First Kia Coupe, But Here's the Poop: You Still Get the Hatch, Just From a Different Batch

Kia Koup Concept
2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

1st Kia coupe to debut in '09 - Automotive News

"Kia will get its first coupe when the replacement for the Spectra goes on sale next summer. We believe the coupe will sell better than the hatchback,' said Lee Hyun-soon, president of Hyundai-Kia Motors' r&d division at a ceremony for the new Kia Motors America $130 million design center. The hatchback will be sold mainly in Europe as the cee'd, he said. Lee said the Spectra name may change."

As you probably know, I'm a fierce defender of the hatchback here in the USA and whenever I hear of a hatch's demise, I grimace a little. However, just because we lose the Spectra hatch for a coupe doesn't mean that all is unwell. Hyundai will be bringing a relative to the party in the shape of the 2009 Elantra Touring which is basically a European i30 which is basically a Kia cee'd whose predecessor was driven by Kevin Bacon.

I have no problems with this scenario. We get all three flavors of this vehicle even if they aren't under the same nameplate. Therefore I wholeheartedly welcome the 2009 Kia Spectra/"Whatever Its Name Will Be" coupe. Just buy the Elantra Touring.