PETER
Schreyer, the former Audi designer, has done wonders for the Kia brand. He has transformed the brand
into a company that just sold cars into an organisation that sells gorgeous and
sensuous-looking machines that people want.
Just
about any and every vehicle in its range is good looking and coupled with the
brand’s philosophy of equipping their cars to the quilt, makes for an
attractive proposition anywhere around the world, including in Malaysia.
When the
Kia Forte was first launched in
Malaysia, it not only made heads turn, it also represented a value-for-money
buy. It was equipped with features that more superior class cars came with. It,
of course, sold like to hot cakes.
Then
Naza Kia decided to bring in the Kia
Koup, a two-door version of
the Forte that was fully imported and also came with its own individualistic
superior features. Better still, it was not only attractive in appearance, it
had a premium feel to it, a feeling one gets from a German car.
At a
reasonable RM115,000, this car also sold well. It had all the right makings of
a car demanded by a growing population of youngsters wanting a cool and sport
car with a sensuous design and all the features available. And with attractive
colours too.
With
the introduction of the Kia
Cerato in Malaysia, it was just a matter of time before the Koup was launched. This car was
displayed at Kia’s huge
roadshow at the 1Utama shopping complex recently. It was truly the star of the
show.
It has
not been launched to the public yet but was on display as a preview. According
to Naza Kia officials, the company has projected a price tag of RM150,000. This
is surely far higher than its predecessor.
We were
given an opportunity to find out just why this car had to be priced higher,
very briefly.
It
wasn’t too different than the Cerato, except for the two doors. It comes with
HID headlamps and as usual, the frameless doors.
Sitting
inside, it immediately felt premium, with leather trimmings all over the
interior. But it was a marked improvement over its predecessor though.
It now,
in as much as feeling like a premium car, feels like a sports car. Everything
is firm and tight, from the steering wheel to the gearshift. It seats feel more
snug and sporty.
The
seats are also perfect for our Malaysian weather as it comes with air
ventilation, either hot or cold. And there’s keyless entry too. The start/stop
button looks its from a sports car.
For
some who just love sunroofs, this car has it. For added convenience, the Koup comes with dual zone
full automatic air conditioner with cluster ioniser and the 4.2-inch TFT LCD
supervision cluster.
This
car was equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged GDI engine, which is better than
a naturally-aspirated 2-litre motor. It had the torque when you needed it and
the 201hp power plant is wanting in any way either. It is able to do the
century in 7.4 seconds.
A
6-speed automatic transmission is mated to this engine, which works well. The
shiftronic is immediate and doesn’t have a lag before switching gears.
Handling
the twisty bits wasn’t an issue. It did feel a little nervous at higher speed
corners but tends to behave itself in and out of it.
In all
this, the car feels firmly in control, with the car’s Motor Driven Power
Steering (MDPS) with Flex Steer. When it is on Sport, it is very well weighted.
The
other two modes; comfort and normal, just enables easier driving in the city
traffic and manoeuvring tight parking spots. This is further helped by the
front and rear parking assist system.
All in
all, the Koup has vastly
improved over its predecessor. And quite frankly, when Naza Kia says they’re
looking at RM150,000, they’d probably achieve a price tag far better than that.
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