Kia is to continue its wave of sportier styling, under ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer, with an all-new Cerato that's due to hit its home market of South Korea later this year. This will be followed by an international roll-out starting in the first few months of 2013.
Tone down these official sketches, released by Kia, and you have a very good idea of how this new Cerato will look. At the front we see a design inspired by the latest Rio, with a few 3 Series overtones in the way the headlights flow into the 'tiger nose' grille, while the Cerato's rear angle pays tribute to the Optima.
It's not just about form, as Kia promises a more spacious interior via proportions that are longer and wider, but lower, than those of the current Cerato.
None of its mechanical content has been disclosed as yet, but expect it to follow in the footsteps of the recently-unveiled Cee'd hatchback by offering a quieter and more refined overall driving experience and a more high-end interior.
TURBO POWER?
If it follows in its more Euro-centric cousin's lead then we're also likely to see the fitment of the Hyundai group's new 1.6-litre naturally aspirated direct injection petrol engine, which is good for 99kW and 164Nm. Of course, don’t rule out the turbocharged version of this engine either. Technologies like parallel park assist and blind spot monitor are also among the technological possibilities.
While the sedan will be the first model released, Kia says we can expect a five-door hatch and two-door coupe to follow in due course.
Can't wait for the new Cerato? Read our road tests of the Ford Focus , Honda Civic , Hyundai Elantra and VW Jetta .