Kia Cerato Koup 2014 Review

We don't get it. Why would Kia introduce the Cerato Koup and then a few months later, the Proceed GT three-door hatch essentially the same sort of car? One's out of Korea, the other is out of Europe but they both fit in the same segment competing for the same customers. And there are two variants of the Koup in auto and manual.

Go figure. But regardless, we like Cerato Koup on a number of levels -- the styling, technology, equipment, price and performance.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

We drove the turbo manual version but there's a naturally aspirated model as well with a 2.0-litre engine. The turbo is more desirable if you like an engaging, sporty drive more kick, better dynamics, racier styling and a choice of six-speed manual or dual clutch auto (also available in the 2.0-litre).

Like most models in Kia's Aussie line-up, the Koup has undergone local ride and handling calibration that delivers a sporty/Euro feel. Though only a 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine, its turbo helps generate a handy 150kW/265Nm output which translates into strong performance. Our manual test car offered up slick gear changes and about 7.7 litres/100km fuel economy to achieve a Euro 4 emissions rating on regular unleaded.

DESIGN / STYLING

The Koup is a cracking good looker with the so called "Schreyer" look to its flanks. Touches of carbon fibre look material set off interior and exterior styling as does subtle use of LED lighting.

It's a fairly weighty coupe at 1334kg, bigger than you think and with a large boot and generous rear seat room. Access to the rear seat is commendably easy. Additional luggage space is provided by a 60/40 folding rear seat.

VALUE

There's plenty of kit, adding value to the $27,990 ask. You get leather sports seats with a carbon fibre weave look. The driver's seat has six way manual adjustment while the steering wheel has rake and reach adjustment.

Standard kit includes cruise, paddle shift on the auto, premium seats, trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio, alloy pedals, judicious use of chrome garnishes, two 12V outlets, and numerous storage compartments. Wheels are 18-inch in a particularly fetching pattern alloy and the spare is a full size alloy.

The audio/infotainment pod is comprehensive and includes SUNA satnav but the screen is a tad small on the regular Turbo. A Touring Pack adds a 7-inch screen. But metallic paint adds an annoying $520 to the bottom line.

SAFETY

Koup turbo scores a five star crash rating as well as a swag of driver assist kit like hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera auto headlights and wipers auto door locks and other stuff but none of the sophisticated driver assist electronics found on some of the Euro models at more money.

DRIVING

All good here, sporty, adequate get-go, reasonable fuel economy, impressive cornering, great looks and practical for a coupe. The Koup has just enough sporty edge to make it stand out from a crowd and is priced right with plenty of features to sweeten the proposition.

The drive experience is enhanced by Kia's clever multi-mode power steering system called Flex-steer with normal, comfort and sports settings. It rides on a strut front and torsion beam rear suspension with decent size discs front and rear. They've done an excellent job on local calibration and the car is genuinely fun to drive.

Overall, we like the Kia Cerato Koup. It has honest performance, looks a million bucks and isn't too heavy on the juice.

VERDICT

Just needs a slight polish in certain areas to make it really good.
 

Kia Cerato Koup 
Price: from $23,990, ($27990 Turbo)
Engine: 2.0 litre four-cyl petrol; 129kW/209Nm (150kW/265Nm Turbo)
Transmission: 6-speed manual or auto; FWD
Thirst: 7.3L/100km (7.7L/100km Turbo)