Overview

Released in September 2009, the Kia TD Cerato Koup was a small, two-door coupe. Manufactured in Hwaseong, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Cerato Koup was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was initially mated to either four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions. In January 2011, the Cerato was updated with six-speed transmissions and the range was expanded with the introduction of Si and SLS variants.

Engine

The 2.0-litre G4KD ‘Theta II’ four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), a variable intake system and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Dimensions

Compared to the TD Cerato sedan on which it was based, the Cerato Koup was 50 mm shorter (at 4480 mm), 10 mm narrower (1765 mm), 60 mm lower (1400 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2650 mm).

Suspension

Built on the same platform as the Hyundai HD Elantra , the Cerato Koup had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle (though the HD Elantra had multi-link rear suspension).

Safety equipment

Safety equipment consisted of 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.

Features: Cerato Koup, Si and SLS

Standard features for the entry-level Cerato Koup variant included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility, USB and auxiliary inputs, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Cerato Koup Si was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and omitted climate control air conditioning, rear parking sensors and the trip computer; it did, however, add Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, rear fog lights and electric power steering.

Beyond this, the Cerato Koup SLS added 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, rear parking sensors and a trip computer.

Related links

• Specifications: Kia TD Cerato Koup (October 2012)
• Flyer: Kia TD Cerato Koup (October 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Kia Forte (first generation)

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.

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)

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Kia YD Cerato Koup

2016 Kia YD Cerato Koup: airbags may not deploy

In March 2022, recall campaign 221004 was issued for 2016-18 Kia YD Cerato Koup vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) cover and the Electronically Erasable Programming Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) chip may have been produced with insufficient clearance. This could cause the airbag warning lights to illuminate and the airbags may not deploy. In the event of a collision, failure of the airbags to deploy increased the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. For this recall, the dealer was to replace the ACU with an improved unit if the airbag warning light was illuminated and fault code B162000 was stored. If, however, the airbag warning light was not illuminated, then a software update would be performed to the ACU to ensure airbag deployment in the event of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005069.

2013-15 Kia YD Cerato Koup: potential engine noise and seizure

In August 2023, recall campaign 230047 was issued for 2013-15 Kia YD Cerato Koup vehicles. If these vehicles were continuously operated without inspection, the engine may make an abnormal noise and potentially seize. This condition could cause a sudden loss of motive power (i.e. drive) and/or a vehicle fire. This condition also increased the risk of a collision; injury to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders; and property damage. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005724.

Problems and faults: Kia YD Cerato Koup

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

2013 Kia YD Cerato: MDPS coupling and clicking noise from steering wheel

In August 2016, Kia Motors America issued Technical Service Bulletin CHA 074 Revision 1 for Kia YD Cerato/Forte vehicles manufactured from 7 January 2013 to 18 December 2013. In these vehicles, the flexible coupling in the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) may prematurely wear and cause a ‘clicking’ noise to be heard when the vehicle is stationary and the steering wheel is turned. According to Kia, this condition mainly occurred in high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters.

To fix, the flexible coupling was to be replaced with a re-designed flexible coupling that had the part number 56315 2K000FFF; for identification purposes, the improved flexible coupling had ‘HNBR’ embossed on it.

Recalls: Kia TD Cerato Koup

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Kia TD Cerato Koup

In March 2016, a recall was issued for Kia TD Cerato vehicles that were manufactured from 27 August 2010 to 11 November 2010. In these vehicles, the automatic transmission fluid cooler hose may have been improperly cured during the manufacturing process, increasing the possibility of transmission fluid leaking from the hose. Leaking transmission fluid may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to illuminate and/or abnormal transmission shifting. Depending on the amount of transmission fluid lost, ‘reduced vehicle mobility’ may occur, increasing the risk of an accident. The VINs of the recalled Kia TD Cerato vehicles were in the range KNAF######5305381 to KNAF######5363483 (PRA 2016/15289).

Problems and faults: Kia TD Cerato Koup

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

2012-13 Kia TD Cerato: MDPS coupling and clicking noise from steering wheel

In August 2016, Kia Motors America issued Technical Service Bulletin CHA 074 Revision 1 for Kia TD Cerato/Forte vehicles manufactured from 5 January 2012 to 31 March 2013. In these vehicles, the flexible coupling in the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) may prematurely wear and cause a ‘clicking’ noise to be heard when the vehicle is stationary and the steering wheel is turned. According to Kia, this condition mainly occurred in high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters.

To fix, the flexible coupling was to be replaced with a re-designed flexible coupling that had the part number 56315 2K000FFF; for identification purposes, the improved flexible coupling had ‘HNBR’ embossed on it.

Kia TD Cerato Koup: manual transmission noise

In January 2010, Kia Motors issued service bulletin 060 for Kia TD Cerato Koup vehicles with 2.0-litre engines and manual transmissions that were manufactured prior to 19 August 2009. In these vehicles, a ‘pop’ noise may be heard during the 2-3 shift at around 3000 rpm, depending on driver style. To fix, the engine control module (ECM) was to be re-programmed.

Kia TD Cerato Koup: DTC 0564

In January 2011, Kia Motors issued service bulletin 092 for 2011 ‘model year’ Kia TD Cerato/Forte vehicles with 2.0-litre petrol engines and six-speed automatic transmissions. In these vehicles, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0564 (cruise control multi-function input A circuit) may be logged in the engine control module (ECM). The service bulletin described that the ECM was to be re-programmed before vehicles were delivered to customers.

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… Read full Kia YD Cerato Koup review

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Released in September 2009, the Kia TD Cerato Koup was a small, two-door coupe. Manufactured in Hwaseong, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Cerato Koup was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was initially mated to either four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions. In January 2011, the Cerato was updated with six-speed transmissions and the range was expanded with the introduction of Si and SLS variants… Read full Kia TD Cerato Koup review

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Drive.com.au: 2013 Kia YD Cerato Koup

RPM TV: 2014 Kia YD Cerato Koup

Edmunds’ Inside Line: Kia Forte (Cerato) Koup

Note

Please note these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia. In North America, for example, the Cerato Koup was sold as the Forte Koup.

AutoguideVideo: 2010 Kia Forte Koup review