New Kia Cerato breaks cover

One of the most popular small cars and the top-selling Kia model in Australia, the Kia Cerato, is on track to arrive here in updated form in late May or early June.

Unveiled overnight in Korea, where it is known as the K3 and will go on sale in April, the updated 2021 Kia Cerato sedan features both exterior and interior updates.

At this stage there is no sign of an update for the hatch, but it should break cover soon.

Launched in Australia in its third generation in 2018 with mini-me Kia Stinger styling, the new Kia Cerato will be the first model sold here with the brand’s new logo.

This update also includes slimmer LED headlights incorporating driving lights, a slimmer ‘tiger’ grille, new LED tail-lights, a new front bumper and rear bumper garnish.

Inside, there’s a new 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.25 inch infotainment screen for high-end models and electric parking with auto hold.

Safety features the new K3 includes are highway driving assistance, lane following assistance, navigation-based smart cruise control, front collision avoidance assistance with cyclist detection, rear collision avoidance assistance, safe exit warning, driver attention warning, a rear monitor and rear cross collision prevention.

The current Australian range already includes many driver assist features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

A remote start smart key, over-the-air navigation updates and rear passenger notification also appear on the equipment list.

At this stage there’s no word on Aussie standard spec, pricing or mechanical updates, but expect the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated and 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engines to continue.

The Kia Cerato range is currently available in Australia across sedan and hatch bodies with five grade levels each – S, Si, Sport, Sport+ and GT Turbo. Pricing starts at $22,190 and climbs to $34,190 before on-road costs.