All-new Third Generation Kia Cerato Sedan Revealed

To coincide with the unveiling of the all-new Kia Cerato(Forte) on Wednesday at the LA Motor Show, Kia has revealed details of the version for other export markets outside of North America. This model is scheduled to go on sale during the first quarter of 2013 at Kia dealerships in many countries around the world.

The third-generation Cerato boasts sleeker styling with ‘dynamic muscularity’ in a design that is longer, lower and wider than the current car, with an extended wheelbase.  It also features an all-new bodyshell, upgraded equipment, a host of additional convenience and safety features, a more spacious cabin with enhanced quality, improved refinement and an upgraded powertrain line-up that delivers class-leading performance and fuel economy.

Designed at Kia’s American Design Center in Irvine, California under the direction of  Peter Schreyer, the new Cerato has cab-forward styling, a coupe-like roofline, distinctive concave door contours and a rising beltline with chrome molding extending into the C-pillar to project an aura of elegance.  Careful attention to surface detailing and airflow-smoothing panels beneath the car have cut the sedan’s aerodynamic drag to Cd 0.27 (down from 0.29).

Compared with second-generation, new Cerato is longer, lower and wider with the wheelbase extended by 50 mm to become the longest in class – now the same as Kia’s Sorento SUV.  Trunk capacity is increased to 421 liters (SAE) – the largest in class.

Nature’s flowing shapes inspire cabin design

The interior design of new Cerato concentrates on sportiness and adopts nature’s ebbs and flows as a motif.  The sweeping curve of the center stack is reinforced by carbon-look trim and for enhanced elegance, soft-touch materials are applied to the upper and center door trims, dashboard, and door armrests.

Interior comfort is enhanced by lowering the cabin floor and the seats, and by fitting wider front seat cushions with an increased cushion angle for greater thigh support.  A choice of black one-tone and gray two-tone cloth or leather upholstery, and two optional ‘color packs’ featuring brown and black or white and black leather, will be offered.

Available options (depending on model) include 10-way powered and ventilated driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, leather upholstery, powered glass tilt-and-slide sunroof, smart keyless entry with engine start/stop button, Xenon headlamps, Bluetooth® hands-free system with remote controls, manual and dual-zone climate control automatic air-conditioning.

A smoother ride with enhanced safety

While the specification of the new Cerato’s suspension is unchanged, it has been fine-tuned to improve agility, shock absorbance and refinement.  The suspension’s geometry is modified to deliver improved steering feel.

To maximize occupant protection the new bodyshell incorporates 63% of high-strength steel with three additional cross members and greatly strengthened B-pillars.  Torsional rigidity of the bodyshell is increased improving safety, refinement, ride comfort and steering precision.

Following the introduction of the all-new Cerato sedan, five-door hatchback and two-door coupe variants of the new generation model will go on sale in the second half of 2013.