Despite a recent introduction of a plethora of SUVs in the local market, sedans still rule the roost. Remembering the fact that sedans are still the most popular car body type here, auto makers do not fail to introduce new sedans every year.
KIA, which has made the mark with its iconic Sportage, till now had not introduced a sedan in Pakistan. And though there are no official announcements from the company yet, its globally popular sedan – Cerato – may be launched in Pakistan in 2022. It is a mid-range sedan with various modern features and competitive specs.
Needless to say, motorheads are already curious about Cerato. Thanks to KIAs super successful models – Grand Carnival, Picanto, Stonic, Sportage, and Sorento – Cerato is getting all the hype it needs. With the expected launch of Cerato’s 4th generation in Pakistan, the company seems to be expanding its product line in the local market.
Here is everything you need to know about this sedan.
Overview of KIA Cerato
The first generation of Cerato (named Spectra) was introduced in 2003 (South Korea). It came both in sedan and hatchback. Its second generation was introduced in 2008 named KIA Forte. It had three types (sedan, hatchback, and coupe). Third generation was launched in 2014 (hatchback) and 2015 (sedan and coupe). Its fourth generation was launched in 2018 with a more sophisticated design, improved comfort, better fuel economy, and some new features.
Here, we will talk about the fourth generation Cerato. It is because there are high chances of KIA launching this generation in Pakistan.
Engine and performance
The official website of KIA Lucky Motors shows that this sedan could be offered in three engines:
- Gamma 1.6
- Nu 2.0 and
- 1.6 Diesel
According to sources, Cerato is going to have the D-CVVT Gamma 1.6L petrol engine with electronic fuel injection. Here are some important specs of this engine.
| Displacement | 1591 cc |
| Max Power | 128 PS (horsepower) |
| Max Torque | 155 N.m |
The performance of this vehicle with 6-speed automatic/manual transmission is stated to be outstanding due to its powerful engine and low weight aluminium body.
Fuel economy of KIA Cerato
The fuel economy of the KIA Cerato with a 1.6L engine is reported to be 6.6L per 100Km in global models. For convenience sake, it means about 15 Km/L. This economy is average when we compare it with other cars in this category. The actual economy rate will be known when the car is actually launched in Pakistan.
KIA Cerato interior
This KIA sedan has a modern interior design and features that might impress many local consumers. Its heated steering wheel has numerous buttons for different functions. Carbon pattern embossing on artificial leather gives a high-quality and modern feel. The sliding centre armrest feels comfortable and looks elegant in design. The 4.3” screen in the cluster (between rpm and speedometer) provides vital information regarding the vehicle. This car also has rear air vents. Sunroof enhances the overall aesthetics of the interior.
We can only hope that the company doesn’t disappoint its local customers by cutting some features in the interior. It is because other KIA cars in Pakistan have excellent interior design and features.
Exterior of KIA Cerato
Its exterior is as impressive as its interior. Sleek LED DRLs and HID headlamps emitting a blue hue light with high accuracy are the highlights of the front. The smart welcome light system synchronized with the smart key also looks impressive. Tiger nose grille and hood character lines enhance the aesthetics of the front side. Sleek LED combination rear lights look dynamic and provide a sporty look.
Expected features of KIA Cerato
As for now, the features are not official. We can only see what the company is providing in its global variant. So, here are the comfort and safety features of its global model that might be available in the “Pakistani Cerato” as well.
- Comfort features
| Heated steering wheel | Automatic air conditioning |
| Rear air vent | Seat warmers |
| Ventilated front seat | 10-way power assisted driver seat |
| IMS (Integrated Memory System) | Smart key for easy entry and engine start |
| Smart trunk system | Manual tilt & telescopic steering column |
| Rear center armrest with cup holders | 4.3” Touch screen audio |
| USB, AUX, Radio, CD and MP3 | Multi-functional steering wheel |
| Sunroof | Steering wheel paddle shifters (gear changers) |
- Safety Features
Global KIA Cerato has many modern safety features and we can hope that the company will not cut them when launching this car in Pakistan.
| 6-airbags | Auto cruise control |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | Blind spot detection |
| Rear view camera | Electrochromic rear view mirror |
KIA Cerato’s specifications
The following table has important specifications of Cerato’s global version.
| Overall length (mm) | 4,640 |
| Overall width (mm) | 1,800 |
| Overall height (mm) | 1,450 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,700 |
| Suspension (front) | MacPherson Strut |
| Suspension (rear) | CTBA |
| Brake Front | Disc |
| Brake Rear | Drum |
| Minimum turning radius (m) | 5.3 |
KIA Cerato price in Pakistan
The KIA Cerato price is not officially revealed yet. Looking at the average prices of its global variants in different countries, we can expect its price between PKR 4.0 M to PKR 4.5 M.
KIA Cerato Pakistan launch date
Nothing is official yet about the launch of this KIA sedan. The official website of the company has listed it under its global variants. Speculated launch date is the end of 2022.
Competition in the local market
Looking at its price range, KIA Cerato can compete with many sedans in Pakistan. Honda civic, the top-variants of Honda City, Toyota Corolla and the high-end variants of Toyota Yaris are going to be its direct competitors.
Read more: Expected New Cars in Pakistan in 2022
KIA Cerato in Pakistan, will it be successful?
Are you wondering about the success chances of this KIA car in Pakistan? Looking at its features and specifications, it is going to compete with many sedans already available in the local market. People who don’t care much about the car make (Chinese / Japanese / European) could be attracted towards this sedan. The key would be its price and retention of global features.
What is your opinion on the success of this sedan in Pakistan? Let us know in the comment section.
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