The second-generation Kia Koup, now officially dubbed the Cerato Koup to keep it in line with Kia’s global naming conventions, has just been released by local Kia dealer Cycle & Carriage. And to whet enthusiasts’ appetites, the latest version now boasts of a new 1.6-litre GDI turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 204bhp, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The car replaces the once popular Forte Koup, which was sold here from 2009 till last year, and was at one time Singapore’s best-selling two-door coupe. The previous Forte Koup had a choice of 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines, as well as manual and automatic gearbox options, but the new model is streamlined into just one model, being the 1.6-litre GDI Turbo.

Based upon the strong-selling Kia Forte K3 sedan, which was Kia’s best-selling model globally last year, the new Cerato Koup offers similar styling cues, with a slimmer version of Kia’s now-familiar family grille fronting an aggressive-looking nose. Frameless doors and a matt black carbon-look rear diffuser on the rear bumper help accentuate the car’s sporty looks, and the car has grown bigger all-round over its predecessor, being longer, wider and taller than before. It also boasts of a wheelbase of 2,700mm, the same as Kia’s Sorento SUV, which translates to better interior room for occupants. Indeed, headroom, legroom and shoulder room for rear passengers are now up by 28mm, 51mm and 15mm respectively over the old Forte Koup.

Powering the new Cerato Koup is Kia’s 1.6-litre Gamma Turbo GDI engine, which utilises twin-scroll turbo-charging technology to churn out 204bhp and 265Nm of torque. This means a lack of turbo lag, and a smoother driving experience overall, with the car capable of achieving the sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, and a top speed of 222km/h. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard for Singapore, and comes with a Sport mode with manual override.

Among the standard equipment to be offered on the Kia Cerato Koup include ventilated seats for the driver, a feature first offered on Kia’s larger models and has since trickled down to the Forte K3 and Cerato Koup models. Also available is Kia’s FlexSteer variable steering system, which offers three different settings for the steering, namely Normal, Sport and Comfort. Each setting lightens or weightens up the steering feel as appropriate for various urban driving conditions.

Cycle & Carriage has yet to finalise prices for the new Kia Cerato Koup, at least until the next round of COE bidding, but expect it to retail not too far off from the Forte K3, which currently carries a price tag of $111,999, inclusive of COE.

MORE: Read our Kia Koup review from way back in CarBuyer 215