INTRODUCTION
New style and new technology for Kia’s New Cerato
Kia’s New Cerato has been re-created from the ground up to challenge cars like the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lanser, Nissan Tiida, Renault Megan, Toyota Corolla and VW Jetta all around the world and improve Kia’s market share by capturing a larger market share.
Kia designers and engineers concentrated on 8 key areas while developing the New Cerato : dynamic styling, increased fuel economy, competitive performance, improved ride/handling balance, greater cabin comfort, enhanced overall safety, the introduction of new technologies and maintained functionality.
Styled under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the previously conservative appearance has been put aside and the New Cerato embodies Kia’s new design DNA in an exciting new version.
“Design gives a soul to the product and the future of Kia products lies in balance, clarity and purpose. Our all-new Cerato embodies that philosophy. Breaking away from traditional forms, the New Cerato is a design that notches up the visual standards of C-segment cars. Without any extraneous features, its crisp, clean exterior styling conveys a powerful and dynamic image that exudes speed,” says Schreyer.
The New Cerato is available with a choice of 2-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines, with manual or automatic transmissions.
Kia’s market research anticipates that the New Cerato will greatly strengthen its position among the company’s top-sellers. The New Cerato is built at the Hwasung facility in Korea.
STYLING & DESIGN
Powerful, dynamic styling, plus the new ‘face of Kia’
With its shorter front overhang, chiselled surface composition, wedge profile and crisp trunk contours, the 4.5-metre long New Cerato raises C-segment car design to a new level. Its sharp exterior styling conveys a powerful and dynamic image.
Featuring some visual elements also shared with the Kia Soul urban crossover, the New Cerato is the most complete embodiment of Kia’s new family – so far.
The bold frontal styling incorporates the ‘Schreyer Line’ radiator grille that symbolises a roaring tiger’s countenance and blends seamlessly into the New Cerato’s four-light, black bezel headlamps.
The profile’s sweeping upper belt line and concave lower character lines reinforce the feeling of dynamic motion. The new Cerato’s side view is further enhanced by the availability of 16-inch alloy wheels on the 1.6 liter and 17-inch alloy wheels on the 2.0 liter version with low profile 215/45 R17 tyres.
The rear view intensifies the Cerato’s sporty image with an aerodynamic trunk lid, multi-colour combination lamps – complete with bamboo-like lens composition – and black lower bumper garnish with chrome exhaust tailpipe. The sharply contoured line of the trunk edge heightens the car’s aerodynamic qualities as well as creating a distinctive appearance.
The New Cerato is 30 mm longer, 40 mm wider and 10 mm lower than the previous model and features a wheelbase also extended by 40 mm to ensure that five adults can be comfortably accommodated. Following modern design trends and improving both stability and handling, the track is increased by 62 mm front and 79 mm rear (up to 39 mm more than the body), pushing the wheels towards the vehicle’s outer extremity for a bolder stance.
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
High-tech features enhance a spacious interior
Kia is sure that the New Cerato’s interior will please customers with its generous proportions, two-tier dashboard design, high-quality fit, discreet metal-finish accents and high-tech features.
The longer wheelbase and wider bodyshell ensure that the cabin is even more spacious than the current model. Front legroom is increased by 13 mm, while shoulder room is enhanced by 15 mm (front) and 20 mm (rear), and the side sill height is lowered by 14 mm giving easier access to the interior.
Every New Cerato driver will be able to create the ideal driving environment thanks to the multi-adjustable seat on the 2.0 liter, and the tilt and reach adjustable (both +20/-20 mm) thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel that incorporates several minor controls.
Incorporating elements of Kia’s developing design DNA, the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster has clear and precise graphics.
On the 2.0 liter model, a ‘Super Vision’ cluster is fitted with reddish lighting and a new ‘message centre’ digital information display at the bottom of the cluster. This display gives information about fuel level, engine temperature, door- or trunk-open alerts and fuel consumption. When reverse gear is engaged the RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System) is activated and the message centre also displays a plan-view graphic showing the New Cerato in relation to any obstructions.
The centre stack is designed to appear to ‘float’ above the dashboard and presents heating, ventilation, audio and auxiliary controls in logical horizontal bands, with a premium audio system. The stack features ‘Negative LCD’ illumination which brings a reddish glow to the cabin interior and reflects Kia’s developing design identity.
Every New Cerato is equipped with a six-speaker audio system (two dash-top tweeters and four door speakers), linked to the MP3 Radio/CD player with AUX/USB and i-Pod connectivity. Remote controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering wheel.
The interior on the 1.6 liter is done in a classy Black one-tone fabric while the 2.0 liter is fitted with leather interior. Contrasting tastefully with the cabin trim is a soft metal finish – for the interior door handles, steering wheel, door trims, transmission console and the centre stack.
For maximum versatility when accommodating people and cargo, the New Cerato’s rear seat backrest is split 60/40 and folds almost flat to extend available trunk space.
Storage has been increased with two cupholders (front and rear), a dashboard glove box that is 20% larger and a ceiling-mounted drop-down sunglasses holder. Luggage space in the New Cerato is now among the ‘class-best’ as cargo capacity is increased by 17% and the higher and wider trunk now accommodates a total of 415 litres.
REFINEMENT
Clever design and engineering solutions minimise NVH
While designing and engineering New Cerato, Kia’s research and development team concentrated on maximising the vehicle’s refinement and minimising NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
The NVH quest began with the car’s exterior styling which features smooth shapes, no unnecessary detailing and tight panel gaps, so the vehicle generates minimum wind noise.
A stiff bodyshell structure is an excellent foundation for creating a vehicle with good NVH qualities. The New Cerato features a much higher percentage (63%) of high-tensile strength steel. Significant improvements to the bodyshell include stronger A-pillars, reinforced rear floor members and central floor tunnel, plus more rigid joints between the dashboard bulkhead and the A-pillars and the use of 120 kg grade high-tensile steel in the B-pillars and side sills.
Other NVH-reduction measures include all-new noise lowering materials for the engine bay bulkhead and the rear parcel shelf, the injection of sound-dampening foam into hollow sections of the bodyshell at strategic noise-transference points and the fitting of improved door and window seals.
ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS
Powertrains that balance performance and fuel economy
Kia’s New Cerato is available with a choice of two DOHC four-cylinder petrol engines featuring CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) and four valves per cylinder. Both engines feature all aluminium construction and are offered with a choice of either manual or automatic transmission.
2.0 liter Gamma engine
Replacing the ‘Beta’ engine used in earlier Cerato models, Kia’s new 2-litre Theta II engine delivers more power, improved durability, enhanced refinement and reduced fuel consumption and emissions. This 1,998 cc powerunit has a cast aluminium block, cylinder head and sump.
Special features include a highly durable timing chain engineered to minimise noise, a single ‘serpentine’ rubber belt to run all the ancillary components, a catalytic converter integrated into the exhaust system to release more power and redesigned exhaust ports that reduce exhaust gas temperature and improve fuel efficiency at high-speeds.
The Theta II engine generates a highly competitive power of 114.7 kW @ 6,200 rpm which is a 9% improvement over the ‘Beta’ engine and peak torque of 194.2 Nm @ 4,300 rpm.
1.6 liter Gamma engine
Of similar design and construction, the 1.6 -litre Gamma engine produces maximum power of 91,2 kW @ 6,300 rpm, while peak torque is 156.7Nm @ 4,200 rpm.
Transmission
Two different five-speed transmissions are offered to handle the different torque outputs of the 1.6 and 2.0 engines. Both gearboxes deliver customer benefits in the form of an enhanced shift feel thanks to multi-cone synchronizers and easier selection of reverse gear – now left and forwards of first gear.
There is also a four-speed automatic transmission version available on the 2.0 liter and the 1.6 liter, equipped with a light weight ‘flat-type’ compact torque converter and, in the cabin, a gate-type shift pattern and offers the driver a choice of two operating modes.
For town driving, fully automatic mode delivers all the usual benefits. For greater driver involvement, sport mode allows clutch-less sequential manual gear changes – up or down, one ratio at a time – simply by pushing the selector lever forwards to change up and back to change down.
6. SUSPENSION & RUNNING GEAR
Fun-to-drive handling, sharp steering and a refined ride
Kia chassis engineers were determined to give the New Cerato a sophisticated ride/handling balance that ensures a smooth ride, and fun-to-drive characteristics, with precise and rewarding responses to driver inputs.
Mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe, the front suspension employs MacPherson struts (like the current Cerato), but with wider ‘L’-shaped lower-arms for enhanced high-speed stability and an increased castor angle (from 2.49 to 4.22 degrees) for greater self-centring and a sharper steering ‘feel’ in town driving.
For the New Cerato, an all-new CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle) rear suspension replaces the previous multi-link set-up. It is a suspension system now favoured by many of the world’s leading auto makers. It is a simpler, much more compact and lighter design saving 12 kg compared to the previous car. The shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately, resulting in a compact system that maximises interior cabin and cargo space by minimising suspension intrusion.
An additional benefit of the new rear suspension layout is that its more robust structure gives the under-seat fuel tank added protection in a rear impact.
For precise vehicle control and good ‘feel’ the New Cerato’s steering uses a speed-sensitive hydraulically power-assisted rack-and-pinion system with high gearing.
The New Cerato is fitted with an electric power-assisted steering (MDPS – motor driven power steering) that reduces the lock-to-lock steering wheel turns.
For powerful and stable braking, all New Cerato models are equipped with 280 mm ventilated front discs as standard. The new Cerato also offers the standard features of ABS anti-lock and EBD brake force distribution systems.
7. SAFETY
Well equipped with ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety systems
Kia Motors is determined to achieve the highest levels of ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety for people using its products. The New Cerato presents buyers with a range of state-of-the-art systems and equipment to ensure that owning and driving this C-segment car will be a safe and enjoyable experience.
Active safety technologies include EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) that monitors the car’s load – the combined weight of occupants and cargo – and adjusts the front/rear distribution of the braking pressure generated by the driver pressing on the brake pedal.
When you reverse the 2.0 liter model, the RPAS (Rear Parking assist System) fitted to the New Cerato uses four ultrasonic sensors to accurately detect obstructions behind the car. Visual information about the distance and direction of obstructions from the car is displayed on the cabin’s ‘message centre’. An audible warning is also triggered, the sound intensifying in both volume and frequency as the car moves closer to the obstruction.
Passive safety technology maximises protection
As well as improving NVH, New Cerato’s robust bodyshell structure delivers real passive safety benefits with increased impact resistance. Using a much higher percentage (63%) of high-tensile strength steel the new car achieves excellent rigidity and strength. Particular attention was paid to the A- and B-pillar areas, with a roll-over hoop incorporated into the B-pillars and much stronger (120 kg grade) steel is used in the side sills.
The New Cerato is designed to achieve the top-score 5-Star rating in both the USA’s current official NHTSA crash tests and a ‘Good’ rating (again the top-score) in IIHS tests for frontal and side impacts.
Inside, the New Cerato is equipped with six airbags as standard. Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags (linked to rollover sensors as well as impact sensors) offering head protection to all occupants. Active head restraints are fitted to both front seats. These move
forwards during a rear impact to minimise movement of the occupants heads and protect against whiplash injuries.
8. STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Kia Cerato 1.6
Exterior
- 16-inch alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tyres
- Electric heated door mirrors
- Chrome exterior door handles
- Body-colour bumpers (5 km/h impact resistant)
- Manual-levelling adjustable headlamps
- Front and Rear fog lamps
- High-mounted stop light
Comfort & Convenience
- Electric Motor-driven power steering
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- Trip computer
- Central door locking with speed sensing auto-lock
- Electric front and rear windows with auto-down on driver side
- Electric Chromic Mirror (ECM)
- Height adjustable driver’s seats
- Keyless entry
- Manual air-conditioner
- 60/40 split rear seat
- Remote trunk lid release
Interior
- Three-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel
- Metallic paint finish to fascia, console and door garnish
- Chrome interior door handles
- Radio & CD player, AUX/USB/iPod input jack & 6 audio speakers
Safety & Security
- ABS and EBD
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Side airbags and full-length curtain airbags
- Four height-adjustable head restraints
- Active head restraints
- Engine immobiliser
- Battery saver system
- Auto impact door unlock
Kia Cerato 2.0
-additional factory-fitted equipment over Cerato 1.6
- 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tyres
- Chrome exhaust tailpipe
- Auto Cruise Control
- Alloy pedals
- Supervision instrument cluster with built in message centre
- Leather seats
- Dusk-sensing automatic light control
- Rear parking-assist reversing sensors
- Auto Climate Control
Accessories for Cerato 1.6 and 2.0
- Tow-bar
- Headlamp shields
- Navigation System
9. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Kia Cerato sedan
Body & Chassis
Four-door, five-seater sedan, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Choice of two transversely-mounted gasoline engines driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Engines
2.0-litre
Name Theta II (4-in-line)
Type DOHC, four-cylinder, with CVVT
Capacity 2.0-litres, 1,998 cc
Max power 114.7 kW @ 6,200 rpm
Max torque 194.2 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
Valves 16 (4-per-cylinder)
Construction Aluminium cylinder block and head
1.6-litre
Name Gamma (4-in-line)
Type DOHC, four-cylinder, with CVVT
Capacity 1.6-litres, 1591 cc
Max power 91.2 kW @ 6,300 rpm
Max torque 156.7 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Valves 16 (4-per-cylinder)
Construction Aluminium cylinder block and head
Transmissions
2.0 M/T 2.0 A/T 1.6 M/T 1.6 A/T
Type 5-sp 4-sp 5-sp 4-sp
Gear Ratios
2.0 M/T 2.0 A/T 1.6 M/T 1.6 A/T
1 3.308 2.919 3.615 2.919
2 1.962 1.551 1.962 1.551
3 1.189 1.000 1.370 1.000
4 0.905 0.713 1.036 0.713
5 0.702 —– 0.839 —–
Reverse 3.583 2.480 3.545 2.480
Final Drive 4.188 3.681 4.267 4.375
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Kia Cerato sedan
Suspension & Damping
Front Fully independent by Macpherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Coupled torsion beam rear axle, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.
Steering
Standard
Type Electric (motor driven) power-assisted rack and pinion
Overall ratio 13.75 / 13.95 (with 17-inch wheels/tyres)
Gearing 2.80 turns lock-to-lock
2.68 (with 17-inch wheels/tyres)
Turning circle 10.32 metres / 10.78 metres (with 17-inch wheels/tyres)
Brakes
Power Single 10-inch booster
Front 280 x 26 mm ventilated discs
Rear 262 x 10 mm solid discs
ABS 4-Channel Anti-lock System with EBD
Wheels & Tyres
Standard Alloy 16 in x 6.0J 205/55 R16 tyres (1.6 litre)
Alloy 17 in x 7.0J 215/45 R17 tyres (2.0 litre)
Spare
Standard Full size spare wheel
DIMENSIONS (mm)
Exterior
Overall length 4,530
Overall width 1,775 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height 1,460
Wheelbase 2,650
Front track (1.6) 1,543
Rear track (1.6) 1,550
Front track (2.0) 1,539
Rear track (2.0) 1,546
Front overhang 895
Rear overhang 985
Ground clearance 150
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Kia Cerato sedan continued
DIMENSIONS (mm)
Interior
Front Rear
Headroom 1,015 955
Legroom 1,100 890
Shoulder room 1,415 1,390
Hip room 1,345 1,355
Capacities
2.0 M/T 2.0 A/T 1.6 M/T 1.6 A/T
Fuel tank (litres) 52.0 52.0 52.0 52.0
Luggage (SAE) 415 litres (all seats upright)
Weights (kg)
2.0 M/T 2.0 A/T 1.6 M/T 1.6 A/T
Curb weight (min.) 1,280 1,293 1,236 1,261
Gross weight 1,720 1,740 1,680 1,720
Performance
2.0 M/T 2.0 A/T 1.6 M/T 1.6 A/T
Top speed / kph 200 190 190 182
0-to-100 kph / sec 9.3 10.5 10.3 12.0
Standard disc/disc with ABS
100-to-0 kph**(m) 41.3 41.3 41.3 41.3
Towing (max) kg*** 1,200 1,000 1,200 1,000
*trailer with brakes
Fuel Economy (litres/100 km)*
2.0 M/T 2.0 A/T 1.6 M/T 1.6 A/T
With 16-inch wheels
Overall 7.5 7.6 6.6 7.0
CO2 g/km 178 181 152 163
With 17-inch wheels
Overall 7.7 7.8 6.7 7.1
CO2 g/km 183 186 157 168
- Manufacturer’s estimated figures
