Kia Forte Koup Review
Those looking for a car in the sporty coupe segment know that these cars are rather impractical, expensive, and not that economical to run and that all they are paying for is the looks.
But Japanese and Korean brands have changed this by introducing cars like the Honda Civic Coupe or the Hyundai Genesis Coupe these past couple of years.
But then Kia came along and set new standards with the Forte koup. This coupe offers great styling, fairly powerful and economic engines, loads of standard equipments, and a monster warranty which is a proof for its uncanny quality. And all that for a starting price of around $20,000.
The Forte Koup, that “K” refers to the fact that it is Kia’s first Coupe vehicle, is based on the new generation Cerato sedan. That is a bit disappointing at first, but don’t worry! There’s no sign of dullness anywhere in this car. It is obviously a handsome two-door car but surprisingly it has the same space inside as the four-door version, with calss-leading rear headroom which is a remarkable achievement.
Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Kia Forte Koup utilizes the same platform as the sedan, with an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling to help provide the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. The SX trim also comes with a sport-tuned suspension providing for a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.
Athleticism and convenience are standard for the Kia Forte Koup EX with body-color bumpers, power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and 16-inch alloy wheels outfitted with P205/55R16 tires. The SX trim offers an even sportier profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires.
More powerful than the Honda Civic Coupe, Ford Focus Coupe or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe, Kia Forte Koup EX is driven by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque, more than the Scion tC. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Kia Forte Koup’s engine hums powerfully courtesy of the dual exhaust outlets outfitted on both EX and SX trims.
Like the Forte sedan, two transmission options are available for both 2010 Forte Koup models: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic. Kia Forte Koup fuel economy is not sacrificed for sportiness, as both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway). The 2.0-liter engine offers 25/34 mpg (city/highway) when mated with either the five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine also can expect an economical 22/32 mpg with the six-speed manual and 23/31 when paired with the five-speed automatic transmission.
Kia Forte Koup comes with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. For added listening convenience steering wheel-mounted audio controls also come standard on all models, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit. Standard Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones.
Kia Forte Koup – also known as the Cerato Coupe in some countries – is one of those understated cars that put a big smile on your face every time you go for a drive in it! It is a good compromise between everything that matters in an everyday car, with a touch of sportiness.
