Kia has experienced incredible growth in the last few years, currently enjoying the title of Europe's fastest growing automotive brand. Kia has moved its game on significantly from the old Mazda 121 based "Pride", but it still trades on value for money.
However, the Korean company is slowly changing tack, indicated by such concept cars as
the award-winning KCV IV Mojave concept truck and the
KCV III. The
Picanto was the first real new-wave Kia, and this autumn the UK will receive the next – the Cerato. The Focus-sized Cerato is an important car for Kia, with 30,000 buyers targeted per year.
Final UK specification has not been confirmed, but we do know that a high standard of safety equipment will be fitted across the range, including six airbags. Of more surprise is the use of disc brakes all-round and the option of two common-rail diesels and a 2.0-litre petrol unit with variable valve timing. Will the Cerato be the first sporty Kia? We shall see if the base car has what it takes when we drive it early next year.
Shane O' Donoghue - 5 Jul 2004