Cerato is the name Kia uses for its compact sedan in markets such as Australasia, the Middle East and Latin America. It began in South Korea in 2003, sold as the Spectra in North America and the Sephia in Latin America. In 2008 the second generation became the Forte in North America and in Korea, where the K3 name followed in 2012, while Cerato stayed elsewhere. Kia showed the next Forte at the Detroit show in January 2018, with styling cues from the Stinger and a 2.0-litre four rated at about 147 hp and a new IVT transmission. Europe sold the first Cerato from 2003 to 2007, and the Ceed has filled that role since.
The Forte is Kia's compact sedan, sold in some markets as the Cerato or K3, competing against cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. It offers efficient four-cylinder engines, a roomy cabin for its class, and a value-focused feature set. Sportier GT trims added a turbocharged engine and firmer tuning.
18years
3generations
18trims
121–198hp range
SedanCoupe
The Lineage
3 generations · tap any to explore6 trimsTD (2nd gen)
2008–2013
6 trimsYD (3rd gen)
2013–2018
6 trimsBD (4th gen)
2018–now
The Story
Why the Cerato mattersTrims · BD (4th gen)
3 trims · 2021–now2021 facelift: The Forte/K3 BD received a 2021 facelift with aggressive new front and rear styling and updated interior/tech within its ongoing 2018- generation.