The new Kia Cerato four-door saloon has made its European debut at the International Motor Show in Brussels.

The new Kia Cerato

For the first time in this segment, the Korean car maker will be offering customers a choice of petrol and diesel engines in the Cerato.

Kia is confident that the Cerato range -- both the saloons and the five-door hatchback sister cars, which are scheduled to make their world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March -- will attract more than 45,000 European customers annually within two years of its launch.

Taller, wider and shorter than the Mentor it replaces in the UK, the new Cerato has a much longer wheelbase, and offers significantly more cabin space than its predecessor. Customers can choose from different equipment levels (LX and EX), two petrol engines (1.6 and 2.0 litres) with manual or automatic transmission, and two diesel engines (1.5 and 2.0 litres) both with manual gearboxes.

The LX model equipment includes tinted windows, anti-lock brakes, 60/40 split folding rear seat backrest, centre console storage box, electric front windows, four two-way audio speakers and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants.

The EX builds on the LX specification by adding numerous items, including: twin front fog lamps, heated door mirrors, remote central locking and theft alarm, driver's seat height adjustment and lumbar support, rear seat folding central armrest and storage box, rear cup holders, twin front-mounted audio tweeters, overhead console with map lights and sunglasses holder and courtesy 'puddle lights' in the front doors.

Extra-cost optional equipment includes: dual-mode traction control, trip computer, heat-reflective solar glass, powered glass sunroof, leather upholstery and a choice of 15 inch or 16 inch alloy wheels.

UK prices, final equipment specifications and line-up for the Cerato will be confirmed at the UK launch later this year.