- Turbo engines have strong mid-range performance
- Accomplished ride/handling balance
- Refined automatic transmission
- Short-throw manual transmission has precise action
- Firm ride on 18-inch wheels
- Steering lacks feedback and feel around centre
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- Interior lacks differentiation from standard Cerato
Overview
Released in November 2013, the Kia YD Cerato Koup was a front-wheel drive coupe. Manufactured in Hwasung, South Korea, the YD Cerato Koup range consisted of Si and Turbo variants, powered by naturally aspirated 2.0-litre and turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engines respectively.
G4NC and C4FJ engines
Of the engines,
- For Si variants, the 2.0-litre G4NC ‘Nu GDI’ petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), a variable induction system, electronic throttle control and a compression ratio of 11.5:1; and,
- For Turbo variants, the 1.6-litre C4FJ ‘Gamma’ turbocharged petrol engine differed in that it had a twin-scroll turbocharger (providing maximum boost of 18 psi or 1.24 bar), an air-guided intercooler and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. This engine was also shared with the Hyundai FS Veloster SR Turbo .
As per the table below, both engines were available with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.
Dimensions
Compared to its TD Cerato Koup predecessor, the YD Cerato Koup was 50 mm longer (at 4530 mm), 15 mm wider (1780 mm), 10 mm taller (1410 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2700 mm); the drag coefficient was 0.30 Cd. Furthermore, the YD Cerato Koup also achieved a 37 per cent increase in torsional rigidity due to its higher proportion of high-tensile steel (63 per cent), ultra high-tensile steel for the B-pillars and new engine bay bulkhead bracing.
Suspension and steering
The YD Cerato Koup had MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers and a torsion beam rear axle with separate coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Furthermore, the Cerato Koup had an electric power-assisted steering system (Kia’s ‘FlexSteer’) with selectable Comfort, Normal and Sport settings.
For Australian-delivered vehicles, the Cerato Koup’s suspension was tuned for local conditions.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Si | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
129 kW at 6500 rpm | 209 Nm at 4700 rpm |
| Turbo | 1.6-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
150 kW at 6000 rpm | 265 Nm at 1750-4500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Cerato Koup included 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.
Brakes
The Cerato Koup Si had 280 mm by 23 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 262 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs. The Cerato Koup Turbo, however, had 300 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs.
Features
Standard features for the Cerato Koup Si included 17-inch x 7.0J alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth connectivity and a 4.3-inch colour touch screen, air conditioning, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat (including height), cruise control, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera with parking guidelines, 60:40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
For models with automatic transmissions, steering wheel gearshift paddles were fitted as standard and enabled the driver to perform sequential gearshifts when ‘Sport’ mode was engaged.
Compared to the Si variants, the Cerato Koup Turbo was further equipped with 18-inch x 7.5J alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres, synthetic leather seat bolsters, proximity key, push-button start, daytime LED running lights, a cooled glovebox, alloy sports pedals and an electrochromic rear view mirror. Visually, the Turbo variants will be differentiated by their chrome radiator grilles with black high-gloss bars, ‘carbon-fibre look’ bumper garnishes, black-painted door mirrors and handles, side skirts and rear LED combination lamps.
The Cerato Koup Turbo was also available with an optional Touring pack for $2200 which included satellite navigation with a seven-inch colour touch screen, a DVD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, a clean air module and automatic defogging.
Related links
- Specifications: Kia YD Cerato Koup (September 2014)
- Kia Motors Australia: Kia Cerato Koup
- Wikipedia.org: Kia Forte (second generation)
