Kia Cerato

First generation (LD)
Overview
Also called	Kia Sephia (Latin America) Kia Spectra (North America) Horki 300EV (China)
Production	2003–2008 2004–present (China)[1]
Model years	2004–2009
Assembly	South Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant) China: Yancheng (Yancheng Plant) (DYK) Malaysia: Gurun (NAM)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Platform	Hyundai-Kia J3 platform
Related	Kia Carens
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L U I4 (turbocharged diesel) 1.6 L U I4 (turbocharged diesel) 1.6 L G4ED I4 (gasoline) 1.8 L G4GB I4 (gasoline) (China only) 2.0 L G4GC I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L D I4 (turbocharged diesel)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,610 mm (102.8 in)
Length	2003–06 sedan: 4,480 mm (176.4 in) 2006–08 sedans: 4,500 mm (177.2 in) 2003–06 hatchback: 4,341 mm (170.9 in) 2006–09 hatchback: 4,350 mm (171.3 in)
Width	1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Height	1,470 mm (57.9 in)
Chronology
Successor	Kia Ceed (hatchback)

The Kia Cerato was introduced in South Korea in 2003, sharing a platform with the Hyundai Elantra (XD) and using Hyundai's Beta II (G4GC) (CVVT-enabled) four-cylinder engine.

It replaced the Sephia/Mentor sedan and Shuma hatchback.

In North America, the "Spectra" name was used when introduced for the 2004 model year, with "Spectra5" designating the hatchback. For Latin American markets, the Cerato was still named Sephia until 2005, when it was discontinued in favor of the name Spectra. In Europe, the Cerato was replaced by the Kia Cee'd.

For the Malaysian market, the first generation Spectra was launched in Malaysia on August 15, 2007 as the "Spectra5" available only with one trim level and with the hatchback bodystyle powered by a 1.6 litre four cylinder 16 valve DOHC CVVT engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission.[2]

• 
  2004–2006 Kia Spectra5 SX (US)
• 
  2003–2006 Kia Cerato LX sedan (Germany)

Kia Cerato Si (second generation)

The second generation Kia Cerato was launched in South Korea in late 2008 under the Kia Forte name – a name that was used in most international markets. The "Cerato" name has been retained in some markets, such as Australia, Iran, South Africa and Brazil. In Singapore, the second generation model is badged "Kia Cerato Forte".[5]

At the Sydney Motor Show, held from 9 to 19 October 2008, Kia introduced a new version of the Cerato sedan, which in Europe and North America was called Kia Forte. In the CIS countries, the second generation Cerato retained its name, and its sales began in March 2009. The changes affected the elements of the interior and suspension. The car received a wider (4 cm) and longer (3 cm) body, a longer (4 cm) wheelbase and a wider (7 cm) gauge. However, ground clearance was reduced by a centimeter, thereby reducing the height by a centimeter. At the same time, the design of the rear suspension was simplified, which instead of independent multilink thrust became semi-dependent double-lever, with an elastic beam, which made it more reliable and easy to repair and maintain

Kia Cerato hatchback (third generation)

In July 2012, Kia unveiled the next-generation Cerato as the Korean-market Kia K3.[6] The sedan is sold in the United States as the Forte. A coupe and five-door hatchback were released later on.

The new Cerato is produced in South Korea at Kia's Hwasung Plant and in Mexico at Kia's Pesquería Plant.

Kia Forte EX (fourth generation)

On January 15, 2018 at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Kia unveiled the third generation Forte sedan. Taking styling cues from the Kia Stinger, the new Forte adopts a cab rearward exterior, resulting in a fastback profile and a short trunklid. The car is constructed with 54% advanced high-strength steel that is stronger than the outgoing model. The Forte will be offered with a 2.0L I4 carried over from the second generation model mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or Kia's first CVT.[7]

The Kia Forte is available in three trim levels: base LX, mid-level S, and top-level EX, and went on sale in the fall of 2018 as a 2019 model year vehicle.