Surprising debut: Kia Forte Koup makes an official global debut in New York
During it’s official press conference at the 2009 New York Auto Show, Kia Motors America unveiled it’s performance-inspired 2010 Forte Koup production vehicle. The 2010 Kia Forte Koup offers a blend of sporty and emotional appeal and is the company’s first-ever two-door coupe. The vehicle embodies the brand’s current bold design direction first seen on the concept version of the Koup coupe in 2007.
Kia Forte Koup: design
Based on the design styling of the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last year’s show, Forte Koup’s fluid lines and balanced proportions, meant to evoke an emotional driving experience, closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile.
Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design. Even from behind, Forte Koup exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lights, duel exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser.
Athleticism and convenience are standard for the 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.
Kia Forte Koup gallery: part 1
Smooth and Sporty Ride
With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, Forte Koup is slightly shorter in length and height than the Forte sedan, but still boasts comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Koup’s lowered stance provides better aerodynamics for those looking for a more exciting ride.
The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte Koup better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension developed to optimize responsive handling on curvy roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout to help ensure a comfortable ride with good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.
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.
Kia Forte Koup gallery: part 2
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.
Lively Performance
Base 2010 Kia Koup EX is more powerful than the Ford Focus Coupe, or Chevrolet Cobalt or Honda Civic Coupe. It is driven by a 156 horsepower, 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, that generates 144 pound-feet of torque and features CVVT – Continuously Variable Valve Timing and multi-port electronic fuel injection to provide greater fuel economy and performance.
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, 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®.
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.
Striking Interior
With a surprisingly spacious interior for a two-door coupe, Forte Koup provides a comfortable 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, larger than the 2009 Scion tC, Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe and Honda Civic Coupe, .
Driver and passengers have an impressive 38.7 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom in the front seats and 35.3 inches of headroom and 33.9 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways will be a breeze with ample cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet, enough to accommodate luggage and belongings of all passengers.
Kia Forte Koup continues the luxury treatment with a host of standard interior features, beginning with supportive, nicely appointed sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion and seat back for optimal comfort. Air conditioning, a driver’s seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, tilt steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders, map lamps and variable intermittent wipers are also just some of the myriad amenities standard on every vehicle.
Also standard on all models are power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls for added convenience.
Progressing to the SX trim offers additional standard touches such as: unique sport cloth seats with vibrant red stitching, a tilt and telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, metal pedals and metal finish trim and a Supervision™ gauge cluster with trip computer further enhancing its energetic personality. Both EX and SX trims also offer an optional power moonroof.
An optional Leather Package is available for both EX and SX trims. When combined with the EX trim the Leather Package adds leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and heated seats. When paired with the SX trim it includes leather and heated seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Kia Forte Safety
Forte Koup offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
For inside entertainment while cruising down the road, Forte Koup comes with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary serviceą.
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.
April 9th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
looks great. im glad to work for kia
April 9th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
It didn’t lose much from the concept. Go, Kia!
April 9th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
It’s design is really close to the concept Koup! It’s absolutely fantastic looking vehicle and it should sell really good!
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Congrats Kia for yet another attractive product!!
April 9th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Another homerun from Kia! I’m happy to see they stayed loyal to the concept. I can’t wait to drive one!
April 9th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
My god , it’s an other great car from KIA very fantastic . IT’S KIA MAKE THIS CAR FOR EUROPE ?????????????????????PLS
April 9th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
34 miles a gallon on the highway for 156HP? I’m little disappointed about the fuel economy, actually.
April 9th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Haha! Another car Europe doesn’t get! Too bad I had to cancel my trip to New York at the last minute. No matter, I’ll see it in California in July.
April 9th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Kyle- 34 MPG is pretty good for a vehicle in this class. Why would you be dissappointed. If you want to be disappointed go look at a Lancer with 31MPG. I compare cars all day long working at a dealer and many compact cars average 32-34, with Kia Forte Fuel Saver package giving it 36MPG which is best in class in the 4 door (out side of hybrids of course)
April 9th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Looking great! It’s often a given that the 2-door coupe looks better than the sedan. In the case of the Forte, however, this is debatable. The sedan looks so good that the coupe can’t surpass it. It becomes only a question of personnal preference and slightly differing option packages.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
i agree, bernardp, its a tuff choice but i’m a huge 2-door fan. i’m sorry, soul, but i shall wait for the koup. PS – i’m WAY happy they decided to keep the Koup moniker. i’d take the “forte” badge off mine & leave the “Koup” on the right side only.
April 9th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
the wheels are horrible
the front bar is horrible (the basic Forte sedan front bar is fine eg. http://www.kia-world.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/2010_kia_forte.jpg)
the whole tail looks worse than the sedan
the interior good though it is, is getting a bit stale now that the Soul also has it
the next car is the 5 door hatchback i believe which will be like the above car but with 5 doors
April 9th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
W O W
It looks sooo much like the concept =D
KIA BRING THIS TO THE UK pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaseee !
BRING THE SALOON AS WELL
April 10th, 2009 at 1:52 am
Europe can keep the cee’d. My how the tables have turned. Ok Jonathatn but US got to get the No.3 concept though. lol.
April 10th, 2009 at 1:54 am
I have word directly from Kia that there is a VERY good chance the Koup will still get the 2.0L Turbo engine as a late availability option.
April 10th, 2009 at 2:07 am
The Koup is absolutely stunning! I can’t wait to buy mine!.
April 10th, 2009 at 5:12 am
This is fantastic. So pleased that it still looks pretty much like the concept. Well done KIA!
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Kid Icarus, good to hear about the likely hood of a turbo version.
April 10th, 2009 at 8:24 am
The thing is is that Mitsubishi puts on the window sticker 22mpg city and 31 mpg highway for their new world order Lancer’s. But I get more like 21 in the city and 32 or 33 on the highway. And I am more than happy with those gas mileage numbers. If the new Kia Koup can get 34mpg on the freeway then fantastic. Point is that in this class 30 more more highway mpg is pretty good stuff.
April 10th, 2009 at 9:08 am
It gets better fuel mileage than smaller Soul. Do we still ned to say the Soul needs a more modern engine and a five-speed tranny!?!
April 10th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Something off topic- at the NY Autoshow Kia showed off the R-Diesel Engine. Any news on if this will come to the US??? If so the 30+ MPG from the Diesel should make this a hit
April 10th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
in the the Sorento. Sorry forgot to mention that
April 11th, 2009 at 6:34 am
KIA Motor’s, Please sell the Pro_Cee’d in the USA, we need a hot hatchback!
April 11th, 2009 at 6:38 am
PS: Yes the Forte Koup is a great looking ride and the engine packages sound just right.
Now that you have offered a sport coup, how about offering a sport hatchback like the Pro_Cee’d
April 11th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I have been thinking, when/if this is released in Australia, I really do hope they offer it with the 2.4L as well, I mean if Mitusbishi can offer the Lancer with a 2.4L and Mazda with the 3′s 2.3L engine, the 2.4L for this would be great!
April 11th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
i’d rather have the 1.6 CRDi used in the Ceed and i30.
If only they could mate i to a 5 spd auto.
April 11th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
“Do we still need to say the Soul needs a more modern engine and a five-speed tranny!?” Himi, like I have said before, The 2.0 Theta was not ready when it was time to tailor an engine into the Soul. You will see a Theta in the Soul soon enough.
April 11th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
This Koup will look good in blue or black.
April 12th, 2009 at 1:56 am
Haha JTZ, US probably won’t get No. 3 hehehe!
That car is designed to go against the CITROEN C3 PICASSO, VAUXHALL MERIVA (and possibly ZAFIRA), NISSAN NOTE and SKODA ROOMSTER
April 13th, 2009 at 12:55 am
Ha. you guys can keep the number 3. I can do without it, and would MUCH rather have the Forte Koup. The 3 is just too funky for me, and I voted dislike it. It is a rare miss for Kia.
April 13th, 2009 at 3:22 am
Why does the 4dr have all-independent suspension and the 2dr has a torsion beam in the rear?
April 13th, 2009 at 3:39 am
I really dig the No.3 concept, but then again I really dig small rigs. Bring that babe to America, Kia Motors, and if you can propel it with an all-electric powerplant, one that will go at least 200 miles on a charge, I’ll really perk my ears up! =:)
April 13th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
If Kia do not produce the 290 HP 2.0L turbocharged option, then all their effort is wasted if they want a slice of the coupe market. Pls do not cheat my heart (I have been waiting for it after reading the news last year)
April 15th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I saw a black 09′ Kia Optima on the road for the first time. Nice. Also, I been seeing more 09′ Amantis, Sorentos and Rondos on the road lately.
April 15th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Those wheels are the most hideus thing ever. same with the flower wheels on the soul. please send the guy who designed these to the guy that penned the steering wheel of the forte and sorento xm, to learn a thing or two.
May 12th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
It’s like a jetplane!
May 23rd, 2009 at 3:21 am
When is this going on sale in the U.S.?
August 27th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I have purchased the 2010 Kia Forte Sx and boy is it sweet
January 6th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Hello, I just joined and I am looking forward to participating as my sister has been battling a serious weight problem her entire life and I have seen first hand the effects this battle can have on a person. I will catch up on some reading and will join in soon.
September 13th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
I JUST BROUGHT ME THIS CAR AND I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!