Pre-loved: Kia Cerato Koup 2009-2016

by Ewan Kennedy  2009 Kia Cerato Koup   The Kia Cerato Koup is the two-door coupe version of the Korean company’s popular four-door sedan...

by Ewan Kennedy 

2009 Kia Cerato Koup

 

The Kia Cerato Koup is the two-door coupe version of the Korean company’s popular four-door sedan.

It was added to the Australian Cerato range in September, 2009 and sold pretty well straight way.

That was mainly because of its styling, though low prices certainly played their part.

Despite its sleek styling there a reasonable space inside the Koup.

Not surprisingly, rear headroom is borderline and anyone over about 170cm is likely to be cramped in the back.

The very small rear-side windows won’t don’t give passengers much of a view and kids may have trouble seeing out all. 

Then again, this Koup is a coupe and is really intended to provide room for two, not four.

The gen-two Kia Koup came to Australia in November, 2013.

It’s larger in all exterior dimensions, both length and wheelbase increased by 50mm, height up by 10mm and width by 15mm.

This makes it a better bet if you’re looking at a Koup as a small family car.

In its early days Kia’s build quality wasn’t particularly good but improvements were rapid and by the Koup came along the Korean brand was improving at a rapid rate.

Indeed, the company has topped the JD Power initial quality survey in the USA. 

Initially, performance was nothing to get excited about, and Koup was bought as a cruiser, not a bruiser.

However, when gen-two arrived it offered the option of a hi-tech 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, with 150kW of power and 265Nm of torque with a nice spread that began at a lowish 1750 rpm and was carried through to 4500 revs. 

Most Kia Koup engines on the used-car scene are the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre unit that is carried over from the first-generation Koup.

It was been upgraded to 129kW of power (from 115 kW) and 209Nm of torque (from 194Nm) and will suit those looking for a sporty cruiser that shares the same stylish looks but don’t want to pay extra for performance.

Transmission options on all Koups are six-speed manual or six-speed auto, the latter with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters fitted to the Koup Turbo.

Boot capacity space is pretty good for the class, though the use of a full-size spare wheel steals a fair bit of depth.

The rear-seat backrest has a 60:40 split. 

Handling of the Kia Koup is benefits from Australian suspension input from local engineers as well some work done in Europe and Korea.

Again, the second generation is the one to opt for.

Kia is now well established in Australia.

Though most dealers are in metro areas there is an increasing number in major country centres.

We have heard of no real complaints about spare parts pricing or availability.

Inquire about the cost of insurance on a Koup Turbo, particularly if you’re young and/or inexperienced as the premiums could make a big hole in your bank account.

As is often the way with trendy cars Koup sales slowed after a big spike at the start then slowed to a trickle.

2009 Kia Cerato Koup

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Despite our previous comments about Kia’s rise and rise in build quality, a full professional inspection of a Koup still makes a lot of sense.

Though it’s marketed as a sporty coupe, Koup is usually driven a cruisy manner.

However, we’ve seen some Turbos being thrashed -- so be wary.

Uneven tyre wear, especially on the front wheels is a sign of hard driving and/or a big thump against a kerb at some time in the past.

Make sure the engine starts almost immediately, even when cold, and settles into a steady idle within a few seconds.

Manual gearboxes that aren’t light in action could be due for an overhaul.

Clutch problems can exacerbate this.

Interior squeaks and rattles are rare, but take the car on to a rough road and listen for things that don’t seem right.

Look for damage to the seats, floor and trim in general.

Don’t forget to check the luggage area.

2009 Kia Cerato Koup

 

HOW MUCH?

Budget on spending from $2000 to $4000 for a 2009 Kia Koup; $4000 to $7000 for a 2011 Si; $7000 to $11,000 for a 2013 SLS; $8000 to $12,000 for a 2015 SLS; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2015 Si; 11,000 to $17,000 for a 2015 Touring; $12,000 to $18,000 for a 2016 Turbo; and $13,000 to $19,000 for a 2016 Touring.

2014 Kia Cerato Koup Turbo

 

CAR BUYING TIPS

Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages so hunt around for the best deal.

Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.

That way you can see the prices being asked and whether they are rising and falling as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.

Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.

These can mean a lot of traded-in cars are taking up too much space in the yards and will be discounted to get rid of them.

If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot. 

This can give you an insight to the quality of vehicles in which the dealer specialises.

If buying privately ask for proof of ownership of the vehicle and make sure it is covered for you taking a test drive.

Take a slow walk around any car you're considering, looking for obvious defects.

It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to later discover a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.

Ideally any road test of a car you're getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.

If you're serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.

If they insist on coming that's understandable, but try to avoid them ‘selling” the car to you.

Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,

In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.

The next owner may suffer as a result.

2014 Kia Cerato Koup

 

RECALLS

To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/

 

BE SURE TO CHECKOUT OUR OTHER USED CAR REPORTS