THE all-new Kia Cerato four-door saloon made its European debut at the International Motor Show in Brussels last week. A significant model for the ambitious Korean company, the 4.5 metre Cerato is a highly competitive entry into the popular and all-important C-segment of the European market. For the first time in this segment, Kia will be offering customers a choice of petrol and diesel engines in the Cerato.

The 1.5 litre and 2.0 litre diesel engines feature common-rail technology for the optimum balance between performance, economy and clean emissions. Kia is confident that the Cerato range - both the saloons and the five-door hatchback sister cars, which are scheduled to make their world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March - will attract more than 45,000 European customers annually within two years of its launch.

The Cerato continues the recent Kia tradition of introducing new models which are thoroughly modern, attractively stylish, and technically sophisticated, while retaining the marque's strong adherence to the value-for-money ethic. The Sorento, Picanto and now Cerato, confirm that Kia appeals to European customers and, together with owner Hyundai, is on course to become a 'top 5' global car maker by 2010.