For the Malaysian market, the first generation Spectra was launched in Malaysia on August 15, 2007 as the "Spectra5" available only with one trim level and with the hatchback bodystyle powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC CVVT engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Stylistically, the bumper and headlamps lost their pronounced crease near the grille area, the trunk lid became more rounded, and the tail lights were reshaped.

The Horki 300EV is a compact electric sedan with the design being essentially a rebadged version of the Kia Cerato R from the Chinese market, it was unveiled on the 2016 Auto Guangzhou.

The fourth generation Cerato was unveiled as the Forte on January 15, 2018 at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

Entering its third generation, the new car takes styling cues from the Stinger, and adopts a cab rearward exterior, resulting in a fastback profile and a short trunklid.