Kia Cerato Koup 2013 Review

Kia Cerato Koup

Powered by the first turbocharged petrol-engine to grace an Australian-spec Kia, this second-generation Koup will set the tone for future T-GDi-badged models.

The question is: Has Kia nailed the balance between style and substance? Kia says it has, and that the mix will lure a new kind of buyer to the fold -- albeit with the help of some turbocharged titillation.

The range starts with the 2.0-litre GDi (petrol) Si entry model. It is priced from $23,990 (plus on-road costs) for manual transmission-equipped variant and $26,190 (plus ORCs) for the automatic.

Next up is the 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbo-petrol) priced from $27,990 (plus ORCs) for the manual and $30,190 (plus ORCs) for automatic.

Then, if you’ve chosen the turbo model, you’ve got the choice to further upgrade your kit list with the Touring Pack ($2200). This buys dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and a DVD player with 7.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system.

Equipment levels are generous for the price with keyless entry, cloth seats, a six-way adjust driver’s seat, power mirrors and windows, cruise control, a reversing camera and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts (auto. only) all offered as standard.

The entry-spec audio unit features six speakers, MP3 compatibility, tuner/single-CD, Bluetooth audio and telephony, and a 4.3-inch colour touchscreen.

The Turbo model gains LED tail-lights, LED daytime running lights, alloy sports pedals, a chilled glovebox, cloth seats with faux leather inserts, smart key entry with push-button start and welcome home lights.

There are six exterior colours are available: Snow White Pearl, Bright Siler, Aurora Black, Metal Stream, Racing Red and Abyss Blue. Premium or metallic paint attracts an additional $520.

The turbo-powered engine, which is new to the Kia badge, is shared with sister-brand Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo SR.

Both engine choices are available with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Two specification levels are offered, the entry-level Si and top-spec Turbo. The latter has a top speed of 222km/h and will accelerate to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds when fitted with the auto trans.

Exterior dimensions have grown from those of the predecessor. The new Koup measures 4530mm in length, 1780mm wide and 1410mm high. The wheelbase is 2700mm and ground clearance is at a sleek 140mm. Luggage space is a respectable 433 litres and the boot features the versatility of a 60:40 split-fold rear seat with button release inside the cargo area.

The Koup Si is fitted as standard with 17-inch alloys while the Turbo scores 18s. A full-sized matching alloy spare wheel is standard.

The Turbo also gains larger 300mm ventilated front disc brakes -- up 20mm on the GDi’s. Both feature 262mm solid discs at the rear.

The suspension, although locally tuned, remains identical between the pair. The Koup uses a McPherson strut set-up at the front and a torsion beam axle in the rear.

The published fuel consumption figures vary slightly between the pair with the Si GDi managing 7.3L/100km (man.) and 7.4 (auto.). The Turbo sips 7.7L/100km (man.) and 8.0 (auto.). CO2 emissions register 175, 177, 184 and 190g/km respectively.

All figures quoted are based on regular 91 RON unleaded petrol. The fuel tank capacity is 50 litres.

Increased head room (up 28mm), legroom (up 51mm) and shoulder room (up 15mm) makes for a very comfortable second row lodgings -- and all of this without sacrificing that svelte coupe shape.

Inside the Koup you’re faced with a totally black interior, and it’s the only colour choice available. Soft touch finishes, chrome highlights, carbon-look trim, faux leather and cloth seats are all complimentary to the Koup’s sporting credentials.

The style is clean and sophisticated and execution is of ergonomics good. We were pleased to find several useful storage compartments for phones and other sizeable paraphernalia and six cupholders. Ditto the rear seat ventilation outlets.

While driveline NVH was well contained, we did find that road and tyre noise is evident -- and there was a constant wind noise present in the cabin.

Safety equipment as standard includes, front, side and curtain airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, side door impact beams, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, reverse parking sensors and a rear view camera.

The more obvious are the sporty Ford Fiesta ST, sister-brand Hyundai’s Veloster SR Turbo or even the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ twins. These models are all quoted by Kia as benchmarks used during its market testing phase.

The new Mazda Mazda3 and Ford Focus could also share a glimpse from this buyer demographic, as may the Volkswagen Golf or even Mitsubishi Lancer.

While in the Korean market Kia Koup is built for comfort, Kia Australia believes this locally tuned suspension is primed for “driver engagement” -- without sacrificing driver comfort.

On a meandering test drive through the Yarra Valley, the Koup’s suspension and front-end grip proved first-rate. The overall handling and on-road behaviour was stirring. Korean cars just don’t drive like this! The ride was supple, refined and engaging. A very pleasant mix.

There’s also a confident weight to the Kia’s steering that made tackling winding roads a joy. The electrically-assisted steering is equipped with Kia’s FlexSteer technology, so you can adjust the driving weight to the tune of Sports, Comfort and Normal modes for increased weight behind the wheel.

The six-speed manual gearbox performed without fault, with a seamless transition through the gears and willing revs at the ready. The smooth and short shift of the manual box was seriously fun to drive.

While the automatic transmission was a similarly solid performer, it showed some hesitation under acceleration. For a faster, more controlled drive, the paddle-shifts worked a treat. The Turbo model also features a tuned (read: louder) exhaust, for a more “sporty” note.

While the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit is the hero of this launch story, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine is no sloppy second. It’s a sharp performer and is expected to out-sell its turbo-powered sibling.

Dynamically surprising, we’re left with a good first impression of this new Koup and look forward to a more intimate road test in the very near future.