Kia Cerato

Kia has just released an all new Forte saloon.  The new Kia is actually a new model of the car, which is sold in Kenya as the Cerato. The new saloon will be offered in two trims. There is the LX and EX variants. 

Kia Cerato

It has an aggressive stance, broad shoulders and a windshield that can only be described as sporty. Dramatically swept headlight lenses cut deeply into the front fenders and incorporate projector headlamps. LED positioning lights create distinct eyebrows.

Front cockpit

The lower side slants inwards to give the car a taut, nimble appearance without diminishing its road presence. Around back, the up-kicked fender line and trunk design, with its deep horizontal crease, lend width and charisma while allowing the complex curves of the tail lights to flow over the rear.

Rear seats

The 1.8 litre MPI inline four-cylinder engine found in the LX engine has an output of 148hp and 131 lb. ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels by a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. The EX enhances the driving experience with a 173hp from the 2.0litre GDI engine. Torque is pegged at 154 Nm and the engine comes fitted with a standard six speed automatic transmission.

Large boot

The new Cerato rides on McPherson struts front suspension and a coupled torsion beam rear axle. Steering feel is improved utilizing larger bushings and revised front suspension geometry. Electric power steering has replaced the hydraulic system from the previous model.

Side profile

Optional Flex Steer puts the driver firmly in control with settings for Comfort, Normal and Sport, which vary steering effort at the touch of a steering wheel-mounted button. The LX manual version rides on 15-inch wheels. 16-inch alloy wheels are also available. The top of the range EX model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. Sporty 17-inch alloy wheels with low profile tires are also available. 

Optional sports wheels

Opening the wide doors reveals a cabin sculpted in organic curves. Gentle ripples are visible across the instrument panel. The driver-centric cabin is canted 10 degrees and features high-quality materials and soft touch points. Large, easy-to-read instruments are visible behind the steering wheel while secondary controls fall easily to hand.

Rear design

The optional 4.2-inch color LCD screen rests neatly at the instrument panel between the black and white instrument gauges in the EX version. This provides trip and ancillary vehicle information to the driver. Tasteful chrome bezels ring the HVAC rotary knobs and the optional push-button start.

Stylish rear wheel

Additional chrome accents, standard Bluetooth hands free phone integration and power window mirrors are also fitted.  Optional leather seating trim, power sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents and HID head lights help enhance the Kia Cerato updated looks. The car goes on sale from next year. Expect it on Kenyan shores as from next year.