Kia Australia has launched the all-new second-generation Kia Koup. With a two model, two engine line-up Kia is a brand on the move, underscored by the arrival of their first ever turbo powered car in to Australia. Not looking for a turbo? Well Kia has thought of that too, also offering a 2.0 litre national aspirated version of the Koup.
Kia Koup Overview
Just as you expect from Kia the list of standard features on the both the 2.0-litre Si and 1.6-litre Turbo models are first class. The entry level Si gets 17-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, keyless entry, cloth seats, 6-way driver’s seat adjustment, electric door mirrors, cruise control, power windows, rear view camera, MP3 compatible CD player and radio, six speakers Bluetooth connectivity, manual air-conditioning, electric folding mirrors, paddle shifts on automatic and host of safety features like ESC, TCS, ABS, EBD, BA, VSM, HAC and ESS, six airbags, front and rear parking sensors,
The Kia Koup Turbo sees the addition of the 1.6-litre Turbo GDi engine, 18-inch wheels with full-size alloy spare, enhanced 16-inch brake package, LED rear combination lamps, LED daytime running lamps, alloy sports pedals, smart key with push button start and welcome lights, plus as host of other features.
If that isn't enough kit for you Kia also offer the optional Touring Pack on the Turbo model for $2,200, which adds leather trim seats, satellite navigation, DVD player, 7-inch touch colour LCD screen, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, clean air module and auto defog system.
The 2013 Kia Koup line-up and pricing is:
2.0-litre GDi SLi $23,990 (M/T) $26,190 (A/T)
1.6-litre T-GDi Turbo $27,990 (M/T) $30,190 (A/T)
*Premium paint add $520.
Kia Koup Engine
“Since the Koup’s first generation launch the car has been praised as having the look of a genuine sports coupe,” Kia Motors Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow, said.
“There had also always been the question mark over whether the performance of the Koup matched its exciting looks. The arrival of the new 1.6-litre Turbo with 150kW makes that question redundant.”
The The 1.6-litre turbo delivers maximum power of 150kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 265Nm at 4500rpm. Fuel consumption (combined cycle) is 7.7l/100kms (manual) and 8.0l/100kms (automatic). It can produce a 7.4seconds 0-100km.
The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, can deliver 129kW at 6500rpm and peak torque of 209Nm at 4700rpm. Combined cycle fuel consumption is posted at 7.3l/100kms (manual) and 7.4l/100kms (automatic).
A choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed Automatic is offered with either engine.
Kia Koup Interior
The driver focused cockpit is a pleasant place to be, all controls are within easy reach and the curved centre stack creates a spacious feel. The instrument cluster is centred on two large, chrome-edged, dials with a centre information panel completing the layout. The Dot-Matrix LCD cluster is standard on both models.
Buyers who like soft touch materials are will be pleased to find the upper door trims, dashboard, door armrests, door centre trim panels and the centre console covered in soft touch materials. With 6 cup holder, 2 large bottle holders, centre console and increased glove box storage buyers will find room for all their needs.
The leather wrapped steering wheel features ‘tilt & telescopic’ adjustment over a 40mm range, making it easier to find the correct driving position.
The interior is now roomier than the out going model, for instance the rear seats have improved headroom (up 28mm), legroom (up 51mm) and shoulder room (up 15mm). Luggage capacity is 433 litres with the 60/40 spilt rear seats in place.
Kia Koup Exterior & Styling
The 2-door Kia Koup is 50mm longer (4530mm), 15mm wider (1780mm) and 10mm higher (1410mm) than the first generation Koup. The front overhang has been reduced by 15mm, while the rear over hang increases by 15mm, helping the Kia Koup look aggressive. With its sleek profile and dynamic styling the Kia Koup offer great compact and sporty looks.
Upfront the Kia Koup has a slim front grille, deeper, wider, lower air intakes with the front bumper housing the front fog lights. Unlike the sedan and hatch the Kia badge has been moved from the grille to the panel in front of the bonnet. The Turbo model gains carbon look bumper and LED's.
Helping create the sporty look is the framelss doors, alloy wheels in either 17-inch (Si) or 18-inch (Turbo). Turbo models have black-high-gloss door mirrors, door handles (with chrome inserts) and added body-colour side-skirts.
At the rear you will find a two-tone bumper with a matt black diffuser on the Si model and High gloss version on the Turbo model. The Si model has a single exhaust, while the Turbo models chi with dual exhaust tail pipes.
The Kia Koup is available in six colours Racing Red, Abyss Blue (standard); Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Bright Silver and Metal Stream (premium).
Kia Koup On the Road
Kia Australia have spent a considerable amount of time locally and overseas tuning the ride and handling top suit our local conditions. The product team from Kia Australia set out to great a sporty car while keeping the characteristics of the classic Grand Tourer.
On the roads around the Yarra Valley in Victoria Carshowroom.com.au sampled all four models available in Australia, the Si and Turbo in manual and automatic. Sampling some of the finest roads Victoria has to offer, the Kia Koup excelled thanks to the fully independent MacPherson strut front suspension and CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle) rear suspension. Under steer was slightly more prevalent on the automatics due to the extra weight from the gear box.
The 1.6litre turbo was a ripper of an engine and it meet ever challenge we through at it. Lets not beat around the bush, its not a hot coupe/hatch with blistering performance (save that for the Kia Pro C'eed). What it does deliver is a 'warm' coupe/hatch experience that is rewarding. That's not to say the 2.0litre naturally aspirated engine is a slouch either, matched with either the manual or the automatic it delivered when asked.
The 'Flex-Steer' system which offers three modes of steering feedback (comfort, normal, sport) delivers great feed back a noticeable differences when each mode is selected. The quick steering rack has ratios of 15:1:1 and has only 2.85 turns lock to lock.
Kia Koup Challenges
It would have been nice to hear the turbo engine have a bit more of a throaty sound.
Kia Koup Verdict and Competition
The Kia Koup is a great little car and it will suit both young and young at heart buyers who are looking for something sporty with out the expensive price tag. When evaluating the Kia Koup, Kia Australia benched marked performance against the Toyota 86 GT ($29,990), Ford Fiesta ST ($25,990) and Hyundai Veloster($31,990). The first two maybe a little bit hot & harsh for people who are looking for a car they can live with day-to-day.
It's difficult to find a direct competitor for the Kia Koup way out of the price range would be the recently launched Mercedes Benz CLA priced from $49,990 for the CLA 200.
