Popular Kia Cerato upgrades safety and style

The Cerato range enjoys an impressive pedigree on the global stage, sitting comfortably within the top-three Kia models sold worldwide. It is also the leading non-SUV Kia model from a sales perspective.

The most notable new element to the updated Cerato is its striking new brand motif; the first Kia seen in New Zealand sporting the company’s redesigned logo. In keeping with its dynamic badge, the new Cerato range’s exterior styling is more assertive compared with its predecessor, with all variants in the range have benefitted from various upgrades. These are most evident however on the GT; undoubtably the star of the show.

Exterior enhancements on the sports-themed GT include LED headlights and taillights as well as daytime running lights, a front grille with red accents and dual exhaust tips at the rear.

The cabin environment of the GT offers a cosseted feel for driver and passengers.  A sporty D-Shape Performance Steering Wheel with paddle shifters, together with metallic pedals, accentuates the performance characteristics. Heated and ventilated leather sports bucket seats feature as standard in the front, while the driver is afforded the extra luxury of eight-way power adjustment with two-way lumbar support with memory function, to help achieve the best possible driving position.

The Cerato GT offers engaging performance thanks to a responsive 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine capable of generating 150kW peak power delivered with assistance from a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

To further enhance the GT’s all-round drivability, the latest iteration features fully independent, sports-tuned suspension which is unique to the model. It also rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. 

Interior appointment helps ensure all Cerato models offer impressive levels of comfort, offering a refined and enjoyable space for the driver and up to four passengers.

Convenience is enhanced with the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, while a cavernous cargo area with capacity of 1,335-litres with the rear seats down adds to the versatility of the liftback body-style, enabling large or bulky items to be transported with ease.

All Cerato models receive the 4.2" Colour TFT LCD Supervision Cluster driver information display and, as with the GT model, both the LX Plus and Deluxe feature the 10.25" Colour LCD infotainment with Touchscreen functionality.

Comforts found in the Deluxe and GT include dual-zone air conditioning, leather trim and heated front seats, plus a myriad of seating adjustment options for driver and front passenger with the added convenience of a Power Driver’s Seat in the Deluxe model, plus Memory function in the GT.

And as to be expected, a comprehensive suite of safety features is standard and contribute to the Cerato range achieving a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Among key features found on all models are Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (with car, pedestrian, and cyclist detection), Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, Parking Sensors and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

• LX $31,990 (plus ORCs)
• LX Plus $35,990 (plus ORCs)
• Deluxe $38,990 (plus ORCs)
• GT $42,990 (plus ORCs)