So you’re in the market for something sporty. You’re on a tight budget and you’ve heard us rave about Kia’s new Pro_cee'd GT. You’ve also heard plenty of good things about the sexy two-door Koup, not the old one but the hot new turbocharged version.

One is a three-door hatch, the other a two-door coupe - but I bet you didn’t know they’re powered by the same engine, with exactly the same power output?

The big question is which one do you get?

HOW MUCH?

The Koup is cheaper, priced from $28,190 before on-road costs while the GT will cost you nearly $2000 more at $29,990.

Both of these prices are for the manual, and if you want an auto then it’s a no-brainer because you can’t get the GT with an auto.

The optional touring pack on the Koup brings the price to $30,490 which includes leather, climate air and a 7-inch touch screen monitor, with satnav and a DVD player.

The GT is available with navigation for $31,490 or you can opt for the higher spec GT Tech priced from $34,490 which adds nav plus a panoramic sunroof, active HID headlamps with washer, smart key with push-button start, luggage net, privacy glass and door handle pocket lamps.

DESIGN

While the two cars may share the same engine, they are two very different beasts.

The Koup is 22cm longer and built in South Korea while the GT comes out of Slovakia. In fact, we’re the only country outside Europe to take the GT.

The GT is harder-edged, with larger front brakes and a more advanced multi-link rear suspension that delivers better traction.

Despite their different in size the two cars have almost the same amount of luggage space.

Both are shod with 18 inch alloys with 225/40 series tyres, while the GT adds higher-spec Michelin rubber.

The Koup has a full size alloy spare while the GT makes do with a space saver.

PERFORMANCE

The 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces 150kW and 265Nm, the latter in a very flat torque curve between 1750 and 4500 revs.

Both cars are geared exactly the same, but surprisingly it is the Koup that is the quickest of the pair - or more specifically the auto. It does the dash from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, while both the Koup and the GT post the same 7.7 seconds in manual form - even though the GT weighs 25kg more.

SAFETY

Both cars have been awarded five stars by ANCAP and come with six airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control as well as other drive assistance systems.

Both also come with parking sensors, in the case of the Koup both front and back.

EQUIPMENT

The Koup approaches the GT in terms of equipment levels when you add the Touring Pack that brings leather and climate control and a grab bag of other goodies.

The GT gets Recaro front sports seats trimmed in a combo of suede and leather.

Both get auto lights and a rear vision mirror, but the GT adds rain sensing wipers.

The GT also has a switchable LCD instrument display that in sport mode shows a digital speedo.

Another point of difference is the Flex Steer system in the Koup.

FLYING THE KOUP

Designed as a GT-style tourer it looks great and is fun to drive, with strong mid-range acceleration.

On well formed roads the ride is smooth and impressively quiet. Country roads are another matter; the car tends to move around a bit, but we didn’t encounter any lift off oversteer even when pressed.

The brakes by the way have been beefed up for the job.

We’re told the exhaust note in the turbo model has been tuned to produce a sporty note but it’s still way too quiet.

RACING THE GT

We’ve had the added advantage of giving this car a workout on the track.

It’s a rewarding car to drive and one that’s guaranteed to leave a smile on your dial. With a sweet, easy to use gear change, lots of lovely, low-down torque and no turbo lag that we could find.

WHAT ABOUT THE VELOSTER?

Yes. The quirky Hyundai is powered by the same turbocharged engine but it is geared differently and like the Koup has a torsion beam rear suspension.

The Veloster is also a tenth of a second slower from 0-100km/h at 7.8 seconds.

2014 Kia Pro_cee'd GT JD MY15