Koup Turbo boosts local garage

SYDNEY – Oct 16, 2013: Kia’s first petrol turbo-charged offering in Australia, the 1.6-litre T-GDI Koup, headlines the arrival of the second generation of the model widely acknowledged as Kia’s sexiest car ever.

With its 150kW twin-scroll turbo the all-new Koup, starting at $27,990 for the six speed manual, is the most powerful model available for under $30,000 in Australia.

“Since the Koup’s first generation launch the car has been praised as having the look of a genuine sports coupe,” Kia Motors Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow, said.

“There had also always been the question mark over whether the performance of the Koup matched it’s exciting looks. The arrival of the new 1.6-litre Turbo with 150kW makes that question redundant.”

Mr Barlow said that while the needs of customers who felt they did not need the extra urge of a Turbo would be well served by the 129kW naturally aspirated 2.0-litre GDi option, the halo value of the Koup Turbo could not be overestimated.

“It brings with it a new sense of excitement and freshness to a brand already being driven by award-winning design, best-practice engineering and safety and leading-edge customer service and benefits,” Mr Barlow said.

“And this is just the start. With the Koup Turbo filling the classic Grand Tourer role, next year will see the arrival of a focused performance line in the pro_cee’d GT.”

Beneath its distinctive exterior, new Koup incorporates all the improved engineering first developed for the Cerato sedan, with an all-new bodyshell structure, improved quality, upgraded equipment with a host of additional convenience and safety features, a more spacious cabin with enhanced quality, greater refinement and an upgraded powertrain line-up that delivers outstanding performance and competitive fuel economy.

As with the new Cerato sedan and hatch the new Koup boasts a full suite of safety features, both active and passive. Six airbags are standard as is electronic stability control, HAC (hill-start assist control), VSM (vehicle stability management) and ESS (emergency stop signalling).

As with all new Kias, the Koup has benefitted from an extensive program of localised ride and handling to provide owners with the driving experience they demand for Australia’s challenging road conditions.

Koup buyers will also enjoy the customer ownership benefits of an unlimited kilometre 5-year warranty, the clarity and convenience of a capped-price servicing program and the reassurance of roadside assist.

Pricing for the six-speed manual SLi 2.0-litre GDi starts at $23,990. The six-speed automatic transmission for both GDi and T-GDi models is available for a $2200 premium.