The latest Kia Cerato is the first in its lineup to wear the new badge, signifying the Korean brand’s bold new transformation.
You have to admit, Kia has certainly come a long way. Back in the early 2000s, they churned out models like the stodgy Spectra; now, a stylish, tech-packed lineup. Establishing themselves as a formidable player in the automotive sector, the brand now has a new logo and brand purpose.
Movement That Inspires
Kia’s logo moves from the enclosed ‘KIA’ lettering to a stylised script that resembles a handwritten signature. It features a rhythmical, unbroken line, conveying the brand’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration. The rising peaks of the letters embody their rising ambitions, as well as a symmetry that exudes confidence.
The new logo is part of a larger brand evolution, titled ‘movement that inspires’. Kia has also adopted this phrase as their new brand slogan. This reflects their new purpose of inspiring customers — through their products, services, and experiences.
Inspiring customers isn’t just about creating stylish cars. Kia intends to go beyond vehicle manufacturing, to creating mobility solutions that are sustainable in the long term. Some of these include electric vehicles, purpose-built vehicles, and even exploring sustainable production — through clean energy and recyclable materials.
Embrace Progress and Rise Above
First to wear the new Kia logo is the facelifted Cerato, which is now available for viewing in the showroom. Apart from the new badge on the nose, Kia’s best-seller has also been restyled inside and outside. The ethos that drives the sedan’s evolution is straightforward — ‘Embrace Progress and Rise Above’ — which it’s done excellently.
The signature Kia tiger-nose grille is now longer and more slender, flanked by LED head lights on either side. Around the back, LED taillights and the rear trunk lip spoiler seamlessly blend into each other.
New in the cabin is a 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The latter, as you might expect, offers the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Willing to splurge on the GT Line trim? You’ll enjoy a leather interior, heated and ventilated seats, a wireless phone charger, and an electrochromic rear view mirror.
Both the mid-tier EX and top-spec GT Line trim offer Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite of safety tech. This includes useful features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and a Safe Exit Warning, amongst others.
Prices start at S$87,999 for the entry-level Cerato L, and S$97,999 for the mid-range Cerato EX. Want the bells and whistles? The full-fat Cerato GT Line goes for a rather reasonable $103,999.
Looking for a larger Kia family car? Check out our reviews of the Kia Sorento SUV and Kia Carnival GUV (Grand Utility Vehicle)!
