The third-generation (BD) Kia Cerato (aka the Forte and K3 in other markets) is now on display at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS 2018), several months after the model first made its global debut in Detroit back in January.
Styling-wise, the new Cerato is a significant departure from the second-generation (YD) model on sale. The front end features a revised version of the brand’s tiger nose grille, which is paired with sleeker headlamps that have four-point LED DRLs within them.
A bolder lower apron houses the separate turn signal indicators in the corner inlets, while the front fog lamps are housed in the lower intake. This look is mirrored at the rear, where the stylised taillights are positioned apart from the reverse and turn signal indicator lights on the bumper.
In profile, the new Cerato adopts a more fastback-like shape, a result of the cowl point being shifted fives inches back, and coupled to a long hood and short rear deck. This particular unit gets a full chrome wrap for some reason, along with a set of 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels shod with 205/55 profile tyres.
If the car looks bigger than the YD model, that’s because it is. Overall length is up 81 mm to 4,640 mm, while the width is now 1,798 mm (+18 mm) and the car is 1,440 mm tall (+12.7 mm). This translates to increased legroom and boot space, with the latter being touted at 428 litres.
While there are no live interior photos, we do know that the new Cerato’s cabin has been totally revamped. The dashboard design is now more contemporary in appearance, and is dominated by a large display linked to the infotainment system, with air vents placed beneath it rather than at its sides.
The layout of the centre stack and console remain roughly similar to the YD model, although the climate control switchgear, gear lever and accompanying buttons have been updated. Other revisions include a new steering wheel design and instrument cluster dials.
No mention of what powers this particular Cerato, but in the United States, the sedan is available with a second-generation 2.0 litre Nu four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or Kia’s new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
GALLERY: 2019 Kia Forte (US spec)
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Surely a headturner in Brickfields w chrome wrap.
The wrap was not even finished properly. You can see they forgot to wrap the side mirrors and the feont bumper tow hook cover
fugly
Wrong! Vios is fugly, this one is a beautiful sedan. Now it is correct.
I saw some pictures of some Kia people wrapping this car at the showroom earlier
The interior of this model was a Left Hand Drive, which means it was not a Malaysia spec model
So does it come in Chrome colour?
Boot space 428 litres only and they call that spacious…? Means the previous gen Cerato has a boot space of a hatchback…?
The rims are too small, making it looks weird. KIA makes good cars, but most Malaysian do not appreciate it. I still wish KIA all the best!
Other countries already started selling this new gen forte since early 2017 and here just debuted. Lousy KIA
who approved the chrome wrap ;p
unfortunately even the latest civic contender from kia is slower than the civic turbo. it shows that the civic turbo technology is light years ahead.
The creator has never been a civic contender, it is priced around 100k, more than a city but less than a civic.
Optima GT’s turbo is years ahead than the Weird-Designing Honda Accord which is now less popular around the world
wait for the Cerato GT- 1.6L Turbo with 204bhp 195lbs/ft, paired to a 6 speed twin clutch tranny. or you could try to square off with an Elantra Sport which shares the same drive train combo. Bobby Ang recommends Elantra Sport drivers to bully 1.5T Civics on sight. hope youre ready to cry…
Why no Sportswagon?!