The Kia Cerato is a compact car manufactured and marketed by the South Korean car manufacturer Kia since 2003. The Kia Cerato has an appealing European-style look with sporty and modern exteriors, making it a good sedan from the outside. In addition, it provides many useful features, especially those driving assist functions. You can enjoy a quiet and comfortable ride quality in the car. If you just need a car for daily use, not performance, it should be on your purchase list.
History of the Kia Cerato
First Generation Kia Cerato (LD; 2003–2008)
The Kia Cerato was introduced in South Korea in 2003, sharing a platform with the Hyundai Elantra (XD) and using Hyundai's Beta II (G4GC) (CVVT-enabled) four-cylinder engine. It replaced the Sephia/Mentor sedan and Shuma hatchback. In North America, the "Spectra" name was used when introduced for the 2004 model year, with "Spectra5" designating the hatchback. For Latin American markets, the Cerato was still named Sephia until 2005, when it was discontinued in favor of the name Spectra. In Europe, the Cerato was replaced by the Kia Cee'd. For the Malaysian market, the first generation Spectra was launched in Malaysia on August 15, 2007, as the "Spectra5" available only with one trim level and with the hatchback body style powered by a 1.6L, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC CVVT engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Facelift
In 2006, a facelift version was introduced, including revised Gamma engines. Stylistically, the bumper and headlamps lost their pronounced crease near the grille area, the trunk lid became more rounded, and the tail lights were reshaped.
Second Generation Kia Cerato (TD; 2008–2012)
The second generation Kia Cerato was launched in South Korea in late 2008 under the Kia Forte name – a name that was used in most international markets. The "Cerato" name has been retained in some markets, such as Australia, the Middle East, South Africa, and Brazil. In Singapore, the second generation model is badged "Kia Cerato Forte".
Third Generation Kia Cerato (YD; 2012–2018)
Kia released images of the third generation Cerato for the 2014 model year in late July 2012, when the company revealed its Korean-market counterpart, Kia K3. The car is completely redesigned with a lower, wider, and longer stance.
Fourth Generation Kia Cerato (BD; 2018–Present)
The fourth generation Cerato was unveiled as the Forte on January 15, 2018, at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.
Entering its third generation, a more sophisticated design, and desirable features transform one of Kia's best-selling vehicles into something more than a compact car for taking people going from one point to another. Thanks to a number of improvements, Cerato now offers greater driver comfort, fuel economy, and advanced driver assistance technologies.
Price
Kia retails the 2023 Kia Cerato with a starting MSRP of $25,990 for the base model, rising to $35,790 for the top-of-the-line variant in Hatchback and Sedan body types.
Features of the Kia Cerato
Exterior Features
Now the front bumper looks sportier and more fashionable, you may notice that its fog lights are not set on both sides of the bumper like other cars. The shape of the profile looks better and more aerodynamic, also more European. Especially the 17-inch alloy wheels fit the car very well, making it more appealing.
Interior Features
Kia Cerato has an all-new 8-inch LCD touchscreen that offers Apple CarPlay connectivity and can control the audio system, it gives you a wide range of connectivity alternatives. The screen also shows the view of the rearview camera and offers dynamic guidelines to help the driver reverse. There is a digital screen on the instrument cluster to let the driver know some information about the vehicle. It's a 1780mm wide and 4560mm long sedan with a wheelbase of 2.7 meters, which means you don't need to worry about you won't get enough room inside the car. For normal people, the space is big enough, but just not so friendly for those who are tall.
Specs and Performance of the Kia Cerato
Engines:
- 1.4L Kappa II T-GDi I4
- 1.5L Smartstream G1.5 MPi I4
- 1.6L Gamma II MPi I4
- 1.6L Smartstream G1.6 MPi I4
- 1.6L Gamma II T-GDi I4
- 2.0L Nu MPi I4
- 1.6L Smartstream G1.6 GDi PHEV I4
- 1.6L Smartstream D1.6 CRDi I4
The Kia Cerato's 2.0L engine delivers 147 hp (110 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb-ft (179 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. Kia marketed the Cerato as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, and it was available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Kia Cerato accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (0–100 kph) in 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 121 mph (195 kph). Dimension-wise, the Kia Cerato sedan measures 4,640 mm (182.7 in) long, 1,800 mm (70.9 in) wide, and 1,440 mm (56.7 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,700 mm (106.3 in) and has a curb weight of 2,712–2,789 lbs (1,230–1,265 kg).
Release Date
Kia has been producing the Kia Cerato since 2003 with different nameplates internationally: K3, Forte K3, Shuma, and Forte. The carmaker released the latest variant, the Cerato GT, on January 10, 2022.