Kia Cerato Sets New Pace in Class

The Kia Cerato has been the Korean brand's top seller for some time now, largely thanks to its sharp pricing and industry-leading seven-year factory warranty.
Gaining a more sophisticated design influenced by the Kia Stinger, the 2019 Cerato remains one of the most appealing, affordable vehicles on the market.
Both the interior and exterior of the Kia Cerato are enhanced for 2019. Overall vehicle length is increased, allowing for extra passenger legroom and headroom, as well as increased cargo room in the trunk. A standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment center with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is new, as well as the option for a wireless device charging tray.

Three trim levels are available on the 2019 Kia Cerato: LX, S, and EX. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque delivers power to the front wheels in all models. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, with the option for a newly developed continuously variable transmission (CVT) (standard on S and EX trims).
However, as long as the Toyota Corolla stays at the top of the world’s largest selling cars list as a beacon of hope, there will still be enough automakers still spending time and resources to develop, build and market compact saloons. Kia appears to be one of those manufacturers that does not look at sales growth rates but at current statistics and believes that the passenger car market is still one that will reward players. So, it makes sense that Kia has made a substantial effort in redesigning and overhauling its Corolla rival, the Cerato for the 2019 model year.

Styled at Kia’s American design centre in California, the all-new model sports a much sleeker, more dynamic design that has taken obvious cues from the awesome Stinger GT sports saloon. Much like its larger sibling, the new Cerato gets a long bonnet and longer front overhang and a short rear deck connected by a sloping roofline, lending it a visibly athletic fastback profile. The signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille and large lower air intakes add to the aggressive countenance, while the LED daytime running lights give it a more upmarket appearance than before. While the wheelbase remains the same as before at 2,700mm, there’s been an increase of 80mm in overall length, which stands at 4,640mm now. Overall height has also been increased a tad to 1,440mm. Out back, the tail lamp cluster also gets a redesign, with the two sides joined above the license plate adding to the impression of increased width.

The cabin too receives updates inspired by the Stinger, featuring a wider dashboard with cleaner lines overall and less clutter than before thanks to the reduced number of buttons and knobs. The circular air vents that are similar to the Stinger’s and the red and black two-tone seats give the cabin an aura of sportiness while soft touch materials used all around add to its overall refinement. It is also one of the most practical and comfortable cabins in its class now, with headroom 985mm in the front and 952mm in the rear, 1,073mm legroom up front and 906mm of legroom at the back. Cargo space also goes up to 502 litres from the previous 482 litres with the 60:40 split-fold rear seat backs contributing to further flexibility.

Marketing Manager, Kia Motors Nigeria, Jimoh Olawale disclosed  that the car will build on the success and market acceptance of the previous models.  The 2019 Kia Cerato has been redesigned with an entirely new aesthetic, taking the model a notch higher in its segment with its refined sporty exterior and forward-thinking technologically embedded interior, the sedan is set on a path to redefine the standards of sedans in the country,” he said.
The front end is more aggressive with a new sturdy version of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille and a Stinger-esque headlamp design, while the Cerato is the first model in its class to come equipped with full LED headlamps. The cowl point, base of the windshield, has been moved back to afford a more athletic and well-grounded stance.

The rear bumpers are designed to look connected – Much like the Kia Sportage compact crossover, the Cerato now has a sleek horizontal trim piece that connects to the LED taillights. Gaining a more sophisticated design influenced by the Kia Stinger, the 2019 Cerato remains one of the most appealing, affordable vehicles on the market.
As outstanding as its exterior design, the Cerato’s interior has been redesigned to provide an enhanced sense of spaciousness. In order to treat both driver and passengers to a more comfortable ride, the overall length, width, and height of the Cerato have been increased to allow for more head and legroom, as well as cargo room in the trunk, offers a “class above” interior plus a higher level of comfort, fuel efficiency, and advanced driver assistance technology.

Drawing inspiration from the Stinger, the horizontal layout of the dashboard paints a picture of a wider interior. Minimizing clutter with clean lines and minimal buttons that are intuitively placed below an 8-inch touchscreen, adds a sense of openness to the Cerato’s high-tech look.
A more versatile, high-end sedan with an eye-catching design, the third-generation Cerato is more attractive to drivers seeking a compact sedan that can accommodate a versatile, active lifestyle.

Also noteworthy are the new Cerato’s structural and safety enhancements. While the outgoing Cerato was already impressive from a safety standpoint, the new 2019 model features increased chassis rigidity and higher-quality steel in hopes of achieving its highest safety test ratings yet. And although the Cerato sedan has for quite some time presented an impressive value proposition, it continues to get even better for 2019.

September 28, 2018