Kia Plans to Discontinue the Cerato Model Name

Jawad

26 Nov 2023

498

Kia Plans to Discontinue the Cerato Model Name

In the forthcoming generation of Kia's compact car, set to launch in 2024, a significant change is on the horizon. Kia has decided to discontinue the use of the Cerato nameplate as part of its broader strategy. The company aims to assign alphanumeric designations beginning with 'K' to all new-generation Kia passenger cars, consolidating its small-car lineup in response to declining sales amidst the prevailing SUV trend. Consequently, the globally recognized Cerato, known as K3 in South Korea and China and as the Kia Forte in select markets, will now adopt the K4 moniker.

The upcoming generation, currently in camouflaged test mule form, is expected to make its official debut in the first half of 2024. Kia's decision to use the K4 globally, instead of the K3, which was considered more logical, stems from the latter now being designated for the successor to the smaller Rio, introduced in Mexico earlier this year.

At an international media conference in South Korea, Ho-Sung Song, Kia's global CEO, disclosed that all future Kia passenger cars would adopt the K-series naming convention. This strategic move was established during the brand relaunch in 2021. Song explained, "For passenger cars, we'll use the K family names – K3, K4, K5 – mainly for internal combustion-engined [petrol] models."

The K4, positioned as a successor to the Cerato, might potentially replace the Ceed, the European market twin of the Cerato, with customized bodywork. This decision aligns with Kia's overarching goal of unifying its compact passenger car lineup under a single global nameplate.

Spy photographs of the K4 reveal its larger size compared to the Cerato it replaces, aligning with the new, more significant numerical moniker. The K4 is expected to utilize new underpinnings from the latest Hyundai Elantra sedan. Speculative renderings circulating on the internet provide an initial glimpse into the anticipated design of the upcoming model.

The K4 is poised to offer a variety of engine options, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged choices in different displacements. Notably, a hybrid powertrain will be introduced for the first time in the replacement for the Cerato. As more details emerge in the coming weeks, enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for additional information on this noteworthy transition in Kia's compact car lineup.

Kia Kia Cerato Kia Model Discontinuation Kia Car Models Kia Nameplate Change Kia Future Cars Kia Automotive News Kia Compact Car

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