 2020, and it’s currently sitting at 3013 sales to the end of February – making it the third best-selling small passenger vehicle.
The Cerato will retain its name in Australia, and debut the Korean brand’s new company logo Down Under. Elsewhere, Kia will use the K3 name beyond the South Korean and Chinese markets, with the North American model to no longer be called the Forte.
What do you think of the Cerato’s new look? Let us know in the comments
