The much-leaked 2021 Kia Cerato has been officially revealed ahead of its arrival Down Under in May.

    The hatchback and sedan rival to the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30 has been treated to a new look on the outside, and new technology behind the wheel.

    Engine details haven’t been revealed for the new car but it’s likely the current 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol will carry over in the Cerato S, Sport and Sport+, and the Cerato GT will retain its 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol.

    It isn’t yet clear if the S, Sport and Sport+ will pair their engine with a conventional automatic as is currently the case, or whether they will switch to a CVT like the Kia Seltos and related Hyundai Kona.

    Inside, the new Cerato features a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen shared with the rest of the Hyundai and Kia range, along with a screen where the analogue rev counter and speedo once sat.

    The new Kia logo features on the steering wheel, and the manual handbrake has been subbed for an automatic unit with auto-hold on the Korean car pictured here.

    Also new is the two-tone caramel and black interior trim, although it’s not guaranteed to make the journey to Australia.

    CarExpert understands specifications of the updated Cerato GT will remain largely the same for 2021, although it appears ventilated seats will return to the spec sheet.

    Externally, the new Cerato has been treated to a makeover inspired by the smaller Stonic SUV. The LED graphics in the headlights are new, and neatly match those of the Stonic GT-Line, while there are new details in the bumpers and grilles.

    The rear has been tweaked subtly for 2021, with new graphics in the tail lights and bumpers.

    While passenger car sales continue to fall in Australia, the Cerato remains Kia’s top seller.

    A total of 17,559 found Australian homes in 2020, and it’s sitting at 4466 sales to the end of March – making it the third best-selling small passenger vehicle.

    The Cerato will retain its name in Australia, and debut the Korean brand’s new company logo Down Under.

    Elsewhere, Kia will use the K3 name on its small hatch and sedan.

    MORE: Kia Cerato news and reviews

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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