Kia Cerato Koup Review & Road Test

Pros: Sporty two-door looks; capable performance & handling; competitive pricing; strong feature list

Cons: Lifeless four-speed automatic; banal instrument panel; no height adjustment on front seatbelts

By Matt Brogan | September 25th, 2009

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Price: $9,990 to $17,760

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	2
Comfort and Interior	3
Quality & Design	3
Value & Features	3.5
Safety	3
Green	3.5

Meet Kia’s cracking take on the common man’s coupe.

Models Tested:

2009 Kia Cerato Koup; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol; five-speed manual; coupe – $23,690*
2009 Kia Cerato Koup; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol; four-speed automatic; coupe – $25,690*

Options:

Metallic Paint $400 (Fitted – Bright Silver)

CarAdvice Rating:

Forget everything you thought you knew about Kia being cheap, bordering on nasty, and at least uninspiring. That perception was so 2003. The new Cerato Koup warrants your careful consideration and it couldn’t get here at a better time, seeing as plenty of previous small-car two-doors have evaporated from the market – Honda’s Civic Coupe, Mitsubishi’s Lancer Coupe and, showing my age, Mazda’s 626 Coupe, just to name a few.

Pugnaciously good looking the Cerato Koup draws much of its styling from the already attractive lines offered in its four-door sibling. However, in losing the rear doors and lowering the roofline (by 60mm), it has gained a sporty, sleek and slightly aggressive alternative to buyers shopping the hatchback arena.

There’s very little in the way of compromise either with the Koup evidentally as impressive in terms of quality as similarly priced Japanese rivals. Accomodation and equipment levels are also generous with the Koup being near identical on both counts to that of the up-spec Cerato SLi sedan, as currently on long term evaluation here at CarAdvice.

Sharing a common wheelbase of 2650mm with Cerato sedan, Koup boasts cabin proportions nearly mirroring those of its four-door counterpart. Rear head and shoulder room are slightly reduced but not so as you’d notice, the revision seeing a loss of 58 and 59mm respectively. By the same token rear legroom has also only decreased by a marginal 28mm. Entry and egress to the rear seat is a relatively ungymnastic affair though a release on the front seat shoulder might have been a nice idea.

Koup features the same sufficient level of storage compartments as per Cerato sedan offering a two-tier console box, roomy glove compartment, split-sectioned door bins, six cup holders (four front, two rear) and assorted oddment compartments all getting a look in. On the downside Cerato Koup omits height adjustable seatbelts for the driver and front seat passenger.

In terms of decor it’s again a case of the familiar with Cerato’s unfortunately banal three-pod instrument panel making an unwelcome return. Refreshingly, the handsome centre stack is now accented by a glossy piano black fascia to compliment the monotone black interior. Subtle soft metal and chrome finishes punctuate the console and door trims to lend Koup’s cockpit a more up market feel.

As touched on a moment ago the feature list is quite strong considering the list price with the Koup offering striking black and alloy 17-inch wheels, front and rear foglamps, single-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, dusk sensing headlamps, rear parking sensors, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, alloy pedals, power windows and mirrors, trip computer, remote central locking, MP3 compatible CD tuner with iPod connectivity and steering wheel mounted remote controls all as standard equipment.

The single-grade Koup will be joined by an up-spec model early next year, the Koup SE, that will offer larger alloy wheels, leather upholstery should you be chasing that extra touch of class.

Safety comes compliments of an impressive array of standard equipment that includes speed sensing door locks, dual front, side and curtain airbags, ESC with Traction Control and four-wheel disc brakes featuring electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. Three-point inertia reel seatbelts are fitted to all five seating positions with the front seats adding pyrotechnic pretensioners to the list. Although yet to complete ANCAP testing a four-star result akin to that of Cerato sedan should be expected.

Up back a commodious 358 litre boot offers ample luggage space which can be increased by the 60:40 split fold rear seat. Conveniently the release mechanism for which are located in the top of the luggage compartment to negate the need for climbing in and out of the back seat.

Under the bonnet the Cerato Koup is powered by Kia’s free-revving, Theta II CVVT engine. Of ‘square’ design (meaning bore and stroke dimensions are equal, in this case 86.0mm), this 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit develops a class-leading 115kW of power at 6200rpm while also managing a strong 194Nm of torque from 4300 revs.

A revised exhaust system featuring dual outlets offers the Koup a lower, more distinctive note under acceleration which I might add is quite brisk thanks to a recalibrated throttle response that sees 0-100km/h times of 9.3 and 10.5 seconds in the manual and automatic respectively.

When it comes to transmission choices the Koup offers a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, and although neither choice is perfectly suited to the car’s stylistic intent I’d take the manual as a preference.

The reason? Simple: the ageing four-speed automatic feels a little lifeless and is slow to respond to subtle changes in throttle pressure. The result of this unfortunate situation is that the eager engine cannot be fully utilised, especially when modulating speed through corners where the transmission tends to overreact once prompted seeing a frenzy of excitement and noise before the desired result is achieved.

By contrast the only issues found with the manual box are a light clutch and slightly longer throw of the gearshift than is otherwise desirable.

Our real-world driving offers a vastly different result on the fuel-consumption front than the ADR fuel figure suggests, I would however hasten to point out that both car’s engines were very fresh with only 800km on the manual and 1300km on the automatic’s odometer at the time of testing, and if our long-termer is anything to go by, this figure should fall to a more acceptable figure over the course of time.

Pleasingly the Cerato Koup is happy to run on regular 91RON unleaded meaning filling the tank should set you back around $65. For the record our week’s fuel consumption figures were 8.6L/100km for the manual and 10.0L/100km in the auto.

Sprung by a strut front / torsion beam rear arrangement, a 10mm reduction in ride height compared to the Cerato sedan means the Koup feels a little more taut through corners, a feeling validated by the inclusion of a thicker front stabiliser bar, stiffer shock absorber settings and increased steering rack ratio that provide a more tenacious yet accurate drive to compliment the car’s athletic appearance.

Although this has made for a slightly stiffer ride I wouldn’t say the Koup is overly firm or uncomfortable with enough compliance remaining. This allows relaxed cruising on country roads and cabin noise levels comparable to that of similarly priced four-door competitors (72dB @ 100km/h).

With great looks, competitive pricing and an outstanding five-year / unlimited kilometre warranty, Cerato Koup is a meritorious example of just how far the ‘cheap and cheerful’ Kia brand has come, and as such, is truly a worthy consideration to any one willing to exchange their badge snobbery for some seriously striking, reliable and affordable two-door motoring.

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The competition

HYUNDAI TIBURON

Rating:

UK

Anyone interested?
For me, I prefer much the sedan. The coupe is just nonsense, with no competitors in this market.

Cheers

Huw

There are some dills out there UK. IF its not your thing UK don’t buy it. It IS my thing and I WILL be buying one. I’m impressed with the build quality space and ergonomics. This is a market segment which needs to be filled, There are plenty of cars like the Koup OS. But because we have simple minded folk like UK and others, we are neglected in this country.

The Astra coup in all its bottom level forms sold like hot cakes, because it was accessable. I can tell you the Cerato Koup runs rings around the Holden for quality and power. ( it would be good if we got the bigger NON turbo motor. MAybe that will come. In any case there’s a big market out there for this car. I’m part of it and I’ll be buying it!!!

toxic_horse

I like it !!
RdS

i still think this is a great car. A budget coupe that looks that good, so well equipped, and so well priced, is a welcome addition to the aussie market.
Sumodog

It is pointless and it won’t sell. Loooks ok but it does not have the performance to back it up. Sporty coupe needs to be fast. This is not.

toxic_horse

They don’t need to be fast,
Look at the celica, was it fast NO. Did it sell millions, YES
Martin

This will sell, because fortunately, not everyone in this country is so worked up over performance.
Hayzel

Not necessarily needs to be fast. Considering the price tag…what do you expect? What new coupe is under 25k these days…only kia cerato koup.

mad max

Needs to be fast? Don’t think so. Look at the little Lancer coupe. They sold really well and still comand good second hand prices because they look good, drive well, are reliable and were well priced. The younger drivers (both male and female) love them. This WILL sell well for all of those reasons. I bet in a few months you will be able to buy non-genuine body kits with wild rear wings for these.
Good on KIA for giving people a choice.

Gianni

It is quick if someone clueless enough, say yourself, can be bothered to look at the manual specifications! 9.3 seconds is quick! The max you can do on a road is 100 and the manual is plenty quick enough anyway!

Shak

Id happily put money down on this. Its got the looks and is cheap as chips for a coupe, plus the equipment isnt to shabby.
Fasthonda

It’s looks may be considered sporty,but that’s where it’s “sportiness” ends.

Hayzel

Well they can raise the performance output to 140+ kw but the price would be around 35k+…we don’t want that do we…for the price the performance is ok. I do wish it’s a little bit faster but that would be farfetched.

mad max

A quick check of the press release from KIA Australia already says a turbo charge model is planned. They could not give a release date but did say “hopefully” within 2 years.

Gianni

Isn’t that a reworded quote off the back of TG Magazine?

KM

Seroiusly guys – what more can you expect for 25k with all these features, looks & 5 year warranty??????
Jake02

Geeze that really is alot of kit for the money! I’d say that’s probably the best value available on the market! When the Koup SE comes out, I’ll definitely have a look at one (not to buy, just to see what it’s like). But I think that there should be the 2.4litre engine/6-speed manual from the US Market to really emphasise it’s sportiness (some go to match the styling). Good car though, it should do alright! This is one of the key points to Kia’s entry in the the league of proper cars!
UK

Kia should add the hatch version of Cerato (not the weird Soul). It will sell more than the coupe.
Family Guy

A great offering for the price.

I can see kids on a budget eyeing this off. There is the potential of a small cult following with decent aftermarket performance upgrades.

BTW, nice use of the word “commodious”.
http://Caradvice.com.au Baddass

Why does it need more performance?
Vid_Ghost

Looks awesome, pitty it doesnt come with a 5sp Auto, only bad thing about it in my book

toxic_horse

Simple, just get the manual
Hayzel

Yeah 4 speed auto is lame..get the manual. Guess what it’s cheaper too!

mad max

KIA and Hyundai already have 6 speed auto’s ready for release. I read an interview here in Europe and the first car to get them is the IX35. They say that it will be in all cars mid 2010.

Jon Leong

I reckon it will sell… just because youth nowadays like somethings that looks cool and cheap to buy… Cars like these have been missing in the market for ages, I am a teenage chap who is dieing to see something like this, and i believe thats the same with other chaps. If it was released early, I would not of gone for the corolla I have now (which cost the same as a koup but with a lot less kit, not to mention the looks).
Tony

drove one of these

not really all that impressed with the odd manual and clutch feel

otherwise it’s ok

Kia need to get their transmission house in order… they already have a 6 spd manual and 5 or 6 spd automatic overseas.

They need them in the Ceratos like yesterday.

Bob

yeah, agree. But that goes for all of the Korean houses at the moment. Building better and better cars, but let down by a lack of investment in gearbox technology. Think i30 (4 speed auto in the diesel).

Martin

Although it is late, the new in house developed 6 speed auto is coming.

Yianni

Great car let down by its transmission. I’ve heard that Hyundai will bring an inhouse 6 speed auto very soon to its i30 so I’m guessing KIA would also have access to it.

Overall it’s still a great package I think. The only let down for me is the interior which looks cheap and the 4 speed auto which is about 10 years old.

If I wanted a KIA I would purchase the cheaper Sedan which is basically the same car.

Hayzel

Should get the manual…but 5 speed manual is 50 years old. Well it’s cheap better than nothin..
Robin Graves

Euro i30′s made in Czech are already being delivered with a 6 speed manual, not sure about the auto tho.

Jinsei

Unfortunately in the Aussie market, it s only 2.0 litre engine and 4-speed automatic that are available. This is why some folks say the Cerato Koup does LOOK good but doesn’t have the performance to back it up.

But in the US, it comes with 6-speed manual and 2.0/2.4 turbo, which makes the Cerato Koup not only a good looker but a serious contender for performance.

This discrepancy between these two markets is all because Kia has not desgined a right-hand-drive version of the engine and transmission yet and i don t know if it ever will.

But the thing is even without the 6 speed manual and 2.4 turbo, the Cerato Koup is still attractive enough to get peoples $$ because its handling is still sharp and accurate as any sport variants should be. It s only the engine and the mission that do not complete its ‘sportiness’.
jono

A car reviewed with capable performance, but slower than a corolla with a dodgy transmission for 35k . I dont think so.

toxic_horse

35K where did you get that figure from?

jono

Yeh, my mistake. Complaint withdrawn

Jinsei

The 2.0 Theta-II engine is, if not the best, one of the best 2.0 engines in its class.

The exact same engine is used in the all new Sonata, which has already been launched in the South Korean market and produces 123kW. 123kW is a very respectable power if you compare that to any of its competitors.

Even Mitsubishi was so impressed with its performance that bought a license to mass-produce them for their Lancers.

So not to mention the Corolla. Not only because its engine is 1.8 but if you compare the numbers, you would be quite embarassed of what you have said above.

35K? Probably you wanted to say 25K and I hope that was a typo.

mad max

The engine was designed as a joint effort by Hyundai/KIA, Chrysler, Mistubishi and (I think) input from Mercedes when they owned Chrysler. The same basic engine powers the Lancer, Caliber and the Cerato, Koup, I35 to name a few, with engine capacity from 1.4 up to 2.4 litres.
http://www.gminsidenews.com mikmak

That is a really good looking little car and I have to agree with mad max, the numbers for the Corolla are not even close. The Australian market has been starved of coupes, not because no one wants one, but because all the recent offerings have been rubbish.

Kia have got themselves a niche product, not through re-invention, but actually creating a competent effort. I think this will be a very big seller, with the 2.0 Turbo arriving with a rush (<—sorry for the terrible pun).

KM

Jono,

Slower then a corolla? According to who? Let me assure you, one of these in manual will put a 1.8L 100kw corolla to shame… And I think your about 10k off the original price..

Cheers
Anf

Any young guys out who are looking for a decent overall package at a good price should go check this out. Otherwise I recently purchased myself a second hand Ford Fiesta XR4 Turbo and let me tell you it gives most hatches in the sportier and more expensive end of the market a good run for their money…not to mention its cheap to run. This car looks good can see most young guys checking this one out as soon as it hits our floors

riceboy

last time i checked… xr4 uses a focus engine… ie. not turbo

Shak

your right.
Anf

Riceboy and shaq should get together

Me

Guys and Girls,

First affordable coupe in years!!! First coupe from Kia give them a break can’t get it perfect first time!

Koup looks good, modern equipment, affordable price. Good job Kia

Don’t see any other manufactures putting out a affordable coupe eg: Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Holden the list goes on!!!!

Hatches are for Brits, old people and the odd person who needs a decent, cheap runabout.

About time for some one to make an affordable, two door sporty coupe!

I still have a ’96 lancer cc coupe. Will highly considser the Kia cerato Koup!!

Good job KIA “The power to surprise”
Old Dog

Jinesi, no turbo in the states… just the bigger donk available. The concept was turbo.

But i did hear yesterday from two different sources that a turbo is being considered for the KDM next year.

http://truth1202@hotmail.com Jinsei

Thanks for your correction. The use of 2.0/2.4 turbo has not been confirmed in the states, my apology.

But I think there is a good chance that the turbo would be availabe in forseeable future. The Global Engine Manufacturing Allicance, which was a joint venture of Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Chrysler, developed a range of engines to be used by each member. The Theta-II was one of them, which i heard was initially designed by Hyundai. The Mitsubishi Lancer’s 4B1 engine is basically sharing the same design as the Theta-II but with some siginificant revisions in the intake, manifolds and others. Considering that the Lancer has two turbo variants:Ralliart and Evo, I hope Kia will also be serious about getting a turbo system in the Koup.

Robin Graves

The Genesis Coupe 2.0lt turbo is the Theta II – just RWD version, so its already been done.

riceboy

fantastic value… agree with most though… dodgy looking interior…antiquated trannys… but still good overall package in my opinion
PeterB666

Looks pleasant, works adequately, 6 speed manual and 5 speed autos would be preferred but the type of buyer interested in this car won’t care too much.

Kia have come a long way in recent years.
klu

People who complain that this car does not have enough power, need to keep in mind that this a $25K car. Really, were you expecting a WRX or Golf GTI for $25K? I think this car fills a much-needed niche. Young people who want a nice-looking coupe but don’t want to pay costly insurance premiums for a turbo engine will find this appealing. It’s “sporty” enough with some reasonable looks and handling. If you wanted “performance”, really, you’d be willing to fork out another $15K to reach the next price bracket, where there’s a multitude of choices for a “performance” car bargain.

Martin

Thats exactly right! Well said.

David

Had a test drive of it today..Myself and partner! Great car, very suprised to see the quality of interior and absolutley no road noise.. Tried the manual…very sufficient for the car with air-con and 3 adults. Doors shut with a thud and sounds great on the road….walked away loving it…the both of us
nothanks

A light clutch? Most people prefer a light clutch over a heavy clutch…so it can’t be a flaw..
Astonalicious

Soooo…. how does it actually drive? I might have skipped a paragraph or something, but it seemed odd that there wasn’t much discussion of the driving experience
DnBTavious

Not a bad little car at all…..Personally the only real let down is the interior, a bit cheap and nasty if you ask me?!
bananaboat

I’m 22, male and a car fanatic and there is no way i would ever buy this car. Similar to Audi(except S range and r8) and Toyota (2007 onwards), boring and lifeless cars, for boring people.

End
Mark

As a new owner of the Cerato Koup I must say KIA were a bit cheap when it came to the mag wheels the silver you can see are actually plastic inserts its only the black on the rims that are metal.
SamHam

love the look of this car. shame about the lack of Turbo engine, would have been great (RWD would have been 100x better and sportier – even if means the price would go north).

Hyundai and Kia are getting their acts together, with great designs, and pricing. A girl from my work bought the i30, and cant stop raving on about it. My mum bought a Holden Cruze and still raves on about it too (another Korean car)..even though she has already had battery problems.

anne

Bought the kia coupe in blue. Awsome! Not in the normal demographic being a couple in there 50′s. Having driven high speed persuit vehicles for a living!! This the most responsive fun car to drive without breaking the bank with everything thrown in! LOVE that car! People are right about getting over badge snobbery!

mr.trith

Its a real looker, but like the Soul [which has been recently reduced by $2k] still WAY over the odds pricewise, should be low low $20′s

I tell you now [like i said with the Soul] the price WILL be reduced, cannot go on selling just a couple of units a week, KIA IS a discount brand, better hurry other wise the Chinese will park themselves in that market segment

babyelle2000

I took this car for a test drive and was really impressed by it. The only thing I’m worried about is resale value in say 5 years. Any thoughts? I’ve also heard that the Kia’s are a real pain to get fixed. Can anyone help me please?

Ken

I have never had any major issues with my Kia Cerato or Magentis and any minor issue (Rare as) has been promptly attended to by the dealer I purchased my cars through (Peter Warren).
I traded in my 2002 KIA Rio Hatch in 2006 for the Cerato Hatch and got $7000 trade in on a Cerato Hatch worth $18,990. Considering the RIO was purchased for $14,990 new, $7000 after 4 years and 60,000kms wasn’t bad.
I service my vehicles with the dealer I purchased it from and I know they will look after me when i’m due for an update. Remember, on paper they can show only so much for a trade, but they can reduce the cost of the new car and throw in extras to compensate (Boost your supposed trade in price).
My Magentis and Cerato have been trouble free and fantastic cars. When my lease is up, I will definately be returning to KIA to buy this Koupe.

Cathy Ferguson

I have the auto 2009 Cerato – the transmission is rubbish. The worst drive I have ever owned/driven. Shakes at 40kph and then again at 60kph. Does anyone else have this problem. Kia cant’/won’t acknowledge issues. Very ordinary ride and terriby flat spot.
http://caradvice gigi

Had a test drive,nice car 4 the price,responcive 2 ltr performance in 5 sp manual,good looking body,5 speed shift very close togeather,unusual feel but not bad. Concerned about high price of spare parts once warrenty expires,any comments about this?
Robin Graves

Whats with no temp gauge? I had one of these for a day while my car was serviced, and it has no temp gauge? I couldnt tell if the engine was warmed up, or if it was overheating. Is there a warning light if it overheats? Seems a bit 1960′s to have an ‘idiot light’ for engine temp.

pat

And how is this different to any new car??? Neither my 530i or my 120i have temp gauges. Just don’t be an ‘idiot’ as you said and you won’t screw up your engine. Simple as that. Now stop complaining about such insignificant matters and see it for what it really is.

(Almost half a year late with this comment, I know.)

Blokie

i have a temp guage in my Xtrail, and i cant remember when i looked at it last!

Numb1er

Bought this car recently after riding off my XR5 Turbo and its great. The handling is fantastic and the power is more than enough for what you need. Its a great car overall in and out, turns a couple of heads also when on the road which you dont find often with stock cars straight off the showroom floor. Anyone thats looking for a great car on a reasonable budget look no further I think Kia has nailed it with this car.
ANF

For anyone thats reading this review and is concerned about performance dont be. I bought myself one and after owning two hot hatches prior its a peach for the price you pay and a real head-turner. If performance is still bothering you, hell install a turbo in it and its still under 30k. Cheaper than any other hot-hatch and turn more heads too. You wouldnt believe how many people stop to look at it. And because its not classified as a sports car, im under 25 and insurance is dirt cheap, im laughing
Tim

You drive an FPV. Quiet.
KM

This is coming from someone that drives a ford?
Hmmm let me see, 50k for a Ford – and then you mention the “people who have no idea about cars?”

Funny that.
Robin Graves

Also funny that Kia used to manufacture one of Ford’s most popular models, the early Festivas. That was before Hyundai took them over tho.
ChopstaR87

Whats wrong with 50k ford that can sit 5 people comfortably and do 0-100 in 5.0/ 5.1 secs and 400m in 13.1?? what wrong with that??

this car its self is pretty good for the price… and most younger people are in to this type of car these days.. my self i am not.
Gianni

Ah don’t listen to these idiots. A 50k ford is a bargain considering the quality and performance you get. What would they spend it on? A V8, supercharged car with performance (0-100 in 5.6 or 5.1) to match it’s muscular looks or some shitty BMW 2.0 which is only about 700-900 cheaper and does 100 in 10 seconds which frankly matches it’s bland styling. You choose. I reckon Chopsta made the right choice. Yes the BMW has quality but thats all you get.