INTRODUCTION
New Cerato Koup – Kia’s first-ever two-door coupe
Kia Motor’s all-new Kia Cerato Koup marks the latest expansion of Kia’s comprehensive global model line-up, with the introduction of the brand’s first-ever two-door coupe. Lower, shorter and lighter than its four-door Cerato sedan sister car, the two-door Cerato Koup brings more style and more sportiness to the ultra-competitive C-segment marketplace.
“Over the last 10 years, Kia has greatly expanded its product line-up to offer models in all the major segments of the global market – from the A-Segment Picanto to the Sorento SUV, and many segments in between,” commented Zian van Heerden, Sales Director, Kia Motors South Africa.
With the new Kia Cerato Koup we are launching our first-ever two-door coupe and we are confident that it will attract thousands of new customers to Kia dealer showrooms – new customers who have not previously considered our brand – KOUP will play an image leading role for KIA and raise our brand awareness,” added Zian van Heerden.
Despite its sporty appearance and lower roofline, the 4.48-metre long Koup has an unusually long wheelbase (2650 mm) and will offer class-leading passenger and luggage space, plus highly competitive levels of equipment and state-of-the-art active and passive safety.
Kia’s new Cerato Koup has been created from the ground up, to challenge popular two and three-door cars such as the Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 litre Distinctive, Audi A3 1.8T FSI Ambition, BMW 1 Series 118 and 120i, Citroen C4 2.0 litre VTS, Hyundai Tiburon 2.0 litre and the Volvo C30 2.0 litre.
While developing the new Koup, Kia designers and engineers concentrated on eight key areas: aggressive styling, competitive performance, fun-to-drive steering/handling/ride balance, good fuel economy, great cabin comfort, enhanced overall safety and the introduction of new technologies.
Styled under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the new Cerato Koup production model is based on the Koup concept car created by the design team at Kia’s California design studios, led by Tom Kearns, chief designer of Kia Motors America. New Cerato Koup and its Cerato sedan sibling, embody Kia’s new design DNA in its most complete form so far.
“Design gives a soul to the product and the future of Kia products lies in balance, clarity and purpose,” observes Peter Schreyer. “Our first-ever coupe, the Koup, embodies that philosophy. Breaking away from traditional forms, Koup features a design that notches up the visual standards of C-segment coupes. Without any extraneous features, its crisp, clean exterior styling conveys a powerful and aggressive image that exudes speed.”
2. STYLING & DESIGN
Bold, performance-inspired, aggressive styling for new Koup
“When it was first revealed at the 2008 New York International Auto Show last year, the Kia Koup concept combined youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, balanced proportions with a fluid style that evoked an emotional driving experience. It represented the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that spoke to our core philosophies,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer of Kia Motors America, whose studio conceived the Koup.
“Now, the production version of the Kia Cerato Koup boasts a muscular yet sophisticated design, with fluid lines and proportions that closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept car. Appealing to the emotional side of car enthusiasts, our new coupe presents an aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, prominent air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Even when viewed from behind, new Cerato Koup exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lights, dual exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser,” adds Kearns.
The new Kia Cerato four-door sedan, with its shorter front overhang, chiselled surface composition, wedge profile and crisp trunk contours, raised C-segment car design to a new level of sophistication. While closely related to the sedan, the Kia Cerato Koup two-door coupe has a lowered stance, better aerodynamics and delivers a more exciting ride with sharp exterior styling which conveys a powerful and dynamic image that exudes speed. The aerodynamic drag is a highly competitive Cd 0.31 and Kia engineers achieved an aerodynamic lift figure of just Ci 0.21. Compared to the sedan, Koup weighs up to 20 kg less.
The bold frontal styling incorporates Kia’s new ‘signature grille’ – created by Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer and first seen on the Kee and Koup concept cars. The grille blends seamlessly into the Cerato Koup’s four-light, black bezel headlamps and turn indicator lamps. Front fender blisters hint at the power beneath the bonnet, while the wide front bumper, with its extra-large centre and outer air intakes, amplifies this model’s sportiness.
The Koup stands 60 mm lower (50 mm lowered roofline and 10 mm lowered suspension), and is 50 mm shorter, 10 mm narrower than the Cerato sedan, but it retains the same 2650 mm wheelbase to ensure that five adults and their luggage can still be comfortably accommodated. Compared with the previous Cerato sedan, the new coupe’s track is increased by 65 mm front and 79 mm rear, pushing the wheels towards the vehicle’s outer extremity for a bolder stance, plus improved stability and handling.
The lowered roof line – down by 50 mm – and abbreviated trunk combine with the profile’s sweeping upper belt line and concave lower character lines to reinforce the feeling of dynamic motion, and the Koup’s side view is further enhanced by the large diameter 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with low profile 215/45 R17 tyres.
The rear view intensifies the Cerato Koup’s sporty image with an aerodynamic trunk lid, multi-colour combination lamps and a black lower bumper garnish featuring an aerodynamic diffuser and twin chrome exhaust tailpipes. The sharply contoured line of the trunk edge heightens the car’s aerodynamic qualities as well as creating a distinctive appearance.
New Cerato Koup is available in a choice of 6 exterior colours that include three solid paint finishes (Clear White, Ebony Black, and Racing Red) and three metallic colours (Bright Silver, Santorini Blue, and Titanium Silver).
3. COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
High-tech features enhance Koup’s spacious cabin
Kia is sure that the new Cerato Koup’s interior will please customers with its generous proportions, two-tier dashboard design, high-quality fit, discreet metal-finish accents and high-tech features.
The new Cerato sedan, which provides the foundations for the new coupe, has such a generously spacious cabin that despite the Koup’s more compact, sporty dimensions, the long wheelbase and wide bodyshell ensure that the cabin can accommodate up to five adults in comfort. Front legroom and hip room are actually increased (compared to the sedan), while the trunk’s capacity of almost 360 litres is highly competitive.
Larger front doors and ‘walk-in’ front seats, which tilt and slide in one smooth motion using a lever on the side of the front passenger headrest and return to their original position thanks to a memory function, ensure easy access to the rear seat. For maximum versatility when accommodating people and cargo, the Koup’s rear seat backrest is split 60/40 and folds almost flat to extend available trunk space.
Every new Cerato Koup driver will be able to create the ideal driving environment thanks to the multi-adjustable seat, and the tilt adjustable (+20/-20 mm) thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel that incorporates several minor controls.
Incorporating elements of Kia’s developing design DNA, the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster has clear and precise graphics. A similar cluster design is also fitted to the new Kia Soul.
A ‘Super Vision’ cluster with reddish lighting is available with a new ‘message centre’ digital information display at the bottom of the cluster. This display gives information about fuel level, battery level, engine temperature, door-open alerts and fuel consumption. When reverse gear is engaged, the RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System) also displays a plan-view graphic showing the Koup in relation to any obstructions in the message centre.
The centre stack is designed to appear to ‘float’ above the dashboard and presents heating, ventilation, audio and auxiliary controls in logical horizontal bands, with detailing that echoes a premium audio system. The stack features ‘Negative LCD’ illumination which brings a reddish glow to the cabin interior and reflects Kia’s developing design identity.
The Cerato Koup is equipped with a six-speaker audio system (four door speakers and a tweeter in each A-Pillar) linked to the MP3 Radio/CD player with AUX/USB and i-Pod connectivity. Remote controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering wheel.
The Koup interior is trimmed in Black leather with a contrasting vibrant Red stitching for the steering wheel, door armrest trim, and seats.
Storage includes two cupholders (front and rear), a dashboard glove box that is 20% larger (than the previous Cerato), and a ceiling-mounted drop-down sunglasses holder. Luggage space in new Cerato Koup is now among the ‘class-best’ for a C-Segment coupe as cargo capacity is 358 litres – 4 litres more than the old sedan.
4. REFINEMENT
Clever engineering and design solutions minimise NVH
While designing and engineering the new Cerato sedan and Cerato Koup, Kia’s research and development teams concentrated on maximising both the vehicles refinement and minimising NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
The NVH quest began with both model’s exterior styling which features smooth shapes, no unnecessary detailing and tight panel gaps, so the vehicle generates minimum wind noise. On the Koup, a lowered front bumper bottom lip, underfloor airflow deflectors ahead of all four wheels, and an engine bay underfloor cover, all helped to achieve reduction in drag.
A stiff bodyshell structure is an excellent foundation for creating a vehicle with good NVH qualities. New Cerato Koup features a much higher percentage of high-tensile strength steel compared to the previous sedan. Significant improvements to the bodyshell include stronger A-pillars, reinforced rear floor members and central floor tunnel, plus more rigid joints between the dashboard bulkhead and the A-pillars and the use of 120 kg grade high-tensile steel in the B-pillars and side sills – compared to 35 kg grade in the previous sedan.
Other NVH-reduction measures include all-new noise lowering materials for the engine bay bulkhead and the rear parcel shelf, the injection of sound-dampening foam into hollow sections of the bodyshell at strategic noise-transference points and the fitting of improved door and window seals.
5. ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
High performance power train that deliver good fuel economy
Replacing the ‘Beta’ engine used in earlier Cerato sedan models, Kia’s new 2-litre ‘Theta II’ engine delivers more power, improved durability, enhanced refinement and reduced fuel consumption and emissions. This 1,998 cc powerunit has a cast aluminium block, cylinder head and sump.
Special features of this improved Theta II unit include a highly durable timing chain engineered to minimise noise, a single ‘serpentine’ rubber belt to run all the ancillary components, a catalytic converter integrated into the exhaust system to release more power and redesigned exhaust ports that reduce exhaust gas temperature and improve fuel efficiency at high-speeds.
The Theta II engine generates a highly competitive power output 114.7 kW @ 6,200 rpm which is a 9% improvement over the ‘Beta’ engine and peak torque of 194.2 Nm @ 4,300 rpm. From standstill, this engine can propel the new Koup to 100 kph in a brisk 9.3 seconds and power it to a top speed of 200 kph. Cruise control is standard, operated via buttons on the steering wheel.
Smooth-shifting manual transmission
The new Cerato Koup engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission with ‘high’ top ratios (0.702:1) for reduced engine revs and improved fuel economy when cruising at high speeds. The gearbox offers an enhanced shift feel thanks to multi-cone synchronizers and easier selection of reverse gear – now left and forwards of first gear.
6. SUSPENSION & RUNNING GEAR
Fun-to-drive handling and steering, plus a refined ride
Kia chassis engineers were determined to give the new Cerato Koup a sophisticated ride/handling balance that ensures fun-to-drive characteristics, with precise and rewarding responses to driver inputs and a smooth, refined ride. The suspension systems are carried over from the New Cerato sedan with some minor improvements – reflecting the 16-to-20 kg weight loss, compared with the sedan – and it is lowered by 10 mm front and rear.
Mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe, the Koup front suspension employs MacPherson struts (like the previous Cerato sedan), but with wider ‘L’-shaped lower-arms for enhanced high-speed stability and an increased castor angle (from 2.49 to 4.22 degrees) for greater self-centring and a sharper steering ‘feel’ in town driving.
At the rear, an all-new CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle) suspension replaces the complex multi-link set-up used on the previous Cerato sedan. It is a suspension system now favoured by many of the world’s leading auto makers. It is a simpler, much more compact and lighter design, saving 12 kg compared to the previous sedan. The shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately, resulting in a compact system that maximises the Koup’s interior cabin and cargo space by minimising suspension intrusion.
An additional benefit of the new rear suspension layout is that its more robust structure gives the 52-litre under-seat petrol tank added protection in a rear impact. Kia’s tests have demonstrated that during an 84 kph crash no fuel leaked from the Koup’s tank.
For precise vehicle control and good ‘feel’ the new Cerato Koup’s steering uses a speed-sensitive hydraulically power-assisted rack-and-pinion system with high gearing – just 2.89 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock. Clever front suspension design results in a highly competitive turning circle of just 10.32 metres, or 10.78 metres when the larger 17-inch diameter alloy wheels are fitted.
Electric power-assisted steering (MDPS – motor driven power steering) is fitted. This system reduces the lock-to-lock steering wheel turns to 2.8 and also gives an estimated 2-to-3% fuel-saving.
For powerful and stable braking, the Cerato Koup model is equipped with 280 mm ventilated front discs and 262 mm solid rear disc brakes linked to the ABS anti-lock and EBD brake force distribution systems.
7. SAFETY
Peace of mind with ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety systems
Kia Motors is always determined to achieve the highest levels of ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety for people using its products. Consequently, new Cerato Koup presents buyers with a range of state-of-the-art systems and equipment to ensure that owning and driving this exciting new coupe will be a safe and enjoyable experience.
Active safety technologies include ESC (electronic stability control) to enhance cornering ability, several systems to boost braking performance and RPAS (rear parking assist system) to help avoid contact with pedestrians and other vehicles when reversing,.
ESC is a proven accident-reducing system much praised by the Euro NCAP safety organisation. Sensors monitor the car’s progress, its yaw and steering angles and the rotation speed of each wheel, and then reduce engine power and/or apply individual brakes to correct understeer and oversteer – so that in conjunction with the TCS (Traction Control System), traction is maintained, severe skids and potential roll-overs situations are avoided and the car follows the course intended by the driver.
Using the electronic sensors that are part of the ABS anti-lock braking system, the BAS (Brake Assist System) recognises when the Koup driver is executing an emergency stop and delivers maximum braking power to ensure the shortest possible stopping distance.
In addition, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) monitors the car’s load – the combined weight of occupants and cargo – and adjusts the front/rear distribution of the braking pressure generated by the driver pressing on the brake pedal.
During reversing, the RPAS fitted to the new Koup uses four ultrasonic sensors to accurately detect obstructions behind the car. Visual information about the distance and direction of obstructions from the car is displayed on the cabin’s ‘message centre’. An audible warning is also triggered, the sound intensifying in both volume and frequency as the car moves closer to the obstruction.
‘Passive Safety’ technology maximises protection
As well as improving NVH, new Cerato Koup’s robust bodyshell structure delivers real passive safety benefits with increased impact resistance. Using a much higher percentage of high-tensile strength steel, the new coupe’s bodyshell achieves excellent rigidity and strength. Particular attention was paid to the A- and B-pillar areas, with a roll-over hoop incorporated into the B-pillars and much stronger (120 kg grade) steel is used in the side sills.
The Cerato Koup is designed to achieve the top-score 5-Star rating in both the USA’s current official NHTSA crash tests and a ‘Good’ rating (again the top-score) in IIHS tests for frontal and side impacts.
Inside, the Koup can be equipped with up to six airbags as standard – depending on the market. Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags (linked to rollover sensors as well as impact sensors) offer head protection to all occupants.
‘Active’ head restraints are fitted to both front seats. These head restraints move forwards during a rear impact to minimise movement of the occupants heads and protect against whiplash injuries.
8. STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Kia Cerato Koup 2.0
Exterior
- 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tyres
- Frameless doors
- Electric heated door mirrors
- Chrome exterior door handles
- Body-colour bumpers (5 km/h impact resistant)
- Manual-levelling adjustable headlamps
- Front and Rear fog lamps
- Twin chrome exhaust
Comfort & Convenience
- Electric Motor-driven power steering
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- Trip computer
- Auto Climate Control
- Auto Cruise Control
- Central door locking with speed sensing auto-lock
- Electric windows with auto-down on driver side
- Electric Chromic Mirror (ECM)
- Auto light control system
- Height adjustable driver’s seats
- Keyless entry
- 60/40 split rear seat
- Remote trunk lid release
Interior
- Three-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel
- Supervision instrument cluster with built in message centre
- Sport type leather bucket seats
- Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel
- Floating centre facia
- Chrome interior door handles
- Radio & CD player, AUX/USB/iPod input jack & 6 audio speakers
Safety & Security
- Electronic Stability Control with:
- Anti-lock Braking System
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution
- Cornering Brake Control
- Brake Assist System
- Traction Control
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Side airbags and full-length curtain airbags
- Four height-adjustable head restraints
- Active head restraints
- Engine immobiliser
- Battery saver system
- Auto impact door unlock
- Rear parking-assist reversing sensors
9. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Kia Cerato Koup Body & Chassis
Two-door, five-seater Koup, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Choice of one transversely-mounted gasoline engine driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
Engines 2.0-litre
- Name Theta II (4-in-line)
- Type DOHC, four-cylinder, with CVVT
- Capacity 2.0-litres, 1,998 cc
- Max power 114.7 kW @ 6,200 rpm
- Max torque 194.2 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
- Valves 16 (4-per-cylinder)
- Construction Aluminium cylinder block and head
Transmission
- Type 5-sp
Gear Ratio
- 3.308
- 1.962
- 1.189
- 0.905
- 0.702
Reverse
- 3.583
Final Drive
- 4.188
Suspension & Damping
Front Fully independent by Macpherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Coupled torsion beam rear axle, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.
- Steering Standard
- Type Electric (motor driven) power-assisted rack and pinion
- Overall ratio 13.41
- Gearing 2.80 turns lock-to-lock
- 2.68 (with 17-inch wheels/tyres)
- Turning circle 10.32 metres / 10.78 metres (with 17-inch wheels/tyres)
Brakes
- Power Single 10-inch booster
- Front 280 x 26 mm ventilated discs
- Rear 262 x 10 mm solid discs
- ABS 4-Channel Anti-lock System with EBD
- ESC – Electronic Stability Control with Brake Assist, Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control
Wheels & Tyres
- Standard Alloy 17 in x 7.0J 215/45 R17 tyres
- Spare Standard Full size spare wheel
DIMENSIONS (mm) Exterior
- Overall length 4,480
- Overall width 1,765 (excluding door mirrors)
- Overall height 1,400
- Wheelbase 2,650
- Front track 1,542
- Rear track 1,546
- Front overhang 895
- Rear overhang 935
- Ground clearance 140
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS (mm) Interior
- Front
- Rear
- Headroom – 982 – 897
- Legroom – 1,108 – 862
- Shoulder room 1,414 – 1,331
- Hip room – 1,355 – 1,310
Capacities
- Fuel tank (litres) 52.0
- Luggage (SAE) 358 litres
Weights (kg)
- Curb weight (min.) 1,274
- Gross weight 1,720
Performance
- Top speed / kph 200
- 0-to-100 kph / sec 9.3
Standard disc/disc with ABS
- 100-to-0 kph**(m) 41.3
Fuel Economy (litres/100 km)
- Overall 7.7
- CO2 g/km 183
- Manufacturer’s estimated figures
