Buying a used Kia Cerato Koup (2010-2016)

Teens headed to tertiary study or perhaps a full-time job are keen to have their own transport, but not some tired hand-me-down from mum or Uncle Pete.

Many have saved enough during school years to fund a decent vehicle and want whatever they buy to be a bit different and kind of cool, with enough traditional 'first car' attributes to sway the parents into maybe kicking in a bit extra. Kia's short-lived Koup fits that recipe very well.

Oddly-named and cutely styled, the Koup arrived here in 2010. It shared mechanicals with the four-door Cerato, meaning a 16-valve 2.0-litre 'four' tweaked to deliver 115kW of power. Most popular transmission was the five-speed manual, which was also $2000 less expensive than the four-speed auto.

Sharp pricing pitched Kia's basic five-speed into the market at $23,690. For that money, buyers enjoyed unexpected inclusions that began with climate-control air-conditioning, cruise control and heated door mirrors. Also in the mix were a trip computer, rear parking sensor and a CD player.

An SLS version of the Koup arrived in time for the vehicle to be plated MY11, adding $4000 to the base-grade purchase price while including an electric sunroof, part leather trim, a multi-function wheel, dash display and uprated sound system.

Six-speed manual transmission was available in the SLS and the suspension was upgraded. However, major change needed to wait until 2014 when the Koup range was expanded to include a 1.6-litre Turbo model.

Australia's version of the Koup wasn't individually tested to determine an ANCAP crash protection rating so it shared a four-star result with the Cerato sedan. Airbags and other safety features were a strong point but the Cerato during the offset impact test suffered minor structural damage and created the potential for injury to the driver's lower leg.

Post-2013 versions were significantly strengthened and did well in every evaluation. As a result, Ceratos and their two-door derivative were granted five-star ratings.

Sharing its 150kW engine with Hyundai's Veloster, the Koup Turbo with six-speed manual transmission cost more than $30,000. Six-speed automatic was optional and judging by the prevalence of autos in the used market, most buyers seemed to prefer them to the manual.

Across the Kia range for that year were other significant changes, including introduction of 'Flex Steer' power steering. It allowed drivers to select settings that altered the amount of steering effort required according to conditions. 'Comfort' mode was said to be suited to around-town use and was very light while 'Normal' reacted like typical power steering. 'Sport' Mode reduced the level of assistance noticeably and was intended for higher-speed, backroad driving and to counter criticism that the steering in earlier Kias lacked precision.

The revamped Koup was by all accounts a well-built vehicle that was fun to drive, and still competitively priced. Sadly, hardly anyone bought the vehicle and sales by 2015 slowed to a trickle (fewer than 100 were registered during 2015-16) causing the model to be discontinued. Many components are shared with other Kia models and parts supplies should remain reliable at least until the end of the decade. Those cars registered in 2014 or later are still covered by the seven-year factory warranty.

If you read a few Koup reviews the overwhelming impression is of a car that promised a lot but delivered less than most had hoped. However, that's an affliction shared by a lot of low-cost sporty models and the Koup offers more car for the money than most.

More than a decade into its existence, Koup styling still looks sharp and distinctive and in the battle to get noticed in the traffic or on a used car lot that's a plus. The shape seems efficient too, with wind noise minimal.

The engine is a decent thing and only starts to sound stressed when you're pushing past 5500rpm. A test drive will reveal that low-down torque isn't a strong point, however the manual shift is quick and precise so snatching a lower gear when needed isn't a chore. Mechanics also don't roll their eyes and shake their heads the moment an opinion on the Koup is sought.

Seats, trim and instruments in decade-old cars can be forgiven for showing some wear and perhaps failing to operate as required. We certainly didn't look at every Koup in the market, however the second-hand examples seen in dealer yards and on auction lots were generally standing up pretty well.

Some owners mention that the touch-screen is too small to be clearly seen and making any kind of alteration while on the move is difficult. Maybe that's a good thing and will force drivers to stop before trying to alter settings.

The dash looks a crowded place, however that's preferable to seeing big areas of empty space and drab plastic. Front seats in basic models are cloth-trimmed and feel OK, with adequate foot room and good forward vision. Behind them the rear seat is more like a padded parcel shelf and not really suited to human habitation. Likewise the boot is cramped but give credit to Kia for including a full-sized spare wheel.

Long-distance touring probably isn't the early Koup's forte but on a freeway in cruise mode the later six-speed with better ratio spacing should be fine. Turbo automatics also come standard with paddle shifters and those can be entertaining.

Electrically-assisted steering can detract from driving enjoyment and sadly that was the case with early Koups. A later vehicle with Flex Steer is better but not perfect. Suspension settings feel fine for urban use but will perhaps give a harsh ride when combined with the Turbo's lower profile rubber.

The tyres on 17-inch rims (18s on the Turbo) are more than adequate for a car of this weight and performance. Brakes are all-disc with a light pedal, ABS that's not too sensitive and excellent stopping power.

Fuel consumption for non-turbo, manual models can slip below 7L/100km in highway running and average 8.5L/100. Automatics use around 12 per cent more.

>> Try to hear the car being started from cold, listening for rattles or tapping noises signifying valvetrain wear or worn timing chain tensioners. Chains, tensioners and the water pump can manage 150,000, however a car that is noisy at lower distance is pleading for immediate work.

>> Sensor issues that triggered warning lights on the dash were reported in early cars, however these should all have been rectified. Make sure during that vehicle inspection that all the dash lights illuminate when the ignition is switched on and the seller or the car dealership hasn't disabled a couple to mask a fault.

>> Inspect the coolant level and neck of the overflow bottle for oily scum. If the temp gauge edges up when idling or with the air-conditioning running the car likely needs a cooling system flush and perhaps a radiator and/or new coolant pump.

>> Four-speed automatic transmissions can lag on upshifts even when in good condition. Have a professional inspect the vehicle if changes aren't smooth or the tranny takes a long time to select Drive or Reverse when stationary.

>> Power steering should feel light and direct during the test drive, with no free movement or stickiness. Clunks or kickback can indicate wear to steering or suspension components.

>> Test power window switches, central locking and the air-conditioning to ensure they all work quickly and quietly. Repairing electrical components can turn a cheap used car into a costly proposition.

Used vehicle grading for Kia Cerato Koup

Design & Function: 14/20
Safety: 12/20
Practicality: 12/20
Value for Money: 14/20
Wow Factor: 14/20 (Turbo)
Score: 66/100