Kia Australia has confirmed the all-new turbocharged Kia Cerato Koup will go on sale in Australia in a few months, marking the first performance orientated model in the company’s local lineup.
Speaking at the launch of the new Kia Cerato hatch, Kia Australia’ chief operating officer, Tony Barlow, said the Koup will be the beginning of a new phase for Kia in Australia.
“[The Kia Koup turbo] is the final chapter of the Cerato launch story but it’s also the first chapter in the new generation of Kia excitement. I can confirm today that the new Koup, to be launched in a couple of months time, will pioneer turbo power for Kia in Australia” he said.
A 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, powers the Kia Cerato Koup SX developing 150kW of power at 6000rpm, and 264Nm of torque from 1750-4500rpm, the turbo is the most powerful Koup ever.
The Kia Cerato Koup, which we expect will launch in October, will share the performance limelight with the hotly anticipated Kia Pro_cee’d GT, which will arrive early next year, also powered by the same engine.
“The Koup turbo will be just the first example of Kia’s future plans to keep our customers satisfied and delighted.”
As well as the turbocharged Kia Koup, a regular 2.0-litre naturally aspirated model will also be in the lineup. Set to replace the outgoing sub-$25,000 model, the new 2.0-litre direct injected four-cylinder engine produces 129kW at 6500rpm and 209Nm at 4700rpm, an increase over the outgoing car’s 115kW and 194Nm.
Both engines will be available with either a six-speed manual or auto, with Turbo scoring paddleshifters.
From the outside the two-door Koup’s design is a change from the previous model’s sedan like shape, with a more sporty focused theme. The previous car’s appeal to the design conscious, but not neccesarily performance-focused buyer will change with the arrival of the turbo.
We expect all models to get Kia’s FlexSteer steering system that alters weighting between three modes – Comfort, Normal, and Sport. All Koup models also run a strut-front, torsion-beam rear suspension set-up.
Kia is expected to launch one specification trim for the naturally aspirated and turbocharged Kia Koup, with the only difference being the engine choice. Standard features are likely to include 18-inch alloy, dual chrome-tipped exhausts, LED tail lights, larger bumper and grille openings, a black gloss grille insert, larger front brakes, alloy sports pedals, and front and rear seats with carbonfibre-look inserts.
Pricing on the Kia Koup Turbo are still unconfirmed, however we suspect it will be in the low $30,000s.