2021 Kia Cerato pricing and specs detailed: Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 and Hyundai i30 rival significantly jumps up in entry cost with facelift

Kia Australia has released pricing and specification details for the facelifted version of the fourth-generation Cerato small car, which has started to enter showrooms, with the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai i30 firmly in its sights.

As before, the Cerato is available in identically priced hatchback and sedan body-styles, with four grades on offer: entry-level S, mid-range Sport and Sport+, and flagship GT. The latter will arrive in mid-June.

The S and Sport are no longer available with a six-speed manual, with a six-speed torque-converter automatic now standard in the pair, to match the Sport+.

As a result, the small car’s starting price has jumped by $3300, to $25,490 plus on-road costs, with that rise also takes into account the S’ $500 facelift-related increase.

Both the Sport and Sport+ have moved up $600, to $27,590 and $30,640 respectively, while the GT is up $1100, to $35,290. And yes, it still comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Speaking of powertrains, the S, Sport and Sport+ still use a 112kW/192Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, while the GT continues to up the ante with a 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged unit.

So, what do buyers get for the extra spend? Well, LED daytime running lights, rear air vents, lane following assist and rear occupant alert are now fitted across the range, while an electric park brake and active blind-spot monitoring have been added to the Sport+ and GT, with the latter even gaining a sunroof.

Standard equipment in the S otherwise includes 16-inch steel wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a six-speaker sound system, a 4.2-inch multifunction display and manual air-conditioning.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

The Sport adds 17-inch alloy wheels (new), a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system (new), satellite navigation, digital radio, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector, and illuminated vanity mirrors.

For $1000 extra, the S and Sport can get the Safety Pack, which bundles in power-folding side mirrors, larger rear disc brakes, an electric park brake, upgraded AEB with cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Safety Pack is standard in the Sport+, which also features keyless entry, push-button start, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, leather-appointed upholstery and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Meanwhile, the GT gets independent multi-link rear suspension, a body kit, LED headlights and tail-lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, front sports seats with cooling, and a sports steering wheel.

2021 Kia Cerato hatchback and sedan pricing before on-road costs

UPDATED: 03/06/2021