Kia Motors South Africa (KMSA) admits they’ve left existing Cerato Koup fans waiting a bit longer than they’d have liked for a replacement model, but as is often the case, and as our Ed. found out, the wait seems to have been worth it.
The first generation Kia Cerato Koup left South African showrooms over one year ago, after having won buyers over for its styling, features and value. The same couldn’t be said for the two-door’s performance though, as the naturally aspirated, 2.0-litre, in-line four, never delivered the bite to match the Koup’s bark. For this reason, and despite two engine choices being available in many international markets, KMSA have elected to offer the more powerful and turbocharged option exclusively.
The new engine is an important milestone for Kia in South Africa, as it is the brand’s first turbocharged petrol unit to reach our shores and will no doubt pave the way for other turbo’d Kia models in future, as well as a larger capacity 2.0-litre.
The new 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder T-GDi engine found in the new Koup boasts 152 kW @ 6 000 r/min and torque of 265 Nm @ 1 750 – 4 500 r/min. It’s worth noting that these figures are on par with those of fiery subcompacts like the Mini Cooper JCW, Opel Corsa OPC, Peugeot 208 GTi and the upcoming Renault Clio RS200. Still, the Cerato Koup has never been aimed at the sports car market and was never developed with one eye on the hot-hatch brigade, so the Koup’s larger dimensions and adequate power place it more in the grand tourer (GT) segment.
Having spent a brief 70 kilometers behind the wheel of the new Koup on the Gauteng launch, it is apparent that the Korean manufacturer has equipped their coupé with the engine it so desperately needed. The new Koup now drives like it looks, i.e. with ‘go’ to match the ‘show’. Available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission (with paddle shifters), the Koup manages respectable acceleration (0 – 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds in auto guise) and, thanks to its twin-scroll turbo geometry, engine response is positive too.
The engine is only one aspect of the 2014 Kia Cerato Koup that’s all-new. The chassis and suspension are shared with the Cerato sedan, but have been retuned for work in the two-door coupé. The MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension setup is well damped and constitutes a giant leap in ride quality over that of the first generation Koup. As a result, the new Koup handles with more confidence than its predecessor too, but remains chiefly a comfortable GT rather than nimble sports car – an appeal that’s cemented by the Koup’s noticeably low levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
The electrically assisted power steering is adjustable through three stages of assistance, from Normal to Comfort and Sport. While feeling over-assisted in the ‘comfort’ mode, the ‘sport’ setting offers a more proportional response to inputs thanks to less assistance. A more convincing self-centering action wouldn’t go amiss. The brakes have good initial response too, but although sporting 300 mm ventilated items in front and 262 mm solid discs at the rear, the pedal travel became a little longer sooner than expected during spirited driving.
The sleek styling of the second generation Cerato Koup is wider (15 mm), taller (20 mm), longer (50 mm) and the car rides on a longer wheelbase too (50 mm). The front of the new Koup features a narrower grille, wider and lower air intake, as well as carbon fibre-look bumper insert and LED daytime running lights incorporated in the swept back headlights. 18-Inch alloy wheels, twin chromed exhaust pipes, together with a rear diffuser sporting a dry carbon fibre finish on its lower half, add to the Koup’s road presence. Finishing touches include gloss black accents on the grille, as well as for the mirrors and handles on the frameless doors.
Packed with features, the only two options available for the Kia Cerato Koup are the choice of metallic paint and a sunroof. The Koup boasts everything from keyless entry and keyless go, to seat belt extenders, park distance control, radio/cd/mp3-player with Bluetooth/USB/Aux-in connections, multi-function steering wheel and on-board computer, as well as leather-covered seats, steering wheel and gear shifter.
The carbon fibre looking trinkets are brought to the interior too, with the leather covered seats having a carbon fibre looking weave on their side bolsters, which are supportive in relation to the Koup’s handling ability. Interior space is generous, especially in the rear, where leg room is ample and taller passengers have more head room than maybe anticipated. Conveniences such as cup holders, air vents and arm rests are present both front and rear, with a 433-litre boot for larger items.
The Cerato Koup is equipped with a multitude of safety equipment as standard, including: 6 airbags (dual front, side and curtain); ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with built-in EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution).
The new Cerato Koup is the latest example in Kia’s ongoing journey from ‘good’ to ‘great’. The Koup can be applauded for its new-found performance, build and ride quality, as well as the stylish looks and continued value.
| Pricing | |
| Kia Cerato Koup M/T | R334 995 |
| Kia Cerato Koup A/T | R346 995 |
Pricing includes a 5-year / 150 000 km warranty, 5-year / 90 000 km service plan and 3-year / unlimited km roadside assistance.
