- Well-weighted steering
- Six-speed manual transmissions improve performance
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Underwhelming dynamics
- Steering wheel kickback over bumps
- Engine noise
- For pre-2010 models, transmissions lacks ratios
Overview
Released in September 2009, the Kia TD Cerato Koup was a small, two-door coupe. Manufactured in Hwaseong, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Cerato Koup was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was initially mated to either four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions. In January 2011, the Cerato was updated with six-speed transmissions and the range was expanded with the introduction of Si and SLS variants.
Engine
The 2.0-litre G4KD ‘Theta II’ four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), a variable intake system and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.
Dimensions
Compared to the TD Cerato sedan on which it was based, the Cerato Koup was 50 mm shorter (at 4480 mm), 10 mm narrower (1765 mm), 60 mm lower (1400 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2650 mm).
Suspension
Built on the same platform as the Hyundai HD Elantra , the Cerato Koup had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle (though the HD Elantra had multi-link rear suspension).
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 2009-10 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
115 kW at 6200 rpm | 194 Nm at 4300 rpm |
| Si, SLS |
2011-13 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp auto, 6sp man. |
Safety equipment
Safety equipment consisted of dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features: Cerato Koup, Si and SLS
Standard features for the entry-level Cerato Koup variant included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility, USB and auxiliary inputs, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
The Cerato Koup Si was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and omitted climate control air conditioning, rear parking sensors and the trip computer; it did, however, add Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, rear fog lights and electric power steering.
Beyond this, the Cerato Koup SLS added 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, rear parking sensors and a trip computer.
Related links
- Specifications: Kia TD Cerato Koup (October 2012)
- Flyer: Kia TD Cerato Koup (October 2012)
- Wikipedia.org: Kia Forte (first generation)
