It’s the little car with big potential. It has a few things against it, many that the analysts would say will mean its certain failure, but in the opinion of this writer, it’s going to be a sure fire hit and one that just may deliver the cred Kia so desperately needs down under.
The Kia Koup started to make waves and get noticed when it appeared as a concept car at various motor shows around the world. With a new designer, Kia has managed to pull off a delightful looking little toy and a whole lot more.
But getting behind the wheel and inspecting the car up close was always an event that made me excited and a little nervous at the same time.
Firstly, because I did not want to be disappointed and secondly because I wanted to be overwhelmed with a car maker producing something fantastic.
So, what happened?
Inspecting the car and it looks just as good up close as it does in the photos. The paintwork is good in either the silver or black, the panels tight and the door clunk reassuring.
The interior seating is satisfying without being over the top. It has a mix of faux-suede and cloth mesh giving it a sporting feel and similar to the Toyota Aurion SX6 model. Leather is an option. But this will be a rare commodity.
The interior plastics on the dash are good but the on the door panels they felt a little light and flimsy as did the the boot and petrol release levers. It is as if the plastics were underdone and prone to breakage. Great then that a 5 year warranty applies!
The dash has a sporty feel, the centre console is quality and even packs an armrest. This has a snug feeling and makes you want to drive it.
The drive
It packs a 4 cylinder 2 litre and 115Kw of power. It’s not going to set the world on fire but when you consider sporty BMW coupes that sell for over $70,000 start with 140Kw of power you feel that you are at least in the ball park.
It is punchy to start and wants to take off. The Koup wants to go, a good sign for sure.
There 4 speed auto feels like it is missing a gear, you may want to try a 5 speed manual instead, I cannot help thinking both boxes are missing a gear here.
It handles okay, but it’s no racing car and yet it feels comfortable going around bends rather than eating up corners if driving a Beemer.
It gathers looks at every turn and makes you just keep wanting to drive it. It will travel quickly to the speed limit and cruise around town chewing little fuel.
If it were my design, I would probably have included a turbo and a 5 speed auto and worked on the handling a little more. But if I had done that I probably would have created a $35,000 Kia and no-one would have bought it.
At $27,990 driveaway, plus $400 for metallic paint, it’s a steal in auto. And only $25,990 in the manual.
It’s roughly the same price I paid for my 1994 Mitsubishi Lancer GLXi coupe in manual 15 years ago.
So that makes this a lot of car for the money. In fact, the Kia walks straight into that market. It has cult status written all over it and will be a hit amongst younger buyers, working class drivers looking for a taste of something a little special, because quite frankly, it is.
Kudos to Kia for a fine effort.
In 5 years time it will also be the P-Platers car of choice. No doubt. It has Mitsu’s abandoned coupe market all to itself, over a 1000 units a year for sure. Kia predicts around 700, I reckon they have underestimated it.
As for buying, do not expect discounts off the ticket for some time. This car in its limited delivery will sell itself. However for mine, Kia really wants to up the ante on marketing and information. As Richard Dreyfuss said in the movie Tin Men, set in 1962 when he first saw a VW beetle drive past for the time, “I bet I could sell a ton of those”
I want one in Lime green with leather interior, a special order I am told. It is that good!
Special thanks to Keith and Robert at Great Western Kia, Kingswood in Sydney. I plan to be back there soon. Give the guys a call on 02 8805 9530 to book your test drive or order your new toy.
