Overview

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup is Kia's all new two-door coupe for 2010. Kia Motors America introduced the Forte Koup at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Forte Koup joins the Forte lineup and Kia claims it is its first ever two-door coupe that incorporates the brand?s current bold design direction first seen on the concept version of the Soul urban passenger vehicle in 2006. With a lively performance, striking interior, superior sound, standard Kia Motors safety, the 2010 Forte Koup, available in two trim levels (EX and SX), offers a smooth and sporty ride with an industry-leading warranty. Like all Kia models, Forte Koup is covered by a comprehensive warranty program that includes a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of this comprehensive coverage program.

Power and performance

Forte Koup EX is motivated by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX comes with an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT that delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque. Two transmission options are available: 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's both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway). The 2.0-liter engine offers 25/34 mpg (city/highway) when teamed with either the five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic. With the optional and more powerful 2.4-liter engine, one can expect 22/32 mpg with the six-speed manual and 23/31 when paired with the five-speed automatic transmission.

Body and styling

Forte Koup exudes an aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Even from behind, Forte Koup projects attitude with slim, wrapped tail lights, duel exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser. 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 its sedan sibling, but still boasts comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Forte Koup EX comes with body-color bumpers, power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and 16-inch alloy wheels outfitted with P205/55R16 tires. The SX offers an even sportier profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires. With its comfortable 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, the trips to the beach and weekend getaways will be easy with ample cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet. Supportive, nicely appointed sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion, 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, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls for added convenience are standard on all Forte Koup models. The SX trim adds 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. 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. 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. A Leather Package is optional for both EX and SX trims. When the EX, the Leather Package adds leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and heated seats and with the SX trim gets leather and heated seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Safety Features

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) are standard safety features of the 2010 Kia Forte Koup.