2021 Kia Cerato pricing and specifications

Kia has revealed a refreshed Cerato range which brings with it a number of interesting developments for the Korean brand.

The small car line-up is the first to wear the brand’s new logo, but it also marks a shift in approach.

The Cerato is Kia’s best selling model, winning over many Australian buyers with bargain entry-level pricing.

In 2019, buyers could get a Cerato automatic from $21,990 drive-away and a manual version for even less.

However, the updated Cerato hatch and sedan range has done away with the manual altogether and now starts at $25,990 for the entry-level S.

It continues a common recent trend for auto makers to increase the entry price into their small car line-ups, however it’s worth noting the Cerato still undercuts many of its rivals.

As before, there are four trim levels — S, Sport, Sport + and GT — which carry over the same engines: a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol offering 150kW and 265Nm in the GT, and a 112kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol four in the rest.

The GT gets a seven-speed dual clutch automatic, the remainder have a six-speed auto.

There is no difference in price between the sedan and hatch body styles.

Along with the new logo, the exterior has different headlight, radiator grille, front bumper and fog light design.

The hatch is largely unchanged at the back, but the sedan gets updates to the tail lights, boot and rear bumper lines.

All variants now get rear air vents and new suspension tune aimed at making the Cerato more comfortable.

The S’ price rise is due to inclusions such as LED daytime running lights, LED positioning lamps and LED stop light bar on the hatch.

Other standard gear includes auto headlights, an 8-inch infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a 4.2-inch LCD driver display, leading vehicle departure, lane follow assist, driver attention alert, rear occupant alert, and high beam assist.

The Sport adds $2000 to the drive-away price and brings with it new design 17-inch alloys instead of 16s, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital radio, satellite navigation with 10 years map and traffic updates, sport patterned cloth seats, and more.

For $31,690 drive away, the Sport + has bigger rear discs, electronic parking bake, smart key and push button start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and smart boot auto release on the sedan.

it also gets safety perks such as blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist and safe exit warning.

As well as the more potent powertrain, the top-spec GT’s upgrades include a sportier suspension tune, 18-inch alloy wheels shod in 225/40Z R18 tyres, a GT body kit, dual exhaust, a tilt and slide sunroof and ventilated front seats.

2021 KIA CERATO AUSTRALIAN DRIVE-AWAY PRICING

• S: $25,990
• Sport: $27,990
• Sport+: $31,690
• GT: $36,990