Manufacturer Kia Motors Class Compact car | Production 2003-present Predecessor Kia Sephia | |
 | ||
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive 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.
Contents
First generation (2003–2008)
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.
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.
Second generation (2008–2013)
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".
Third generation (2013–present)
In July 2012, Kia unveiled the next-generation Cerato as the Korean-market Kia K3. 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.