Kia Cerato Koup SLS 2012 Review

A muscular man in a low-rider looked our car up and down, gave a quick nod of his head, then revved his engine and sped off.

We weren’t sure how to take that at first, but then realised that apparently the Kia Cerato Koup has street cred.

Kia might not be the first manufacture you turn to when looking for a sports car, but if you’re craving good looks and a bit of speed to get you noticed on the road the Koup may be worth a test drive.

Suitable for those longing for a sports car as well as a larger budget, the Cerato Koup has a lot to offer price conscious buyers.

Price and Equipment

For $29,190 the automatic Kia Cerato Koup SLS gives you plenty of perks. ABS, ESC, leather trim, rear parking sensors with dash display, powered sunroof, paddle shifter, active front headrests, 17 inch dual tone alloy wheels, anti-theft immobiliser, battery saver, wheel mounted Bluetooth, cruise, and volume control, 6 function trip computer, MP3 compatible CD Player, iPod compatibility, 6-speakers, Speed Dependent Volume Control, climate control air-conditioning, and for those daredevils with allergies, a pollen and dust filter. 

Technology

The 2.0L petrol engine brings 115kW of power and 194Nm of torque to zip you around the motorways. The six speed automatic transmission is smooth, accurate, and ready to run. 7.7L/100km is the official fuel figure though our fun little rev around Sydney and the Blue Mountains found 9.8.

Design

The Cerato Koup SLS is a neat little bundle dressed to impress. 

Externally, sharp lines, tinted glass and the dual chrome tip rear muffler makes even the toughest driver stop and take note. While parked on the street, an elderly man walking a cavoodle stopped and remarked, ‘That’s one good looking car.’ He may not be the toughest bloke on the block, but his sentiment was shared by everyone we met.

Internally, with black leather seats and red stitching, leather wrapped steering wheel and alloy sports pedals, this car is ready to race. The styled dash gets you in the mood to cruise and the 6-way driver’s seat with height adjustment lets you do that in supreme comfort.

The Koup is a smart choice for those seeking the status of a sports car, but still wanting storage and the option of carrying more than two passengers.

Sentencing friends to the backseats of a two door is usually a cruel punishment, but the Koup’s seats are well designed. Passengers in back can enjoy sufficient legroom for short jaunts and even little touches like a spot to place their flat whites in the two rear cup holders. 

The boot has a lot of room, enough to fit boxes when a friend asked us to help them move, so using the excuse, ‘Sorry I can’t help you move, I only have a two door,’ won’t cut it. 

Safety

Safety features include driver and front passenger, front side, and curtain SRS airbags. Impact sensing auto door unlocking, side door impact beams, and active front headrests come standard in this four-star ANCAP rated car.

Driving

Fast acceleration and responsive handling gives you plenty of excitement on the motorway. Handling curves is no problem and though the Koup is a little bumpy on uneven roads, it’s not a worry as you won’t take this baby off-road.

Sharp brakes will stop you on a dime and wheel mounted controls give you Bluetooth, cruise, and volume control at your fingertips.

Visibility out the back isn’t great but the rear parking sensors with dash display will beep at you if you get too close to anything. You may park too far away from the curb at the start, thinking the hood is longer than it actually is but once you get your bearings it’s easy to fit into a tight spot.

For an affordable sporty two door, you get a lot cabin space, style, and street cred. For speedsters looking for a pleasing fast car, with the practicality of a smaller price tag - you’ve met your mate.

Verdict

The automatic Kia Cerato Koup SLS will fill your need for speed without emptying your bank account.

Kia Cerato

Price: $29,190
Warranty: 5 years
Economy: 7.7l/100 km
Safety Equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBD.
Crash rating: 4 star ANCAP
Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.0 Litre
Transmission: Sports Automatic, Front Wheel Drive
Body: 2 Door Coupe
Dimensions: 4480mm (L); 1765mm (W); 1400mm (H); 2650mm (WB)
Weight: 1740