The much-awaited KIA Cerato facelift has been officially revealed in South Korea where the car is marketed as KIA K3. The vehicle is also sold as KIA Forte in various markets across the globe.
The 2021 facelift carries exterior & interior styling revisions, equipment enhancements and addition of new safety systems. Starting from the exterior, the facelift boasts redesigned headlights with a new LED DRL signature consisting of three dashed lines at the top and bottom of the cluster. There is a slightly wider grille that now extends to meet the headlights and a revised front bumper making the overall appearance of the K3/ Cerato/ Forte much sharper than before.
The rear end also features a redesigned bumper with fake air vents and a rather large diffuser-like elements. The tail lights get the similar dashed line pattern graphic treatment and are connected to each other via a slim light strip.
Related: All New KIA K8 Launched in South Korea
The facelift also wears new set of 17-inch alloys as well as KIA’s new corporate identity inside & out. Plus, there is a new color added to the palette called Mineral Blue.
Inside there is a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation that sits on top the dashboard, while another 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster resides behind the steering wheel. For lower grade variants however, there will be a 4.2-inch digital driver display and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen.
Related: Next Gen Kia Sportage Spotted Again
Conventional buttons have been replaced by touch controls that sits underneath the infotainment screen, while the interior gets leather and a brown/ interior color combination making it look much vibrant that before. Furthermore, the traditional handbrake lever has been replaced by electric parking brake switch, whereas other interior features include dual-zone automatic climate control, over-the-air infotainment updates, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
In terms of safety, the KIA Cerato facelift will be aided by advanced safety suite which includes Highway Driving Assist, combining the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Following Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Cyclist Detection, Safe Exit Warning, Driver Attention Monitoring, Reversing Camera, Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. There is also Hill-Hold Assist, a remote start function (activated from the key fob), and rear occupant alert, which reminds drivers to check the rear seats upon exiting the vehicle.
Related: KIA in Pakistan Celebrates 25,000 Units Production Milestone
The Cerato/ K3 facelift is likely to retain the current set of powerplants which includes 1.6L turbo and 2.0L naturally aspirated engine options. Further details of the facelift are expected to be revealed ahead of its official launch which is scheduled to take place on the 20th of April in its home market South Korea. Stay tuned to CarSpiritPK for more information.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
