Car Review of the Kia Cerato Koup
19-November-2010
- Vital Stats
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$23,690 - $25,690
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Unleaded
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Big enough
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2
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The first time I copped a look at the Kia Cerato Koup was when a superb-looking, little white number whizzed past me in the local shopping centre car park. What car WAS that? Is the hatchback making a fashionable comeback? Who knew?
Turns out it was a new sports coupe from none other than Kia - complete with slick design and sexy styling inside and out.
A Kia? Really?
Yep, Kia seems to be getting a lot right lately - from its marketing (loving the latest ads) to turning out some pretty decent vehicles (think the Soul and the Cerato), and all for the right price to boot.
Retailing between $23,690 and $25,690, the Kia Koup allows even me to consider some new-look sporty wheels at a price I can afford. But the big questions is - what's this baby like to drive?
The drive
Just because the Koup looks like a rather expensive sports-car, it doesn't necessarily mean it will drive like one. However, one also can't expect to a Ferrari drive on a dime. In this respect, I really enjoyed driving the Kia Koup. In fact, I would go so far as to say the Koup is the Ferrari of inexpensive hatchbacks with tight steering, easy manoeuvrability, good grip and easy parking.
My only gripe, if pushed, was a touchy accelerator along with a slight delay in gear change but I got used to this and ended up becoming quite fond of the drive by the time I had to hand back the keys.
Style
Viva la hatchback! Just like spots, stripes, plaid and bellbottoms, what goes around comes around in fashion and as far as car trends go, the coupe (aka hatchback) has taken the backseat in recent years.
Given this, Kia is pretty bold in bringing sexy back with the Koup setting a new style and, in resurrecting the hatch, I'm reminded how much I used to drool over them in the 80s (anyone remember the Celica and Integra?).
This Koup is streamlined and sporty on the exterior with a sporty bumper, alloy wheels and angular feature, however doesn't come across as overly aggressive or masculine.
Inside, think fashionable red stitching on the front seats, and a sexy dash along with shiny alloy pedals. The sound system is pretty-darned good and the rear seats can be folded down to allow even more room in an already roomy vehicle.
Safety
The Kia Cerato Koup comes with rear parking sensors, speed-sensing door locks, 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, active head rests to reduce whiplash injuries, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. ANCAP safety rating is pending... www.ancap.com.au
3 words to describe this car:
Spacious, streamlined, sexy.
What are the best things about this car?
The design, the spacious interior, the price and the 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
What are the downsides of this car?
The doors are cumbersome and the seats are heavy to manoeuvre back and forward when entering the rear. Suspension could be better, but it's great considering the price!
What kind of petrol does this car use?
Unleaded.
Liked it?
Very much.
If personified, who would this car be?
Naomi Watts - extremely attractive, inexpensive but not ‘cheap'; down-to-earth in a ‘girl next door' kind of way while still delivering the goods.
Soundtrack of choice for the Kia Koup:
Anything Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
