Marton Pettendy•28 Mar 2013
NEWS
NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Kia outs first force-fed Koup
Kia Australia considering both standard and turbocharged versions of cool new Cerato KoupAmericans will go wild for the funky new Soul, but Australians are more likely to be interested in the other redesigned Kia model to debut at this week’s New York motor show.
Seen here for the first time is the second-generation Cerato Koup, which Kia has confirmed will go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year.
The sleek new Californian-designed two-door will complete the new three-model Cerato small-car line-up, including the all-new sedan due next month and the redesigned hatch due by August.
The Koup on show in the Big Apple was powered for the first time by the Hyundai-Kia group’s 152kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged direct petrol-injection GDI four-cylinder.
It’s the same engine that powers the Hyundai Veloster and, come early next year, the pro-cee’d GT three-door hot hatch.
Like the current Koup (available from $23,390), Kia’s redesigned image-leader will also be available with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol-four, but the bad news is the turbo Koup is not yet signed off for Australia.
“The turbo (Koup) is under discussion,” said Kia Motors Australia General Manager – Public Relations, Kevin Hepworth.
“We could get both (naturally aspirated and turbo models) and if I had my way we would, but it’s not decided yet.”
In the US, where it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2013, the Cerato (Forte) Koup will be available in EX guise with a 129kW/209Nm 2.0-litre GDI engine, while the turbocharged 1.6-litre SX will be Kia’s most powerful Koup ever.
The EX comes standard in North America with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the SX is available with both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions – the latter with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Stateside, the entry-level Koup EX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices with Rear Camera Display, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, Kia’s multi-mode FlexSteer system, a tilt/reach-adjustable steering column, power windows and LED positioning lights.
Stepping up to the Koup SX in the US brings 18-inch alloys, dual chromed exhaust outlets, LED tail-lights, a more aggressive front bumper with black gloss grille inserts, larger front brakes, alloy sport pedals and carbonfibre-style accents on the seats and front and rear of the car.
Optional across the US Koup range will be HID headlights, navigation, a sunroof, heated steering wheel, 10-way power-adjustable and cooled driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather seat trim, SmartKey push-button starting, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror and dual-zone automatic climate-control.
Like the Cerato upon which it’s based, the new Koup is lower, longer and wider than before, and features backswept headlights (like the Rio's) that stretch deep into the front wings and a heavily raked windscreen.
Kia says the new Koup interior features soft touch points, large and easy to read white-on-black gauges, chromed accents around the HVAC controls and carbonfibre-like dash and seat highlights.
Underneath is a sports-tuned calibration for the Cerato’s MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension systems.
“The Forte Koup is arguably the sportiest vehicle in our award-winning line-up, and it has helped raise Kia’s brand awareness significantly among automotive enthusiasts,” said Kia Motors America’s Executive Vice-President of Marketing and Communications, Michael Sprague.
“Its rakish design, premium amenities and powerful turbocharged engine set it apart from the competition. With the debut of the Forte [Cerato] sedan and five-door earlier this year, and now the Koup in New York, the Forte line-up has been completely revamped from top to bottom.”
For the latest New York motor show news at motoring.com.au
Photo gallery of 2013 New York motor show at motoring.com.au
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Written byMarton Pettendy
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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