Kia

The first vehicle sporting the all-new Kia logo has landed in New Zealand, with the premiere shipment of MY22 Cerato now available for viewing at dealerships around the country.

The new Cerato arrives with an impressive pedigree, as it sits comfortably in the top-three Kia models sold globally and is the leading non-SUV Kia model from a sales perspective.^

On top of subtle exterior aesthetic enhancements complemented by additional interior appointments, the MY22 Cerato is instantly recognisable thanks to the striking brand motif.

“After months of anticipation, it’s exciting to see the new logo on the bonnet of a new Kia,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.

“It represents the start of a bold period for the brand so it’s rather apt that it appears on the ever-popular Cerato range, headlined by the sports-orientated GT.

“The new logo signifies progression and development and this is personified in the Cerato, as the new model introduces innovations and enhancements in the areas of style, comfort, safety and performance.”

The MY22 Cerato features the GT as the star of the range, with the sports-orientated five-door liftback offering engaging performance thanks to a lively and responsive 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine which is capable of generating 150kW of power and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission gearbox.

In keeping with its dynamic personality, the exterior styling is more assertive compared with its predecessor.  Enhancements 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.

Information is relayed to the driver via a new 4.2" Colour TFT LCD Supervision Cluster, while a larger and upgraded 10.25" Colour LCD Touchscreen delivers seamless audio and infotainment details.

To further enhance the all-round drivability of the new Cerato GT, the MY22 iteration features a fully independent, sports-tuned suspension which is unique to the model and it rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.  Stopping prowess is achieved courtesy of upgraded, large 305mm ventilated front discs and 284mm solid rear discs.

However, it’s not just the GT which has received all the attention - all variants in the range have benefitted from upgrades associated with the new model year.

Style

First and foremost, all new MY22 Cerato models receive Kia’s new logo, symbolising a new era for the brand.  The modern interpretation of the badge sits above the redesigned, signature ‘tiger nose’ grille, which now extends across to the edge of each light.

Purposeful, flowing design has been enhanced by way of slimmer LED headlights on LX Plus trim and above, incorporating striking six-bar LED daytime running lights and a reshaped lower intake.

Comfort

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, as standard, of Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ while a cavernous cargo area with capacity of 1,335-litres with the rear seats down adds to the versatility of the liftback, 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.

For the finishing touch, to reinforce the fact you are driving the very latest from Kia - the new logo sits proudly at the centre of the redesigned steering wheel.

Safety

As expected from a new Kia vehicle, a comprehensive suite of safety features are standard and contribute to the Cerato range achieving a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

A range of active and passive safety features assist with accident avoidance then, if required, protection in the event of an incident.

Amongst key features found on all models in the range 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.

Two additional active safety features, both standard on all Cerato models, are capable of detecting and braking for obstacles.

The Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist system uses sensors to monitor vehicles in or approaching the driver’s blind spots.  Visual alerts are provided on the outside mirrors and cluster, while an audio alert is sounded when indicating if necessary.  The system intervenes and brakes the vehicle if it detects an impending crash.

The other ‘extra set of eyes’ looking out for Kia drivers when reversing out of carparks and other low visibility situations is the Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.

For example, when backing out of a driveway, a sensor monitors for vehicles approaching from the left or right and alerts the driver to their presence, then will apply the brakes if necessary to avoid a collision.

Performance

The Cerato GT is powered by a spritely 1.6-litre turbo engine and other models in the range feature an enthusiastic  2.0-litre petrol engine with 112kW of power and 192Nm of torque.

Pleasingly, with regards to Carbon Emissions and in relation to the proposed Clean Car programme, all Cerato models fall in the ‘zero band’ and are therefore not subject to a fee.

Peace of Mind Motoring

All models in the new Kia Cerato range have an extensive warranty and assistance package as standard, consisting of five-year/100,000km warranty and a generous roadside assist programme which is free for the first five-years and comes with unlimited kilometres.

Further peace of mind is available for LX Plus, Deluxe and GT owners, with scheduled servicing plans included with the purchase of a new model.

^ Cerato is branded as Forte in some overseas markets; global sales data encompasses both model names.