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  SHIP OUT OF WATER: A monumental Arab dhow and palm trees - icons of Dubai - with a new Kia Cerato at the Bab al Shams desert resort lunch stop way east of the city. Images: LES STEPHENSON and KIA
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  SAME PLACE, DIFFERENT LIGHTING: The orange/red 1.6 Kia Cerato turns vivid red from a different angle under the desert sun.
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  TWO ENGINES FOR NOW: This is the four-cylinder 1.6 that puts out 95kW at 6300rpm...
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  ...and this the also four-cylinder two-litre capable of 118kW at 6500rpm and 194Nm at 4800rpm.
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  TIME FOR TRAFFIC: The 2013 Kia Cerato launch route included much of downtown Dubai on its excellent freeways.
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  FREE TO RUN AT LAST: Out of the city and eventually...
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  ...out into the shifting brown sand dunes of the Dubai desert.
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  WINTER WONDERLAND: Well, it was winter in Dubai (27C) and the desert is a wonderland of constantly moving sand.
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  WHERE'S THE CAMEL MAN? The Ship of the Desert casts a scornful glance at the alien intruder to its ancient home.
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  SUNRISE OVER THE GULF: And the two Kia Ceratos are out for an early run...
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  ...and some spectacular cloud formations.
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  SPACE TO STRETCH: The 2013 Kia Cerato is slightly longer and wider than its second-generation predecessor. Its rear seats fold 60/40.
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  FULL SPEC: The more expensive versions of the 2013 Kia Cerato have steering wheel controls for the carphone and cruise speed as well as a comprehensive trip data computer with a colour screen.
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  HEAVY ON THE LIGHTS: Kia made much at the launch of the head and tail lights which it believes outdo those of Audi and BMW.
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  LEATHER AN OPTION: It comes on the two-litre model that will be available in South Africa later in 2013.
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  POWER POINTS: Depending on model, the 2013 Cerato range comes with power windows and external mirrors.
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  GET COMFORTABLE: The Cerato's steering column telescopes and adjusts for height, the drivers seat for height, reach and backrest rake.
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  NOISE AND INFORMATION: The Cerato's centre stack houses aircon, radio and communication controls.
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  AUTO CHOICE: A six-speed auto/manual sequential or six-speed manual gearbox will be available on both 1.6 and 2.0 models in SA.
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  THREE IN ONE: This conjoined view of the Cerato's steering wheel shows audio, phone and speed controls within fingertip range.
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  ROOM FOR TWO AND A HALF MEN: The centre rear seat is really meant for an older child.
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  FOLDING SEATS: Though the normal boot claims space for three golf bags and more, a 60/40 rear seat greatly enlarges the volumne.
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  LOADS OF LUGGAGE: Multi-golf bag capacity.

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