THE all-new Kia Cerato is a highly competitive entry into the popular lower medium segment (Focus/Astra/Golf size). The modern European influenced exterior of the Cerato is matched to a spacious and up-to-date interior which will hold five adults and their luggage. The emphasis on refinement and the use of high quality materials clearly represents the new generation of Kia products. The Cerato reinforces and extends Kia's commitment to bring to market stylish and spacious cars with high levels of equipment that offer excellent value for money. The Cerato range is priced from £9,750-£11,995.

The UK line-up is made up of seven models with two petrol and one diesel option and three specification levels. The high level of standard equipment includes twin front, side and curtain airbags, air conditioning, remote central locking, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, JVC audio with CD/MP3 and split/folding rear seats.

Cerato also challenges best in class standards in terms of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). Structural and design elements intended to reduce NVH have been incorporated into Cerato from the initial design of the car.

The aerodynamic shape of the front of the car, the A pillars, door mirrors and upper door frames, plus tight panel fit, have resulted in a low drag co-efficient of Cd 0.32 (saloon) and Cd 0.33 (5dr hatchback). Kia's state-of-the-art wind tunnel at Namyang provided the high-tech facility necessary to develop a unique underfloor structure, with four longitudinal 'blisters' beneath the car, which reduce drag, noise and vibration from under the car.

The bodyshell is strengthened at key points around the A pillars, roof panel and side-sills, and insulation pads have been fitted throughout to dampen road noise. A one-piece dash panel with a five layer isolation pad is fitted to the dashboard made from new and advanced materials. This structure greatly lowers noise intrusion from the engine compartment. Noise transfer within the bodyshell is blocked by the use of expanding foam in the A, B & C pillars.

Engine mountings are made from a combination of plastic and aluminium materials, instead of the traditional steel, to reduce vibration.