Kia Cerato Koup Turbo auto 2014 review

The turbocharged version of Kia’s second-generation Cerato Koup promises a healthy dose of performance substance to match its undeniable style.

Value

You can also get the Cerato Koup as a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, but the 1.6-litre Turbo is the one to get your tongue wagging.

The Koup Turbo represents pretty impressive value, and even with the automatic transmission on this one, it’s $30,190 price tag is within a whisker of the cheapest $29,990 Toyota 86 GT. 

It also costs about the same as the little hot hatches like the Clio RS, Fiesta ST, and 208 GTi, but the Koup Turbo promises similar thrills in a more mature package.

It’s also $5100 cheaper than the $35,290 Veloster Turbo auto, so it’s a bit of a style and performance bargain.

The Koup Turbo comes with cloth sports seats, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio, reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors, proximity keys, heated folding wing mirrors, LEDs at the front and rear, and 18-inch alloys.

An optional Touring Pack is also available, which adds leather trim, climate control and a 7-inch screen with satnav.

Design

The Koup Turbo shares its driveline and underpinnings with the Hyundai Veloster Turbo and the new Pro_cee’d GT, but the Koup is wrapped in a slightly-longer, more suave coupe body.

On the inside, it’s a lot like the Cerato sedan and hatch, and there’s an impressive amount of room in the back and seating for three, plus a surprisingly large 433L boot and split-fold, and a full-size spare wheel. 

Engine / transmission

The Koup Turbo’s 1.6-litre engine pumps out the same 150kW/265Nm as the Veloster Turbo and the new Pro_cee’d GT, and carries an 8.0L/100km combined fuel consumption figure with the six-speed auto. 

Significant to the Koup Turbo’s ownership experience is the fact that it is happy running on Regular 91RON unleaded fuel, and comes with Kia’s capped price servicing plan and five year warranty.

Safety

Like all current Ceratos, the Koup Turbo comes with a five star ANCAP rating, with dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD and stability control.

Driving

The Cerato Koup Turbo is a bit of a surprise out on the road, with a great balance of performance and refinement.

The 1.6-litre turbo engine helps it complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds, but this is only half the story. There’s fantastic urge available just off idle, with max torque from 1750rpm giving the “fast car” sensation at every flex of your right ankle.

The six-speed auto is a great match even without using the paddle shifters, and it makes a nice muted rort from the twin exhausts.

The Koup’s handling is nice and composed through corners, and with a torsion beam rear end it will rear-steer like a like a hot hatch when you’re really pushing it.

The official fuel figures are tough to match when you’re enjoying the performance, and the steering can be a bit dull when twirled enthusiastically.

Despite this finesse through the bends and its low profile 18-inch tyres, the Koup Turbo is surprisingly comfortable over bumps, and it’s nice and quiet at highway speeds.

Verdict

If you’re after a great blend of value, style, performance and comfort, the Kia Cerato Koup Turbo is an excellent option, and it’s easier to live with than a hot hatch.