We’re just past the half way mark on 2018, and so Kia has all the reason it needs to have it’s 2019 Cerato enter stage left. The South Korean automaker’s sedan has received some welcome exterior alterations, new tech and safety kit, as well as a number of improvements in the name of overall refinement.
Now available in Kia showrooms across the country and starting at $19,990, the 2019 Cerato will be available in base S trim, mid-spec Sport, and range-topping Sport+. Buyers can even choose from two optional safety packs and several premium paint schemes.
Kia is rather quick to point out that this facelift of their 3rd-generation Cerato now boasts sportier visual cues taken from their Stinger saloon. Like that model, much of the design work was done between the brand’s styling centres in both Namyang and in California, and it shows.
The result is a Cerato that, aside from the subjective points, measures some 80mm longer than the outgoing model, in large part thanks to its 60mm increase in rear overhang. Curiously, the car is now 5mm higher than before, though this has little effect on its more aggressive looks nor its impressive drag coefficient of 0.27.
Under the bonnet we find no surprises, the Cerato is indeed powered by the four-cylinder petrol used previously, namely the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre producing 112kW and 192Nm. In lower-tier variants, a manual transmission can be had, but is otherwise mated to a 6-speed automatic that sends drive to the front wheels.
While that’s unlikely to send the blood racing, Kia also promises that the new Cerato will be more fun to drive thanks to a shell that’s been made 16 percent stiffer and its electric power steering recalibrated for a more natural feel.
The safety-conscious will appreciate that every variant of the Cerato comes with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) together with forward collision warning, and even lane keep assist. Elsewhere, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is supplied as standard, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There’s even a rear view camera and cruise control thrown in for good measure.
- Cerato S - Manual - $19,990
- Cerato S - Automatic - $21,490
- Cerato Sport - $23,690
- Cerato Sport+ - $26,190
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