Kia Koup Turbo – a boost for local range

2014 Kia Koup

Kia’s first turbocharged car has arrived in Australia. The Kia Koup marks the arrival of a new wave of boosted vehicles locally. Priced at just $27,990 plus on-road costs for the six-speed manual, the Kia Koup is also the most powerful model available under $30,000 in Australia.

Powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder direct-injected engine first seen on sister brand’s Hyundai Veloster, it delivers 150kW of power and 265Nm of torque. It is married to a six-speed manual transmission and will launch the Koup from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds. The optional automatic will shave 0.3 seconds off the sprint.

2014 Kia Koup Turbo 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 it’s exciting looks. The arrival of the new 1.6-litre Turbo with 150kW makes that question redundant.”

Mr Barlow said that while the needs of customers who felt they did not need the extra urge of a Turbo would be well served by the 129kW naturally aspirated 2.0-litre GDi option, the halo value of the Koup Turbo could not be overestimated.

2014 Kia Koup Si side

“It brings with it a new sense of excitement and freshness to a brand already being driven by award-winning design, best-practice engineering and safety and leading-edge customer service and benefits,” Mr Barlow said.

“And this is just the start. With the Koup Turbo filling the classic Grand Tourer role, next year will see the arrival of a focused performance line in the pro_cee’d GT.”

The sleek new Kia Koup shares its platform and most of its running gears with the Cerato sedan that was introduced earlier this year. As with the rest of the local Kia range, the Koup’s ride and handling has been developed locally by the company’s engineers.

2014 Kia Koup Turbo rear

The specification of the new Koup’s fully independent MacPherson strut front suspension and CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle) rear suspension is unchanged, but both systems are developed to improve handling agility, enhance shock absorbance and deliver greater refinement. To ensure supple ride comfort and high-speed stability, gas-filled dampers are fitted front and rear.

At the front, the Koup’s suspension is mounted on an all-new, stronger sub-frame. The suspension’s lower arms have larger diameter bushes, the steering rack is moved forwards by 15mm (closer to the axle line) and the geometry is modified to deliver improved on-centre steering feel. It also has a faster steering gear (15.1:1) and requires just 2.85 turns lock-to-lock.

For Australian buyers the Si 2.0-litre model offers 17-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, the full range of electronic safety features including ESC, TCS, ABS, EBD, BA, VSM, HAC and ESS, six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, cloth seats, 6-way driver’s seat adjustment, 60:40 split fold rear seats, 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, UV window glass, rear air vent, paddle shifts on automatic.

2014 Kia Koup Turbo interior

Stepping up to the Turbo adds the high-tech 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, cooling glovebox, electrochromic rear view mirror, cloth seat with artificial leather bolsters, smart key with push button start and welcome lights.

An optional Touring Pack will also be available for the Turbo with 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.

ModelManualAutomatic
Kia   Koup 2.0-litre Si$23,990$26,190
Kia   Koup 1.6-litre Turbo$27,990$30,190
Kia   Koup 1.6-litre Turbo with Touring Pack$30,190$32,390

Check Also

2021 Kia Stonic GT-Line Review

The already saturated city crossover segment has welcomed yet another player. Arriving fashionably late, literally, …