Kia has given the Cerato a mid-life spruce-up

Thursday, 22 April 2021

The new-look Cerato (badged K3 in Korea) looks quite a bit sharper and crisper than before.

The Kia Cerato has been given an update, consisting of fresh looks and more technology.

Kia has given its resident hatchback a new face, with sharper LED headlights, a crisper grille and new low-mounted fog lights. Around the back, there are slightly different LED taillights and Kia’s new logo.

Kia's latest design language is called 'Opposites United', first seen on the new EV6.

Range-topping GT variants get a red-accented grille and red detailing on the lower front intakes, GT badging on both ends, black mirror caps, a different rear bumper with twin exhausts and 18-inch alloy wheels with more red touches.

Inside will be a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment screen the same size with Kia’s latest software including sat-nav, over-the-air updates and touch-sensitive buttons.

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There’s a lot of red accents for GT variants, both inside and outside the car.

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Around back are new taillights, Kia’s rejigged logo and twin exhausts on GT models.

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These seem to be for GT models only, with other models sticking with an 8.0-inch centre touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display.

Cerato GTs also get unique leather seat trim with red stitching, red ambient lighting, a flat-bottomed cerato, metallic wheels and paddle shifters.

Technology has been buffed with the inclusion of an electronic parking brake, a six-speaker Krell audio system, heated and ventilated leatherette seats, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, remote start and a sunroof.

It’s unclear which of these will come standard and what will be optional – hopefully we’ll get some local information on that front soon.

Under the bonnet of the GT will be the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder as there was previously, sending 150kW and 265Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission only.

The range-topper also gets Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber, independent multi-link rear suspension, Bilstein front shocks, performance front brakes and an “electronic sound generator” that plays synthetic engine sounds through the speakers.

Lesser models are expected to retain the 112kW/192Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine but Kia may swap its six-speed automatic for a CVT transmission.

Local information should be released in the near future.