The new Kia Cerato’s main features include a 2.0-litre engine, tiptronic transmission, stability control and a five-star safety package.
It’s new look has been named the ‘Schrayer Line’ by the Korean manufacturer, based on designer Peter Schreyer’s philospohy of “the simplicity of a straight line” – sharp, sculptural lines that look as if the car is moving even when standing still.
The look is enhanced by the longer overall length and wheelbase, wider track and lower roofline.
The Cerato also features the new Tiger-nose front grille that is being adopted on all Kia models.
New Cerato is more than just a grand design. It’s built on an all-new platform created for the award-winning Kia cee’d in Europe, which has been further refined for Cerato, then equipped with a dynamic independent suspension and steering package to provide sharp handling and roadholding.
Equipment includes ESP stability control and six airbags standard on all models. Also, a 6-speaker MP3/USB/iPod entertainment system.
The new Theta II CVVT petrol engine delivers 116kW @ 6200rpm and an impressive torque force of 194Nm @ 4300rpm – 15% more power and 7% more torque than the previous Cerato.
A tiptronic-type automatic suspension is standard on the new Cerato range, featuring a new gate shift pattern and a sports mode that enables the driver to select gear changes manually.
The 2009 Kia Cerato has a new suspension arrangement, using a sub-frame with MacPherson Struts at the front and a Coupled Torsion Beam at the rear.
Inside, the latest Cerato has a sportier feel, featuring a thick-rimmed, three spoke steering wheel, cylinder-type instruments and symmetrical centre console.
Even with the roof height lowered, the new Cerato boasts more room for its occupants than the previous model. Overall legroom is up 5% and shoulder room is up by an average of 17.5%.
The new Cerato is available in two models. The LX comes with fabric seating materials, air conditioning, power windows, power/heated door mirror, remote central locking, 16-inch alloy wheels (including full spare) and tinted glass, at $28,990.
The upscale Kia Cerato SX model has full leather upholstery (including leather steering wheel and gear knob), trip computer, automatic climate control, 6-cd changer and audio controls on steering wheel, cruise control, rear park assist (which also has a dashboard object indicator to its direction), 17-inch allow wheels with very low 45 profile tyres (including full spare) and front fog lamps, priced at $33,990.
See new and used Kia Cerato for sale here.