Kia KOUP revealed

It's already got the KEE, and now Kia is ready to unlock its potential and fly the KOUP! These are the first pictures of the exciting coupe that brings a dash of style the Korean firm's line-up.

The sleek KOUP follows the striking KEE concept from last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and features the firm’s trademark H-pattern grille. Narrow wraparound headlamps and a smart air intake at the front also help to make it the sportiest Kia yet.

The KOUP is longer than a Mazda RX-8, so there’s plenty of space inside, although the stunning show car features a pair of individual rear seats. The cabin looks virtually production-ready, with the design taking in Alfa Romeo-style instrument cowlings, plus an eye-catching starter button.

The performance theme continues under the bonnet, with a new direct- injection 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Thanks to a twin scroll turbocharger, it produces 286bhp, which is enough to deliver decent pace. It’s mated to a hi-tech six-speed semi-automatic box controlled either by
a sequential style gearlever, or the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The sleek KOUP was styled at Kia’s America Design Centre in California, rather than the European HQ in Germany, where the KEE concept was penned under the guidance of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer.

There are no plans yet for a convertible version, but if one does get the go-ahead, it could well have a fabric hood. Schreyer is known to prefer these to folding hard-tops.