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Kia Cerato Koup Turbo (2014)
by John Ewing,reviewed February 2014
It’s the second-generation of the Koup, and buyers can pick from the 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated or 1.6-litre, twin-scroll turbo-petrol engines.
This is the first time Kia Australia has offered customers a turbo-petrol engine. The lively, new forced-induction engine, mated to an optional six-speed auto ($2200) in our test car, delivered solid and responsive performance, thanks to generous torque spread thickly across the rev range.
The Koup’s ride, tuned locally for our conditions, is quite firm but generally comfortable. There’s willingness and confidence in the way it tracks through twists and turns, and the steering response is nicely linear. The electric power steering incorporates Kia’s Flexsteer system with three driver-selected settings, comfort, normal and sport, to alter steering weighting. None of the settings offered sufficient ‘road feel’ in our view.
Other quibbles include old-fashioned ‘goose-neck’ boot hinges that intrude into boot space and limited rear head and leg room.
Those points aside, the new Koup impressed, including its generally high standard of finish inside and out.
Kia admits Koup is more the ‘grand tourer’ than out-and-out sports model (wait for the pro_cee’d GT, they say).
Certainly it’s no Golf GTi, but it’s way cheaper, comes with a long warranty and capped price servicing, is easy to live with and still offers sportier than average driving enjoyment.
For
Price, warranty, styling, performance and handling
Against
Boot hinges intrude, limited rear leg and head room
Key features
Air-conditioning, 18” alloys (5), paddle shifters (auto), cruise control, bluetooth, MP3 compatible CD with My Music function and media inputs, 4.3” colour touch screen display, auto-dim mirror, faux leather/fabric trim, front/rear park sensors, reverse camera, proximity entry/keyless start, front/rear fog lights, alarm, hill-start assist
Safety
Dual front/side/curtain airbags, electronic stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution
Car Details
Vehicle make |
Kia |
Vehicle model |
Cerato Koup Turbo |
Vehicle type |
Small Under $35,000 |
Year |
2014 |
Price when new |
$30,190 (auto) MLP |
Current price range |
$ - $
|
Insurance |
Get a quote for car insurance |
Approved Repairers |
Our expert team of approved repairers can perform general and specialist repairs, including auto-electrical, air-conditioning, radiator repairs and automatic transmissions. |
Engine |
1.6-litre, T-GDI turbo direct petrol injection, 4-cyl |
Max power |
150kW @ 6000rpm |
Max torque |
265Nm @ 1750-4500rpm |
Acceleration to 100 km/h |
7.4 seconds (claimed) |
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This review is based on road testing conducted by The Road Ahead. Further vehicle reviews, in-depth comparisons and coverage of consumer motoring issues can be found in the Club's magazine. Prices listed were current at the time of review and are manufacturers list prices and do not include statutory and delivery charges. Prices can vary from time to time and dealer to dealer.