Kia Cerato | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Kia |
Also called | Kia Forte/K3 (2009–present) |
Production | 2003–present |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Compact car (C-segment) |
Body style | 5-door hatchback 4-door sedan/saloon |
Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Kia Sephia |
Successor | Kia K4 |
The Kia Cerato (also known as the Kia Forte in North America, K3 in South Korea or the Forte K3 or Shuma in China) is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 2003. In 2008, the Cerato nameplate was replaced by the Forte nameplate in the North American market and the K3 nameplate in South Korea. However, the "Cerato" name remains in use in markets such as Australasia, Middle East and Latin America. It is available in five-door hatchback, two-door coupe and four-door sedan variants. It is not available in Europe, where the similar sized Kia Ceed is offered (except for Russia and Ukraine, where the Ceed and the Cerato are both available).
In some markets, such as North America, the Cerato is marketed as the Kia Forte replacing the Spectra nameplate of previous generations. In Colombia and Singapore, the name Cerato Forte was used for the second generation,[1] while Naza Automotive Manufacturing of Malaysia has assembled the vehicle since 2009, selling it there under the name Naza Forte.[2]