The all-new Kia Cerato

Modern and dynamic styling under the guidance of world-renowned Kia global design chief Peter Schreyer, class-leading power, class-leading 4.5 stars Green Vehicle rating, six airbags standard in every model, iPod® compatible audio system, European-standard ride and handling, 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for private buyers, great value and a low entry price - the all-new Kia Spectra/Forte/Cerato has it all.

Many commentators believe that, more than ever, new car buyers want vehicles that reflect positively on them as owners and fulfill wide-ranging applications. Cars need to perform, only lightly touch the environment, look good, deliver on safety, be reliable and be well-appointed.

Kia will bring a range of new and revamped models to the Australian market this year, well-endowed with features, stunning looks and impressive value for money - in essence, cars that deliver on their promise.

First to arrive is the handsome new Kia Spectra/Forte/Cerato, a compact sporty sedan that will meet the needs of many Australian car buyers. The new Cerato is the first Kia released in Australia to feature the new ‘Schreyer line’, a family corporate grille design from the pen of Kia’s global chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, who joined the company in 2006 from the Volkswagen Group.

The new Cerato is the first mass production Kia that embodies his thinking, and introduces a look that is sporty with an element of aggression.

Eye-catching integrity of design is just one factor in new car buyers’ minds. Customers want quality, safety, reliability, value and low total cost of ownership. That’s where the efficiencies of Kia’s highly-developed production facilities are displayed in the all-new Cerato, building cars in a smarter way with more efficient use of materials.

Available in Australia as an entry-level S model or a generously-equipped SLi model, the new Cerato bridges the gap between small and medium cars with the space, performance, features and value that many Australian car buyers are seeking, without having to pay more for a medium-sized car with a larger and less economical engine.

New Cerato features an all-new, efficient 2.0-litre engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for class-leading power and torque, delivering the pulling power and responsiveness of a 2.2-litre engine without the fuel consumption of a bigger engine.

Like all new Kia vehicles now sold in Australia, the new Cerato will be covered by Kia’s 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for private buyers (5-year/130,000kms for fleet buyers).

              

 KIA CERATO PRICE

The all-new 2009 Model Year Kia Cerato sedan offers a high level of standard specification and value and very competitive pricing across the range.

Cerato Design
“Design gives a soul to the product and reaches the hearts of the people,” according to Peter Schreyer, Global Design Officer at Kia Motors Corporation. “The future of Kia products lies in balance, clarity and purpose. Kia is a brand underpinned by quality and reliability. Now on top of that comes this emotional element of distinctive design.”

Peter Schreyer’s comments are reflected in the new ‘Schreyer line’ that is becoming the distinctive new face of Kia. His use of the ‘Schreyer line’ grille design in the all-new Kia Cerato breaks away from the more traditional Kia image, creating a design that raises the bar in the sometimes conservative Small segment.

By embodying his “simplicity of the straight line”, Schreyer has delivered sharp exterior styling that conveys a powerful and aggressive image and implies ’speed’.

The new Cerato has a high boot line, with a subtle in-built lip spoiler to give the rear a very aerodynamic look that is matched by Cerato’s low drag coefficient of 0.29. The wedge-like character lines give Cerato a streamlined, aggressive and exciting profile, despite being able to comfortably accommodate five people in the cabin and up to 415 litres of luggage in the boot.

Since joining Kia Motors in 2006, Peter Schreyer has injected new energy into Kia’s global design efforts, culminating in the development of new family look seen in Cerato and soon to be mirrored in other new Kia models.

The backbone of this drive has been the creation and operation of a global design network which has included the opening of dedicated Kia design centres in North America and Germany.Euisun Chung, President of Kia Motors, said at the award presentation, “We will use the Korea Design Award as a stepping stone to continue to infuse our creative design spirit throughout many aspects of Kia’s business, not just limiting our efforts to product design.”

- Exterior
All-new Cerato is bold, aggressive and dynamic with a wedge-like side profile that exudes a sense of speed. The ‘Schreyer line’ corporate face with its sweep of headlamps and distinctive radiator grille is accentuated by a strong front bumper and bonnet line that gives the car a very athletic stance. The rear end is just as dynamic with a lip spoiler effect that creates a very aerodynamic feel.

The new car is 30mm longer, 40mm wider and 10mm lower than its predecessor and features a wheelbase extended by 40mm to comfortably accommodate five adults. The front track is increased by 62mm and the rear track by 79mm, pushing the wheels towards the vehicles outer extremities for a bolder stance and improved roadholding.

The low drag co-efficient of 0.29 and low lift coefficient of 0.16 is in part due to measures that channel air cleanly around the Cerato’s body. These measures include an engine undertray, low bumper lip, flattened wheel covers and front and rear wheel deflectors. In addition, clean airflow over, around and underneath the car has been achieved by careful shaping of the nose, door mirrors, A-pillars and upper door frames and tighter panel fit.

All Cerato models feature body coloured bumpers and door mirrors. Cerato S has body coloured door handles, while the SLi has chrome door handles, chrome radiator grille and rear garnish.

Both models also feature electric heated outside door mirrors, convex door mirrors and side repeater lamps on door mirrors, while the SLI is also fitted with front fog lights.

- Interior
Catering to the diverse needs of different buyers, the all-new Cerato features a distinctive and stylish high-tech interior. The all-new Kia Cerato uses its increased overall length, wheelbase and width to deliver a roomy, safe, quiet and generously-equipped place for up to five occupants.

Its best-in-class front legroom is unrivalled for driver and passenger comfort, while the rear compartment offers space and comfort that rivals many Medium segment entrants, with class-leading shoulder room and excellent rear seat access being the standout features.

Access to both front and rear seats is made easier by wider door openings that allow passengers to easily ’slide out’, very useful in heavy traffic environments or when it is raining. With five seats occupied, the boot provides a class-leading 415 litres of luggage space that is an easily accessible and very usable shape.

Inside the cabin, the driver sits in front of a new two-tier dashboard with distinctive details such as a three-cylinder ‘Super Vision’ cluster in Cerato SLi which includes the in-dash display four ultrasonic rear parking sensors and a six-function trip computer.

Both Cerato S and SLi have a distinctive 3-spoke steering wheel, with the latter model fitted with cruise control and remote audio controls (both optional on Cerato S). Cerato SLi also features alloy pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob for an even sportier touch.

The centre fascia contains audio, heating and ventilation controls in a simple, easy-to-read layout. Both models are fitted with speed sensing door locks that automatically lock once the vehicle has reached a speed of 40 km/h. They both also feature a driver’s seat height adjuster, 60:40 fold flat rear seat, tilt and telescope adjustable steering column and rear centre armrest.

The practical nature of the new Cerato is enhanced by the numerous storage areas around the cabin, including cup/drink bottle holders, large door pockets in all four side doors, a useful centre console and glove box, lower dashboard oddment tray for the driver, and a ceiling-mounted sunglass holder for the driver or passenger.Cerato S occupants enjoy standard manual air conditioning while occupants of the high-spec Cerato SLi have full climate control at their fingertips.

With the interior set at just the right temperature, it’s time to sit back and enjoy new Cerato’s comprehensive audio package, featuring six speakers, MP3 compatible CD player with Power Bass, an auxiliary input for external audio devices, a USB audio input with iPod® compatibility, speed dependent volume control and steering wheel remote audio controls (on Cerato SLi).

Sound-proofing materials in hollow sections of the body shell; the use of front and rear sub-frames for mounting the suspension; a double-curved surface floor panel; a thick under-bonnet sound-absorbing pad; insulation pads on the cabin floor, in the door cavities and on the bulkhead between the engine bay and passenger cell; triple layer rubber seals and weather strips around the doors and windows; and aerodynamically refined door mirror shrouds and mountings have all helped significantly reduce NVH levels.

           

- Cerato Chassis
The all-new Kia Cerato is larger than its predecessor in both length and width and will rival all Small segment competitors in overall size.

Cerato’s 4,530mm length, allied with its 2,650mm wheelbase and 1,775mm width, gives the new car an athletic stance which is matched by its sporty road feel.

The chassis has been tuned to deliver the European feel favoured by many Australians, with excellent steering response, roadholding, ride comfort and braking the aim. The combined result is precise steering and sure-footed roadholding, matched with a composed and supple ride, that offers driving enjoyment without compromising passenger comfort.

Designed around an all-new platform, the new Cerato uses high-tensile steel to improve rigidity and benefit of dynamic behaviour and crash safety. The platform’s rigidity is enhanced by a hoop structure around the central pillar area designed to offer better occupant protection, especially in rollover accidents.

At the front, the new Cerato uses a McPherson strut layout with coil springs and gas shock absorbers, employing sub-frames constructed using hydro-forming techniques to reduce weight. The solid-mounted sub-frames and increased castor angle enhance handling performance, while L-shaped lower arms enhance collision performance and high-speed driving stability.

At the rear, a coupled torsion beam axle is used in conjunction with gas shock absorbers, mirroring a number of European and Japanese competitors. The lightweight rear suspension system enables the new Cerato to have a larger boot than its competitors and delivers improvements in rear crash performance.

The Cerato S rides on 15-inch steel rims with wheel covers and 195/65 R15 tyres, while the Cerato SLi rides on 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 215/45 R17 tyres. Both models are equipped with a full-size spare wheel, including an alloy for the SLi.

All-new Cerato has larger diameter front and rear disc brakes than its predecessor - 280mm front and 262mm rear - for improved braking performance.

The hydraulic rack and pinion steering system, with both tilt and telescope functions, has 2.89 turns lock to lock in the Cerato S (15-inch rims) for a 10.32 metre diameter turning circle. Using 17-inch rims, the Cerato SLi has 2.77 turns lock to lock and a 10.78 metre turning circle.

New Cerato’s power steering makes parking a breeze and enhances inner-city manoeuvrability, as well as allowing quick and precise response and good feedback on country roads without being overly-sensitive for freeway driving.

Kia engineers have undertaken extensive design and testing programs, particularly in reinforcing key structural elements and enhancing body sealing, to deliver reduced levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) that match many of new Cerato’s class-leading competitors.

Strategic use of thicker gauge steel in key locations has created a stiffer bodyshell without adding unnecessary weight.

New Cerato has significantly improved aerodynamic performance and betters a number of its competitors with a 0.29 coefficient of drag and a 0.16 coefficient of lift. The all-new Cerato has a braked towing capacity of 1,200kg.

Cerato Powertrain
New Cerato has the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in its class - Kia’s new Theta II engine - the first application of this engine in the Small segment in Australia.

The new twin-cam, four-cylinder 2.0-litre Theta II petrol engine, with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), revs smoothly to produce 115 kW of power @ 6,200 rpm and 194 Nm of torque @ 4,300 rpm to take the mantle of class-leader in the power stakes.

The class-leading, Euro IV-compliant Theta II engine is mated to a slick-shifting, short-throw five-speed manual for optimum driver control as standard, or can be optioned with Kia’s gated, four-speed automatic gearbox for a smooth and relaxed drive with the choice of Sportsmatic manual-shift capability.

New Cerato’s 2.0-litre engine is a state-of-the-art, lightweight four-cylinder 16-valve unit that is powerful, quiet and economical. Weight-saving measures include an aluminium cylinder block and head with a ladder frame.

Continuously Variable Valve Timing optimises low and medium-speed torque as well as aiding high-speed performance and economy. The valve gear is chain-driven to minimise maintenance requirements and cut noise, while auxiliary systems are powered by a single serpentine belt.

Mated to the four-speed automatic gearbox, the new 2.0-litre Theta II engine can power the new Cerato from 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and on to 190 km/h (0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and up to 200 km/h top speed with manual gearbox).

Combined fuel consumption for the new Cerato is 7.8 litres/100kms (official ADR81/01 combined cycle) with the manual gearbox and 7.9 litres/100kms for the automatic gearbox.

The four-speed Sportsmatic automatic uses a new lightweight flat-type torque converter that is smaller than a conventional unit, with less friction and therefore better fuel efficiency. The gear train has also been designed to be quieter. For an extra margin of safety, an electronic shift lock prevents reverse being selected from (P) Park or (N) Neutral without the foot brake being applied.

The gearbox features electronic controls that monitor a variety of parameters to guarantee smooth shifts adapted to individual driving styles. A high top gear ratio ensures reduced fuel consumption and quieter cruising at high speeds.

Economy and emissions
The 2.0-litre Theta II engine delivers impressive economy in the all-new Cerato, especially given its class-leading power. With an official combined fuel consumption of 7.8 litres/100kms, the Cerato with manual transmission is capable of travelling more than 660 kilometres on a single fill of 91RON regular unleaded fuel in its 52-litre fuel tank.

Even more impressive is the all-new Cerato’s rating in the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide. With a GVG rating of 4.5 stars, new Cerato is one of the class-leaders in the Small segment, emitting just 186 grams per kilometre of CO2 with the manual gearbox (187 g/km for the four-speed automatic) despite being the most powerful vehicle in its class.

All-new Cerato’s fuel efficiency, excellent Green Vehicle rating and outstanding value combine to ensure that driving the new Cerato doesn’t have to break the bank or come at the expense of the environment.

Safety The new Cerato range continues Kia’s commitment to offering safety and value across the whole Kia range.

The Cerato range is equipped as standard with dual SRS front airbags; side front SRS airbags and full-length curtain SRS airbags; active headrests and seatbelt pre-tensioners for front seats; and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and Brake Assist.

The range-topping Cerato SLi comes standard with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and TCS (Traction Control System), which is also available as a low cost option pack for the Cerato S.

ABS brakes allow drivers to maintain steering response and directional control even when braking heavily, minimising the risk of an accident. Electronic brake force distribution adjusts the force applied to individual axles.

Active safety
Kia is becoming recognised worldwide for its continuing commitment to making its vehicles more able to avoid accidents, as well as making its cars a safer place to be should they become involved in accidents.

ESP and TCS prevent skids by monitoring the car’s course compared to that intended by the driver, and applying the brakes or slowing the engine if necessary.

Passive safety
Should an accident be unavoidable, occupants are protected by a remarkably stiff and strong body and a full package of SRS airbags. Dual SRS front airbags, side front SRS airbags and full-length SRS curtain airbags are fitted as standard on every new Cerato model. Active headrests maximise neck protection in the event of a collision.

Every new Cerato has a three-point safety belt for all five seating positions, ensuring every occupant is safely restrained in the event of an accident.

Complementing Cerato’s array of safety equipment, thicker gauge steel has been strategically used in key locations to create a stiffer bodyshell without adding unnecessary weight, to protect occupants in the event of an accident while at the same time minimising unnecessary fuel usage. [Source: Official Press release from Kia Australia]