The new Kia Cerato continues to be rolled out globally, and in China a localised version, sharing the K3 name with its South Korean-market twin, is set to be introduced pretty soon. These images, which have surfaced on Chinese portal Sina Auto News, show a number of interesting changes to the C-segment sedan.
Front and centre is a wholesale redesign of the front end, now with a larger “tiger nose” grille. Two grille inserts are available, one with a triangular pattern and the other with a series of imposing vertical slats; together with the wraparound headlights and U-shaped lower bumper design, the latter gives a look fairly reminiscent of the Maserati Quattroporte.
At the rear, the K3 gets revised tail light graphics but keeps the trapezoidal shape and the red strip joining the two. The bumper has also been re-profiled, adding fake twin tailpipes and losing the triangular surrounds for the reverse lights and indicators (which have been moved back into the main lamps).
According to the publication, the engine lineup will also get a revamp. While other markets only receive a naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre petrol mill and a hotted-up 1.6 litre T-GDi turbo in the GT variant, the Chinese-market K3 will apparently get a 115 hp 1.5 litre NA unit and a 130 hp 1.4 litre turbo. There will also be a plug-in hybrid version that pairs a 105 hp 1.6 litre petrol with an electric motor – likely the same setup that you’ll find on the Niro Plug-in Hybrid that also delivers a 65 km all-electric range on the SUV.
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