Kia Cerato Koup Turbo (2014)

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.