2019 Kia Cerato – What to expect?

The outgoing generation of the Kia Cerato has been with us since 2013. However, Kia had already launched the all-new Cerato in several markets across the world, but there was no sign of it in Malaysia. The Korean auto giant showcased the fourth-generation model of its popular C-segment sedan at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. The good news is that it probably isn’t too long before we get to see the 2019 Cerato being officially launched in the country.

The all-new model boasts a completely revamped exterior and interior design, along with an upgraded infotainment system and several more updates to key equipment. Just like its outgoing avatar, the 2019 Kia Cerato will also be competing against the likes of the new and upcoming Honda Civic. With all that out of the way, let’s try and find what we can expect from this next-gen Cerato.

Exterior

One of the most striking distinguishing features of the upcoming 2019 Kia Cerato is its exterior styling. While the outgoing model looks fairly flamboyant and modern, the next-gen Cerato takes aesthetics up a few notches. A more time-appropriate design language has replaced the softer corners and rather blunt surfaces. It all starts with the sporty front face of the 2019 Cerato, where you will notice the implementation of Kia’s new ‘tiger nose’ grille, accompanied by some chrome treatment. The grille is flanked by stylish, upswept headlamps which house projector units and unique LED DRLs. The flush front bumper design looks neat and sophisticated, too. Its sporting aspirations are denoted by the presence of multiple air-intake vents, a chin spoiler, centrally-located fog lamps and horizontally-placed turn signals. Finally, the gracefully-moulded and long bonnet looks pretty nice, too.

The redesigned sides of the 2019 Cerato also look more athletic and purposeful than before. The sedan now boasts a visibly elongated shoulder line, better-proportioned doors, kicked-out fenders, redesigned alloy wheels and overall, a more mature stance. The rear has been tidied-up as well. The sleeker tail lights are now connected by a thin reflector piece, while the boot-lid design has also been tweaked. The neat yet crisp back bumper adds a bit of flair with its triangular-shaped pieces of black trim which house the reversing lights as well. Further down, you also find some fake vents and a single, but well-stowed exhaust outlet. Kia has also increased the 2019 Cerato’s dimensions: it now measures 4,640 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,440 mm in height. However, the sedan’s 2,700 mm wheelbase remains untouched. But, practicality has been bettered as the total boot volume has now gone up to a capacious 502 litres (which is 20 litres more than before).

Interior

Kia has also remodelled the interior of the 2019 Cerato, which now feels more upmarket and premium. The perceivable changes come in the form of a new steering wheel, updated instrument binnacle, a more modern infotainment head unit, cleaner dashboard and centre console design, and fancy turbine-style side climate vents among others. Kia has also upped the quality of the materials, with fit-and-finish standards also seeing some noticeable improvement. The Korean automaker claims the 2019 Cerato features better leg, shoulder and headroom than before, and as well as a quieter cabin. Alongside all that, you can also expect to find more equipment and features on the new model - something Kia is pretty good at.

Powertrain

Kia hasn’t confirmed the engine (engines) that the 2019 Cerato will be offered with. As for the outgoing model, it comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder motor that is good for 128 hp and 157 Nm of torque. This Gamma-series unit is renowned for its smoothness and drives the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the Gamma engine does provide the Cerato to a top speed of 190 kmph, it’s still not as brisk as one would imagine it to be from the get-go. The outgoing car takes a good 12 seconds to make it to 100 kmph, which isn’t too exciting. Thankfully, the Cerato has always been a frugal sedan, capable of averaging over 15 kmpl.

There’s a slight chance, however, that Kia could offer the next-gen Cerato with the 147-horsepower 2.0-litre mill. In some markets, this Nu-series four-banger comes paired to a new CVT gearbox that promises excellent fuel economy and drivability.

Features

The 2019 Kia Cerato would likely be available with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, keyless-entry with push-start ignition, automatic climate control with rear vents, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, and Kia’s excellent 8-inch touch-multimedia system with navigation. You can also wager a bet that there will be ABS with EBD and brake assist, multiple airbags, hill-start assist, electronic stability control, and all-round parking sensors with reversing camera.