Kia's new Cerato is the Korean firm's competitive entry into the popular Focus/Astra/Golf sized segment.

The modern European influenced exterior of the Cerato is matched to a spacious and up-to-date interior which will hold five adults and their luggage.

The UK line-up is made up of seven hatchback and saloon models, priced from £9,750-£11,995, with two petrol and one diesel option and three specification levels.

The high level of standard equipment includes twin front, side and curtain airbags, air conditioning, remote central locking, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, JVC audio with CD/MP3 and split/folding rear seats.

Higher, wider but shorter than the Shuma and New Mentor models it replaces, the Cerato offers generous passenger accommodation with plenty of front head room and shoulder room as well as rear leg room and shoulder room. Luggage space has not been sacrificed either.

The interior design is simple, modern and efficient using high-quality materials. The dashboard is divided horizontally with the upper surfaces in a dark colour, which is continued around the upper surfaces of the door, visually unifying the passenger compartment.

For the first time in this segment, Kia will be offering customers a choice of petrol and diesel engines in the Cerato. The initial line-up will feature the 1.6GS and 1.6LX five-door hatchback and the 1.6LX saloon. The 1.6LX five-door hatchback is also available with automatic transmission.

The 2.0SE saloon will join the line-up before the end of the year and three 1.5-litre diesel derivatives (1.5CRDi GS and LX five-door hatchbacks and 1.5CRDi LX saloon) are expected to be available from November. The final pricing on the diesel models will be announced later.