Unarguably, Kia has spent years putting design on the back burner, focusing instead on affordability and mainstream appeal. With the debut of the automaker's first-ever coupe, clearly the focus is shifting. Unveiled in concept form at last year's New York Auto Show, Kia pulled the curtain on the production Forte Koup at this year's press conference.
2010 Kia Forte Koup
The debut of the 2010 Forte Koup follows the introduction of its sedan sibling at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The compact coupe uses the same powertrain options. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 156 horsepower and a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic powers base SX models and a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter unit mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission powers versions in EX trim. Kia claims the 2.0-liter delivers 25/34 city/highway mpg. The 2.4-liter engine is said to get 22/32 mpg with the 6-speed manual transmission and 23/31 mpg with the 5-speed automatic.
At 176.4 inches long and 55.1 inches tall, the coupe is slightly shorter in length and height than the sedan version. With its wraparound headlights, blacked-out grille, and bulging front fenders, Forte Koup strikes an aggressive stance.
Standard equipment includes sport seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker audio system with MP3 capability and steering-wheel mounted controls, a USB port, and a suite of safety features like curtain side airbags, ABS, and traction control. Options include a leather package, heated seats, and a power sunroof. The 2010 Kia Forte Koup goes on sale this summer.
CG Says...
The sporty, aggressive-looking Forte Koup gives Kia a much-needed shot
in the arm in the style department. If the brand is looking to attract
consumers previously turned off by Kia's plain, sometimes homely
vehicle designs, Forte Koup and the funky, boxy 2010 Soul should do the trick.
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- New York Auto Show Home Page
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- Future Cars: Check out what's just on the horizon.
