2014 Kia Cerato Koup Road Test, Review
The second-generation Kia Cerato Koup comes with neat new lines and a choice of standard engine or turbo model for those who seek a little extra excitement.
While the first generation was hardly the flavour of the month when it came to sales figures, this one has the style and improved dynamics to take the fight to the bargain coupe sector.
The optional turbo version in particular should help change buyer perceptions.
The standard Cerato Koup comes with a choice of six-speed auto or manual transmissions and the naturally-aspirated engine boasts 129kW and 209Nm.
Step up to the turbo version and once again six-speed transmissions are on offer, but you get 150kW and 265Nm.
Fuel consumption for the turbo comes in at a combined 7.7L/100kms, slightly more than the non-turbo models 7.3L/100kms.
The only major difference between the two is smaller wheels and brakes for the naturally-aspirated model.
It sits on 17-inch wheels shod with 215/45 tyres, while the turbo gets 18-inch alloys with 225/40 tyres.
The suspension tune is unique to Australia and on either set of wheels, the ride is calm and controlled, with a bit of firmness to hint at its ultimate ability.
Sharp bumps will send a shock through the Kia‘s cabin, but you won’t feel it through the steering.
The brakes, discs all round, are 20mm bigger on the Turbo, at 300mm. ABS, EBD, ESC and traction control are standard across the range.
The Koup also features Flex Steer, which is something of a gimmick.
A steering wheel-mounted button allows you to switch between comfort, normal and sport.
Aside from that both models are essentially the same. The standard package for both includes cruise control, air-con, artificial leather trim, a 4.3 inch screen for the stereo, phone and reversing camera and push-button starting.
The dashboard is hardly the latest in avant-garde design, but it works well.
The carbon-look weave of the stereo surround is a nice touch as are the ribs in the passenger side of the dash pad.
One interesting feature is when you approach the car (providing you have the key with you) the side mirrors automatically unfold.
The Touring Pack, only available on the Turbo, brings sat-nav, real leather, a larger 7-inch screen, DVD player, dual zone climate control and a few other odds and ends.
The front seats are very comfortable and well-bolstered. The plastics are, overall, very good.
It doesn’t feel super-premium, but as with the rest of the range, is part of a rapidly-improving cabin ambience from Kia.
Inside is plenty of storage, with six cup holders (for five seats, oddly), door pockets, a glove box big enough to fit a sizeable user manual and a phone/gadget bin underneath the dash.
The rear seats spilt 60/40 to extend a decent-sized boot.
The Kia Cerato Koup boasts a five star ANCAP safety rating.
Summing it up; The Koup isn’t a hard-charging hot hatch, but the two-door Kia feels tight and should prove an attraction for buyers looking for something different, without breaking the bank.
NUTS and BOLTS – 2014 Kia Cerato Koup
- Engine: 2.0 litre petrol producing 129kW and 209Nm or 1.6 litre turbo-petrol producing 150kW and 265Nm
- Transmission Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
- Safety: Five stars
- Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited kilometres
- Origin: Korea
- Price: From $23,990
Be the first to comment