Just out of the blue Kia unveiled the new generation of its Forte/Cerato Koup at the New York Auto Show. And we’re sorry to put it like this, but what a colossal disappointment! The first-gen Koup had a revolutionary and very pretty design, which is why it was successful. This one just isn’t that.

Unlike the previous Koup that had its own distinct character, the new model is more of a two-door version of the Forte sedan and hatchback. It gets pretty much the same headlights and a narrower version of Kia’s signature grille, an ungainly front bumper, a diffuser-like rear bumper and very large taillights. The profile is pretty much the same as the old one.

Just as before, you can have the Koup with two engines; a 1.6 liter and a 2.0 liter petrol. There are two trims, EX and SX, with the base EX model featuring 16-inch alloys, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED positioning headlights and fog lights, UVO eServices with Rear Camera Display, Bluetooth and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The SX version meanwhile benefits from 18-inch rims, dual exhausts, LED taillights, gloss black and carbon-look trims.

So at least the Koup is still very well-equipped. Optional equipment include dual-zone automatic climate control, electric chromatic rearview, heated steering wheel, sunroof and xenon headlights.