Kia Cerato sedan 2018 pricing and specs confirmed

Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) has launched its fourth-generation Cerato sedan, holding its $19,990 driveaway pricetag for the entry-level S model, but adding a host of new technologies as well as styling in line with the brand's flagship Stinger sedan.

Swapping the six-speed manual transmission for automatic commands a $1500 premium on the S variant, though the auto box is standard on the up-specced Sport and Sport+ variants, which check in at $23,690 and $26,190 driveaway respectively.

For perspective, the Cerato undercuts the mechanically related Hyundai i30 ($19,990 before on-road costs) and Hyundai Elantra Active ($21,950 before on-road costs).

Dimensionally the car is slightly bigger on all three axis. (Kia Cerato Sport pictured)

Dubbed the BD series, the new-generation Cerato is a significant update over the YD series it replaces, with the line-up streamlined to just three grades; S, Sport and Sport+.

The standard S is expected to be the volume seller of the range, which now includes new standard-fit safety tech including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), lane keep assist (LKA) and front-and-rear parking sensors.

Though the powertrains carry over from the previous model, nearly everything else is new to the Cerato, starting with the body which has both a sportier look and better aerodynamics.

The car is also significantly stronger than before thanks in part to reinforced A and B pillars, higher strength materials, beefed-up engine bay side members and an increase in structural adhesives.

Dimensionally the car is slightly bigger on all three axis with the overall length stretched 80mm to 4640mm, width increased by 20mm to 1800mm and height up 5mm to 1440mm. This has translated to improved passenger room and an extra 20 litres of boot space.

Inside, the Cerato has been treated to a new dash design, with Stinger-esque circular air vents and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with features including digital radio, MP3, auxiliary, Bluetooth, voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Inside, the Cerato has been treated to a new dash design, with Stinger-esque circular air vents. (Kia Cerato Sport pictured)

The new interior also boasts a redesigned instrumentation cluster, new steering wheel controls, and all-new seats for improved comfort and support.

As before, power is generated by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, delivering 112kW at 6200rpm and 192Nm at 4000rpm.

Four driving modes are available – Sport, Comfort, Eco and Smart – which adjust the steering, engine and air-con settings.

In manual guise, the Cerato drinks 7.6 litres per 100km on the combined cycle and emits 172 grams/km of carbon dioxide emissions. Those figures improve by 0.2L/100km and 7g/km for the auto, which is a completely overhauled six-speed torque-converter transmission.

The car is suspended by MacPherson struts with a torsion beam rear axle, and steers via a column-mounted motor-driven electric power steering system.

Though the powertrains carry over from the previous model, nearly everything else is new to the Cerato. (Kia Cerato Sport pictured)

Standard kit on the entry-level S model includes six airbags, tyre pressure monitors, cruise control, air-conditioning, power windows, auto on/off headlights, central locking and 16-inch steel wheels.

Moving up to the Sport variants adds satellite navigation with live traffic, leather-sheathed steering wheel and shift knob, unique trim pieces and cloth upholstery, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The range-topping Sport+ gains autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, adaptive cruise control, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, leather upholstery, electric folding door mirrors and dual-zone climate control.

All Kia models including the new Cerato come with a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, capped-price servicing and roadside assist.

2018 Kia Cerato sedan driveaway pricing:

Kia Cerato S – manual – $19,990
Kia Cerato S – automatic – $21,490
Kia Cerato Sport – automatic – $23,690
Kia Cerato Sport + – automatic – $26,190

Does the added safety tech make the all-new Kia Cerato more appealing? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.