2017 Kia Cerato updated with more tech and safety

Kia has given its popular Cerato hatch and sedan a facelift for 2016. The updated model also scores new technologies, as well as a new Drive Mode Select system.

As before, the Kia Cerato will be offered as a four-door sedan and five-door hatch in Australia, with four variants to choose from – S, S Premium, Si and SLi.

All variants share Kia’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder MPI engine from the NU family generating 112kW and 192Nm of torque. It is matched to either a six-speed manual (S) or six-speed automatic (S, S Premium, Si and SLi) driving the front wheels with a claimed 7.1L/100km in combined fuel consumption.

Kia is launching the new range with drive-away pricing, with the Cerato S kicking in at $19,990 plus free automatic. An optional 7-inch touch screen audio visual unit is available for an extra $500, which brings rear view camera, Android Auto and dusk sensing headlights.

The S Premium is priced from $24,990 drive away with automatic, Si is $28,990 drive away while the range-topping SLi is drive away at $32,490.

All models get standard six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), Hill start Assist Control (HAC), and Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system.

The Si adds Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) while SLi goes a step further with Lane Departure Warning (LDWS) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems.

Standard fare in the S includes 16-inch steel wheels with a full size spare, power windows, projector headlights, 3.5-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, adjustable headrests, 60:40 split fold rear seats; Bluetooth phone and streaming and FM/AM radio with CD and MP3 audio.

The S Premium adds 16-inch alloys with full size alloy spare, dusk sensing headlights, 7-inch LCD touch screen with satellite navigation and rear view camera, along with additional soft-touch interior surfaces.

Moving to the Si adds leather trim seats, rear air vents, auto up and down front windows, smart key with push button start, electric folding mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, chrome accent on exterior door handles and window surrounds, aeroblade wipers, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

At the top of the range the SLi features 17-inch alloy wheels with full size alloy spare, alloy sport pedals, paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, LED DRLs, eight-way power driver’s seat adjustment, heated and ventilated driver’s seat and heated passenger seat, sunroof, HID headlights, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning.

All models fitted with the 7-inch audio visual and satellite navigation screen are hardware compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay and can be software flashed when licensing agreements are in place.

The 2017 Cerato can be distinguished from its updated black or gloss black ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as new headlamps, bumper and re-profiled bonnet. Sedan models also receive a new rear bumper and taillights.

The 2017 Cerato can be distinguished from its updated black or gloss black ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as new headlamps, bumper and re-profiled bonnet. Sedan models also receive a new rear bumper and taillights.

The Cerato is available in a single non-premium Clear White colour and seven premium options: Aurora Black, Gravity Blue, Planet Blue, Snow White Pearl, Metal Stream, Silky Silver and Temptation Red.

2017 Kia Cerato pricing: