SEOUL: Kia will introduce the next generation Cerato compact sedan aka Forte later this year in its home market under a new name – ‘K3’.
The Cerato was Kia’s global best-seller in 2011 with more than 445,000 units delivered.
It is known as Forte in Malaysia and some some countries.
While creating the latest model, Kia’s designers and engineers focused on giving the all-new Cerato futuristic and dynamic styling, with a more spacious cabin.
Kia said the completely redesigned compact sedan will be longer, lower and wider.
After its domestic introduction, the Cerato sedan will then go on sale overseas in the first quarter of 2013, to be followed by five-door hatchback and two-door coupe variants.
In Malaysia, the current six-speed Kia Forte is Naza Kia Malaysia's bestseller, contributing about 50% to the distributor's sales last year. The Forte, available in three trims, retails from RM79,000 to RM98,000.
Naza Kia Malaysia had announced in April that it is targeting an overall annual sales growth of 40% to 18,000 units this year as the company expects an improvement in its inventory.