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ALL-NEW CERATO TO BOOST KIA SALES IN EUROPE

ALL-NEW CERATO TO BOOST KIA SALES IN EUROPE

The all-new Kia Cerato four-door saloon makes its European debut at the International Motor Show in Brussels today. A significant model for the ambitious Korean company, the 4.5-metre Cerato is a highly competitive entry into the popular and all-important C-segment of the European market.

For the first time in this segment, Kia will be offering customers a choice of petrol and diesel engines in the Cerato. The 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines feature common-rail technology for the optimum balance between performance, economy and clean emissions. Kia is confident that the Cerato range – both the saloons and the five-door hatchback sister cars, which are scheduled to make their world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March – will attract more than 45,000 European customers annually within two years of its launch.

The Cerato continues the recent Kia tradition of introducing new models which are thoroughly modern, attractively stylish, and technically sophisticated, while retaining the marque’s strong adherence to the value-for-money ethic. The Sorento, Picanto and now Cerato, confirm that Kia appeals to European customers and, together with owner Hyundai, is on course to become a ‘Top 5’ global car maker by 2010.

Taller, wider and shorter than the Mentor it replaces in the UK, the new Cerato has a much longer (2610 mm) wheelbase, and offers significantly more cabin space than its predecessor. Customers can choose from different equipment levels (LX and EX), two petrol engines (1.6 and 2.0 litres) with manual or automatic transmission, and two diesel engines (1.5 and 2.0 litres) both with manual gearboxes.

The iron block, aluminium head, four cylinder petrol engines are fitted with double overhead camshafts and 16-valves. The 1.6 produces 105 ps, while the 2.0 unit features CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) which boosts power at low and medium revs, and generates 143 ps.

The all-new 1.5 CRDi diesel engine, which produces a maximum of 102 ps, will be available from the summer of 2004. The 2.0 CRDi diesel engine is available from launch. It is based on the power unit used in the Kia Carens, and develops 112 ps and a massive 245.2 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm.

Cerato manual transmissions come with five speeds, while the ‘adaptive’ automatics are four-speed units featuring electronic wizardry that matches the transmission’s characteristics to the customer’s driving style.

All-new, the Cerato bodyshell is not only torsionally stiff (to ensure European standards of ride, handling, braking and steering), and skilfully constructed (to achieve excellent occupant protection and an anticipated 4-Star rating in Euro NCAP tests), but also light enough to achieve highly competitive performance and fuel economy results.

The chassis has fully independent suspension, precise rack and pinion steering, and disc brakes all round with ABS, EBD and BAS for maximum stopping power. In Europe, every Cerato will come fitted with Bridgestone tyres. The five-seater cabin is equipped with dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full length side curtain airbags, depending on model.

An eye-catching addition to the Kia range, the Cerato represents a winning blend of style and function, with a combination of comprehensive features and unbeatable value. The LX model equipment includes: tinted windows, ABS anti-lock brakes, 60/40 split folding rear seat backrest, centre console storage box, electric front windows, four two-way audio speakers and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants.

The EX builds on the LX specification by adding numerous items, including: twin front fog lamps, heated door mirrors, remote central locking and theft alarm, driver’s seat height adjustment and lumbar support, rear seat folding central armrest and storage box, rear cup holders, twin front-mounted audio tweeters, overhead