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March 24, 2008
Kia KOUP Concept at NYIAS
By John Coyle
Editor
Kia’s slogan is "The Power to Surprise," and I have to say the company completely surprised me in New York. While I was pretty underwhelmed by the redesigned Optima—not my style—I have to admit I was impressed by the KOUP Concept. Officially, Kia hasn’t decided whether to build it, but did say the KOUP is production ready. With the exception of the door handles—which look sexy but are a little too small—up close, it doesn’t have many not-ready-for-prime-time features, so it does feel like this car could drop without much modification. And with 290 horsepower on tap, it would immediately become a player on the tuner scene. My gut says Kia is waiting to see how the Genesis sells to give it the green light. What do you think, should Kia build the KOUP? More pics after the jump.
Comments
jay
Dec 13, 2008 at 3:34 pm
i hope they build this car because i am saving money to buy the soul but this may actually take the place i use to have a 06 rio and i loved it so it may be the same with the koup
Billy
Mar 25, 2008 at 2:49 am
Yea, it looks similar to a civic, but it will blow away ANY civic on the road rofl…I’m guessing it’ll cost a lot less than a civic. I like the looks and that engine sounds like a dream to me! I already drive an ‘06 spectra, it’s no civic right now, but it gets me around cheaply and it’s been trouble free. I think they should build it, and I like it that they aren’t messing around with weak ass engines either. Way to go! If they build it, I can go around blowing by fools in weak ass Hondas all day and night, LMFAO.
Jeff B.
Mar 24, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Midget ‘09 Camaro?
Harrison
Mar 24, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Wow, this is nice! But it looks a little too much like a Ford at the Front. Also to answer your question I think Kia should definably build this car. I would buy it.
Jet
Mar 24, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Behold the KIA CIVIC SI!
Rich
Mar 24, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Looks awesome! Build it!
diamondaudio
Mar 24, 2008 at 4:44 pm
looks like da civic, i would buy it and like craig debadge it and say i have a civic with a little attitude.
Chris
Mar 24, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I really hope they build it. We need more affordable sport coupes on the market. Kia being the bargain brand that they are, I’m sure this would come in at under 20K. They’d probably have me sold.
I like how companies are realizing the importance of the sport coupe after the tC has been such a success, and now Scion wants to replace it with a box that nobody wants. I had no idea that Jim Farley’s departure to Chrysler would hurt Scion so much.
On that note, I’m looking forward to something worthy from Chrysler in the future.
Nate
Mar 24, 2008 at 2:52 pm
As nice as it is, they wont make this car. Kia is owned by Hyundai. Hyundai just spent tons of money on developing and advertising the new Genesis sedan and coupe. If they bring this out in production, it will canalize the Genesis coupe sales. So bringing this out would make the Genesis less profitable.
Evan
Mar 24, 2008 at 1:49 pm
That’s one great look’in machine. Hopefully they build it and it comes to North America. After owning a KIA For a couple of years now I gotta say, I’m very impressed so far!!
With a lot of KIA’s cars being easier on the eyes than their Hyundai Counterparts I can see KIA Being up there in the top 5 sellers in the next few years!!!
craig
Mar 24, 2008 at 1:36 pm
this is a great looking car- only i problem. Its a Kia, i would definantly debadge this one
great looking car though
Justin
Mar 24, 2008 at 12:33 pm
IDK it bares resemblance to the civic but… I think that this looks younger, more customizable. The Civic lost a lot of its appeal to the tuner crowd with the new design. (I think but thats just my opinion) I think KIA would be stupid to not take this to production. Especially if they make it affordable like the rest of their line maybe around the same price point as the TC. -Justin
ALB3RT
Mar 24, 2008 at 5:35 am
I agree, it does look a little too much like a civic but this one has a more aggressive style. Nice interior.
Steve
Mar 24, 2008 at 4:36 am
sweet that car looks badass, thats one stock import i really like, thats awesome, has such a mean look to it, dman that would sell so good
Jeremy
Mar 24, 2008 at 3:48 am
looks like the civics lost twin
Phil
Mar 24, 2008 at 1:00 am
Of course they should build it. It looks civic sized but has the power of a full sized car.Should be fun.