KIA has finally given its Cerato Koup the go to match its show, as the second-generation model unveiled at the New York motor show overnight shares the hatchback’s 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine., , The powerplant is also found under the bonnet of Kia’s European-sourced Pro_cee’d GT hot hatch – set to launch in Australia early next year – and the Veloster SR Turbo from Kia’s sister company Hyundai., , Although the engine is not confirmed to appear on Koups sold Down Under, Kia Motors Australia public relations general manager Kevin Hepworth told GoAuto a force-fed variant is “being actively discussed by the product guys”., , Following the sedan (launched next month) and hatch (July), Kia will fly the Koup in the fourth quarter of this year to complete the new Cerato line-up., , The Californian-designed Koup retains the current model’s well-received proportions and notchback-style silhouette while complementing the chiselled face and narrow grille of the hatch with a bigger lower air intake and raked windscreen angle., , Compared with the outgoing Koup, the new car's wheelbase has been extended 50mm, providing shorter overhangs, while the roof height has been slightly lowered., , Turbocharged variants declare their performance intent with more aggressive styling comprising a bigger front bumper with enlarged air intakes, gloss black grille inserts, carbon-fibre look trim for the front splitter and rear valance and twin chrome exhaust tips., , Behind the 18-inch alloy wheels are larger front brakes, while inside are alloy sports pedals and carbon-fibre style accents on the front and rear seats., , Both Koup variants have a sportier suspension setup than the sedan, although the hatch unveiled at the Chicago motor show in February was also described as coming with a sports chassis setup., , Entry-level US Koup variants will come with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated direct-injection petrol engine tied exclusively to a six-speed auto., , Australian Koups are confirmed to come with this 132kW/209Nm engine – which punches above its weight for a naturally aspirated petrol – and it will also serve as the top engine on the Cerato sedan and hatch., , In the US, where the Cerato is badged Forte, turbocharged thrills will be exclusive to the flagship variant, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with paddle-shifters., , The Pro_Cee'd GT will be available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and GoAuto understands the Turbo Koup could get the dual-clutch unit if a decision was made to import it., , Also on the Kia stand at New York were the facelifted Optima mid-size sedan and boxy, high-riding second-generation Soul small car, which will both hit Australian showrooms in the first half of next year., , Kia has sold 2697 Koups in Australia since it went on sale in August 2009, averaging 69 units per month, with a peak of 129 sales in May 2011., , Year-to-date results have been below average, with 36 sold in January and 37 in February.
