Ateco attacks with Cerato

KIA importer Ateco Automotive will release the Cerato sedan in Australia on July 1.

Cerato will replace the Spectra small car sold here until late last year at $18,990.

Ateco will not confirm if the 4.3-metre Cerato sedan (which will bridge the gap between Rio and Optima and may be followed a five-door hatch) will match that price point.

But it says a high level of standard specification – including a 103kW 2.0-litre engine, the choice of manual/auto transmission, power windows, central locking, CD player and air-conditioning – will make it competitive with small car class leaders like the just launched facelifted $19,990 Corolla.