The current version of the Kia Forte – also known as Cerato outside America, and K3 in its home market – is starting to look kinda old now. So it’s about time for the Korean car maker to introduce a replacement, and that is exactly what they are doing. These official renderings offer the first official glimpse at the new-look Cerato. And crikey! It’s fab.

Looks like Peter Schreyer has done it again. The former Audi designer is the guy responsible for Kia’s new trendy image. The current-gen Cerato is one of his finest creations for Kia, and it has been a best-seller for the brand in 2011, with 445,000 units delivered worldwide.

The new Forte maintains it’s rather compact profile, but gets very modern at both ends, with Kia’s signature grille and headlights up front and Optima-like taillights at the back. The car looks gorgeous for a mid-range family saloon that it is.

The new Forte sedan is scheduled to go on sale in many overseas markets during the first quarter of 2013, to be followed by five-door hatchback and two-door coupe variants. Now we can’t wait to see what they have in mind for the new Forte Koup.