Cerato introduces the new face of Kia

Headlining Kia’s stand is a preview of the new and stylish Cerato sedan, due for release to the Australian market in early 2009. It will be the first Kia to feature the 'new face of Kia' design from the pen of Kia's global chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, who joined the company in 2006 from the Volkswagen Group.

Schreyer's corporate H-grille echoes his car design philosophy. According to Schreyer, design is the number one purchase influence but it is essential that new designs match both the Kia brand value and the vision of the Kia brand.

In striking electric blue at the show, straight lines are feature on the profile, following the base of the side glass from the A-pillar to the boot, while the headlights are integrated into the grille; blistered guards visually lower the car.

The new model will bridge the gap between small and medium cars with space, performance, features and value. Longer and wider than the current Cerato sedan, the new model is actually roomier than the first generation Toyota Camry.

New Cerato will feature a new, efficient 2.0-litre engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for class-leading power and torque, delivering the pulling power and responsiveness of a 2.2-litre engine without the fuel consumption of a bigger engine.

Kia is also involved in other initiatives, including sponsorship of the Australian Open tennis and a Kia Young Drivers program. Kia is also involved with a new 14 part TV series on Channel 10 called ‘Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures’, where Pat spent three months driving a Kia Sorento CRDi around Australia.