KIA has launched the third generation of its Cerato sedan. As with the previous model, the sedan variant has been released in advance of the bigger-selling hatch. However, this time the delay will be minimal with the five-door due within the next two or three months. The upgraded two-door coupe version, sold as the Kia Koup, will be released late in the year.
Ironically the Cerato launch came on the same day that GM-Holden announced significant job cuts at its Adelaide factory, primarily because its locally made Cruze is struggling to compete against imported cars such as the Cerato because of the high value of the Australian dollar.
Despite recent price cuts the entry-level Cruze is still $1500 dearer than the comparable Cerato in a price-sensitive and competitive market.
The new Kia Cerato sedan is longer, wider and lower than the outgoing model with shorter overhangs. All of which make for a sleeker styling aimed at the 20-something buyer. It’s also lighter by an average of 50 kilograms for reduced fuel consumption.
Although it’s classified as a small passenger car, the Cerato is a genuine mid-sized family sedan.
The price of the entry-level Cerato S ($19,990 plus on-road costs) is only $600 more than the outgoing model but that’s not an apples-for-apples comparison because it now comes with a smaller engine, with a new 1.8-litre replacing the previous 2.0-litre unit.
