Kia Cerato

Kia Cerato
Overview
Manufacturer	Kia Motors
Production	2003-present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Kia Sephia
Successor	Kia Forte Kia Cee'd (Europe)

The Kia Cerato (also known as Kia Spectra in the United States) is a compact car produced by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors since 2003. In 2008, the Cerato was replaced by the Kia Forte, however, the "Cerato" name continued on in some markets.

First generation (2003–2008)

First generation (LD)
Overview
Also called	Kia Sephia (Latin America) Kia Spectra (North America) Kia Spectra5 (North America)
Production	2003–2008 2003–2009 (export)
Model years	2004–2009
Assembly	China: Jiangsu (Yangcheng Plant) South Korea: Hwasung (Hwasung Plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Platform	Hyundai-Kia J3 platform
Related	Kia Carens
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L U I4 (turbocharged diesel) 1.6 L U I4 (turbocharged diesel) 1.6 L G4ED I4 (gasoline) 1.8 L G4GB I4 (gasoline) (China only) 2.0 L G4GC I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L D I4 (turbocharged diesel)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,610 mm (102.8 in)
Length	2003–06 sedan: 4,480 mm (176.4 in) 2006–08 sedans: 4,500 mm (177.2 in) 2003–06 hatchback: 4,341 mm (170.9 in) 2006–09 hatchback: 4,350 mm (171.3 in)
Width	1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Height	1,470 mm (57.9 in)
Chronology
Successor	Kia Cee'd (hatchback)

The Kia Cerato was introduced in South Korea in 2003, sharing a platform with the Hyundai Elantra (XD) and using Hyundai's Beta II (G4GC) (CVVT-enabled) four-cylinder engine.

It replaced the Sephia/Mentor saloon and Shuma hatchback.

In North America, the "Spectra" name was used when introduced for the 2004 model year, with "Spectra5" designating the hatchback. For Latin American markets, the Cerato was still named Sephia until 2005, when it was discontinued in favor of the name Spectra. In Europe, the Cerato was replaced by the Kia Cee'd.

• 
  2004–2006 Kia Spectra SX sedan (US)
• 
  2004–2006 Kia Spectra5 SX (US)
• 
  2003–2006 Kia Cerato LX sedan (Germany)

Facelift

In 2006 a facelift version was introduced, including revised "GAMMA" engines. Stylistically, the bumper and headlamps lost their pronounced crease near the grille area, the trunk lid became more rounded, and the taillights were reshaped.

• 
  2007-09 Kia Spectra EX sedan (US)
• 
  2007 Kia Spectra5 hatchback (US)
• 
  2007 Kia Spectra EX sedan (US)

Second generation (2008–2013)

Kia Cerato (second generation)

Kia Cerato (second generation)

The second generation Kia Cerato was launched in South Korea in late 2008 under the Kia Forte name – a name that was used in most international markets. The "Cerato" name has been retained in some markets, such as Australia, Iran, South Africa and Brazil. In Singapore, the second generation model is badged "Kia Cerato Forte".^[1]

Third generation (2013–present)

Kia Cerato (Third generation)

Kia Cerato (Third generation)

In July 2012, Kia unveiled the next-generation Cerato as the Korean-market Kia K3.^[2] The sedan will be sold in the United States as Forte, available starting from mid-2013. A coupe and five-door hatchback will be released later on.

The new Cerato will be produced in South Korea at Kia's Hwasung Plant.

References

1. "Kia launches the new Cerato Forte". iCars Singapore. 2009-01-31. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
2. "2014 Kia Forte Unveiled, Heading to America Early Next Year". AutoGuide.com. 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2012-09-08.