SPYSHOTS: 2019 Kia Cerato in Malaysia, launch soon?

SPYSHOTS: 2019 Kia Cerato in Malaysia, launch soon?

We’ve been waiting for the new Kia Cerato to come to Malaysia ever since it was unveiled in Detroit last year. The sedan was shown at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) in November, and just today yours truly spotted the car on the Federal Highway, hinting that a local launch is finally imminent.

From the looks of it, the car will be offered here in a similar specification to what was previewed five months ago (minus the garish chrome wrap, of course), right down to the smallish 16-inch turbine-style alloy wheels. That’s an inch smaller than the 17-inch items we’ve seen in press photos – and, indeed, those on the previous Cerato – but perhaps a higher-spec variant will sport the larger rollers.

The new Cerato gets a more dynamic design that takes a few cues from the Stinger sports sedan, with sweptback headlights, slim “tiger nose” grille, a longer bonnet, sweeping glasshouse and short tail for that fastback look. On the inside, there’s a horizontal dashboard layout with the now-familiar floating infotainment screen and round air vents at the corners.

SPYSHOTS: 2019 Kia Cerato in Malaysia, launch soon?

Measuring 4,640 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,440 mm tall, the new Cerato is 80 mm longer, 20 mm wider and 5 mm taller, although the 2,700 mm wheelbase remains. Kia says that the increased dimensions improve both head and legroom, and boot capacity has been increased from 482 to 502 litres.

The structure features an additional hot-stamped components and 54% advanced high-strength steel content, and uses 105 metres of structural adhesive — five times more than before. Suspension is handled by a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear setup.

Expect the Malaysian-market Cerato to soldier on with the same 2.0 litre Nu naturally-aspirated petrol engine as before, producing 150 hp at 6,200 rpm and 192 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. This is the same powertrain that is offered in Australia, whereas other markets get a revised version of the same engine and an Intelligent Variable Transmission CVT.

GALLERY: 2019 Kia Cerato at KLIMS 2018


GALLERY: 2019 Kia Cerato in Australia

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • timallen on Apr 19, 2019 at 2:50 pm

    (Like) 2019 Kia Cerato 2.0L
    (Dislike) New Facelift Hyundai Elantra AD 2.0L

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 68 Thumb down 3
    • Vader on Apr 19, 2019 at 5:18 pm

      The Proton Preve dgn turbo lagi mantap brahh…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 24
      • F off on Apr 21, 2019 at 9:19 am

        Yucks.. Preve is 2012 model with its poor weak 136hp cvt combo.. 10l/100km fuel guzzler. Preve in 2019 just look likebstone ages car.. Pls dunt ever mention it here.. Not even in the league tilk they update to a newer model or rebadge any geely products.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Apr 19, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    got chrome paintjob? refer KLIMS 2018

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 3
    • New Malaysia menu on Apr 19, 2019 at 4:01 pm

      Full on Capt Phasma version is totally illegal, but cash is king in New Malaysia, so why not try your luck?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 6
  • No turbo.. Pftttt

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • Ben Yap on Apr 19, 2019 at 6:03 pm

    looks cheap in comparison with the civic 1.5 turbo

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 31
    • Redpilled on Apr 19, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      Hope they don’t bring in the GT version, it’ll slap your civic silly with it’s 200hp from the stock 1.6T motor.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 1
    • You mean the Civic with ketam rear lights? I’ll pass, no thanks.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
  • Give us EV. Where is the Niro and Soul? The nation should try to wean off from ICE cars and reduce our comsumption of petrol.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
  • I want this car with sunroof. Naza u reading thia we want aunroof and bright blue color body

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Barthisyan on Aug 07, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    Wahhh am i look at the dodge charger cause if you mentioned the rear, it look like the dodge charge, front look like the ford taurus did they based from the US police cars, the charger and the taurus

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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