Beijing 2016: Kia Cerato Facelift Launched In China

First previewed in Korea late last year, the new Kia Cerato, also known as the K3 and Forte in some markets, has just been launched in China at the on-going 2016 Beijing Auto Show.

Compared to the pre-facelift model (still on sale in Malaysia), the differences in the facelifted Cerato are minor but noticeable enough to set it apart from the outgoing model.

The front bumper, grille, headlamp and tail lamp have all been redesigned. At a glance, the new Cerato’s front-end now features a stronger resemblance to the Optima.

Inside, the infotainment system has been upgraded larger touch screen display, while the passenger side of the dashboard now features a different textured surfaced.

In China, the new Cerato is available with three powertrain options – a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre MPI paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, and a turbocharged direct injection 1.4-litre T-GDI paired to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic.

The 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine produces 128 PS at 6,300 rpm and 156 Nm at 4,850 rpm while the 1.4-litre T-GDI turbo produces 130 PS at 5,500 rpm. Not a lot of difference, but torque is significantly higher at 210 Nm from 1,400 rpm to 3,700 rpm.

The Korean market Cerato (K3) is equipped with either a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated, direct injection GDI engine, or a turbocharged 1.6-litre VGT engine.  

Currently in Malaysia, the outgoing pre-facelift Cerato (below) is sold with either a 1.6-litre or a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

At the moment, the new Cerato is only available in left-hand drive form.