Kia's first worldwide sports model, the all new Cerato Koup, has gone on sale in New Zealand from a surprisingly affordable price of just $27,990.
And what a stunner!
The stylish 2.0 litre-powered 2-door roadster takes Kia Motors another step closer in an ambitious plan to re-invent itself as a design-led, youth-inspired vehicle manufacturer - and at such an attractive price, Cerato Koup will inject a healthy dose of affordable fun back into the motor market.
Few will argue that the Kia Koup is one of the best looking cars to come from Korea's oldest car maker, and probably one of the best designs to hit the road this year - from any manufacturer.
Based on the chassis and drive-train of the equally elegant Cerato 4-door sedan, the new Koup is the most refreshing embodiment of Kia's Design DNA to date. Developed under the guidance of Kia's German-based Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the Koup is the first-ever 2-door sports coupe built by the company.
"Design gives soul (to the car) and the future of Kia products lies in balance, clarity and purpose," observes Peter Schreyer. "Our first-ever coupe, the Cerato Koup, embodies that philosophy. Without any extraneous features, its crisp, clean exterior styling conveys a powerful and aggressive image that exudes speed."
The new Cerato Koup broadens the appeal of the Kia Motors line-up, which has also seen the introduction of the fun Soul city crossover, as well as the successful Cerato sedan and refreshed executive Magentis sedan, this year. And the expanding range includes the new Kia Sorento R, which is being introduced at the same time as Koup.
According to Todd McDonald, General Manager for Kia Motors New Zealand: "Kia is on a roll, internationally and in New Zealand, and we feel very positive going into 2010 with a great line up of new and refreshed models that are breathing more life into the brand and the market.
"You can't help but be inspired by newcomers like the Kia Koup, which is such a delightful vehicle to look at and to drive. It is yet another example of how the Design DNA of Kia is developing."
The Cerato Koup design was first unveiled at the New York International Auto show in 2008, causing a stir of approval, and has very gone into production, changing very little in the process.
Whilst it is clearly derived from the Cerato, the Koup shares just one body panel with its 4-door cousin; the bonnet. Schreyer's design team has given the 2-door model a lower profile, starting with the aggressive nose that incorporates the new Tiger Grille signature Kia identity, powerful fender blisters over cavernous wheel arches, large pillarless doors (a first for a coupe in this class) with scalloped lower panels and a raked roofline finishing with a short, tastefully styled rear. The side view is further enhanced by 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with low profile tyres.
The result is a timeless design that is one of the most aerodynamic (cd of 0.31) in its class, as well as among the most attractive.
The Cerato Koup stands 60mm lower (from a 50mm lowered roofline and 10mm lowered suspension) and is 50mm shorter, 10mm narrower than the Cerato sedan, while retaining the same 2650mm wheelbase to ensure that five adults and their luggage can still be comfortably accommodated.
The cabin is very spacious for a 2-door coupe, yet feels snug with the grey and black tones that identify its sporty character. Leather upholstery, detailed with red stitching, is standard on the two SX models, while velour is the choice for LX. Metal accents around the dash and console sharpen the interior styling.
The two front bucket seats continue the sporty theme, with sports-styled instruments set into the clean dashboard design. Both models feature lavish equipment, including fog lights, remote door locking, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel and sunglasses holder. The 6-speaker MP3 compatible sound system is upgraded in the SX models to include a 6-CD changer. The SX also comes with a power sunroof, reverse warning sensors and automatic climate control, as opposed to the LX model's manual A/C.
The class-leading 115kW, 2.0 litre engine delivers a lively performance and sounds much throatier with the twin exhaust system specially tuned by sound engineers to produce a pleasing note. The engine is matched to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a sequential shift automatic transmission. Changes to the throttle response deliver improved mid-range acceleration without having to floor the pedal. The changes include an improved ETC (Electronic Throttle Control), a more sensitive APS (Accelerator Pedal Sensor), faster acting kick-down and a higher engine rpm default setting before upshifts in the gearbox. From standstill, this engine can propel the new Koup to 100km/h in a brisk 9.3 seconds and power it to a top speed of 190kmh.
Suspension has also received the attention of specialist engineers to improve the handling of the Koup to take advantage of the extra grip from the wider, low profile tyres. These include uprated dampers, wider ‘L'-shaped lower-arms for enhanced high-speed stability, an increased castor angle for greater self-centring and a sharper steering ‘feel' in town driving. A thicker front stabiliser bar enhances cornering stability and delivers superior grip. The steering also has a quicker turn rate.
All Kia Koup models feature ESP (electronic stability programme) for greater driving safety and come with a full complement of six airbags.
The full Kia Koup model range includes the $27,990 LX model with the 5-speed manual gearbox and the fully-featured SX model with the choice of 5-speed manual or the sequential automatic, both priced at $33,990. As with all Kia cars, the Koup comes with all on-road costs such as WoF and registration, plus a 5-year/100,000 factory warranty programme, 24-hour emergency assistance, a full tank of fuel and the first 1500km service, included in the purchase price.
* The views and information in this press release are solely from the company listed in the release. If you have any questions please contact the company directly.
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