Kia has revealed its new, third-generation Cerato sedan (badged as the Forte in the United States and the K3 in Korea) at the North American International Auto Show, boasting design cues “inspired by” the Stinger.

The Korean automaker claims that the “decidedly more upscale” new model offers a higher level of comfort, better fuel efficiency and more advanced driver assistance technologies than before. A local-spec version is expected to arrive in South Africa towards the end of 2018.

The vehicle’s overall length has increased by 81 mm to 4 641 mm, which Kia says has freed up both additional rear legroom and more space in the boot (the latter growing to a claimed 428 litres). The brand claims a significant increase in body stiffness and says that “steering feel” has been upgraded and suspension geometry reworked, too.

The 2,0-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine for the US market makes an unchanged 110 kW and 179 N.m (interestingly, the SA-spec engine in the outgoing model makes 118 kW and 194 N.m), but is ostensibly a little more frugal, and can be paired to either a six-speed manual or what the brand calls its new “Intelligent Variable Transmission”. The latter is Kia’s take on the continuously variable transmission, using what it describes as an “adaptive style shift logic” with a chain-type belt instead of push belt.

The few physical buttons in the thoroughly redesigned cabin are sited below the eight-inch colour touchscreen (which comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), while aeronautically inspired circular vents adorn the dash.

A wireless charging tray will also be offered as an option, along with a 320-watt sound system developed with Harman Kardon. Kia furthermore claims to have improved ease of ingress and egress, as well as outward visibility.