The Kia Forte Koup was introduced alongside the Forte sedan for the 2010 model year, replacing the Spectra as the brand's compact offering. With unique sheetmetal offering muscular looks, the Forte Koup diverges from the sedan and hatchback models in a sportier package, doing battle with the Honda Civic coupe and Scion tC as its primary competitors.
The Range
Body style: Coupe
Engines: 2.0-liter inline-4, 2.4-liter inline-4
Transmissions: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
Models: EX, SX
What's New
A tilting and telescoping steering wheel is now standard on EX models; the telescoping feature was only available as an option in 2011. With the technology package, the Supervision meter cluster now adorns the gauges. Otherwise, the car carries over unchanged from 2011.
Exterior
With an aggressive rake to the rear window and wider rear haunches, the Forte Koup looks decidedly sportier than its sedan and hatchback stablemates. The Forte Koup also comes with a rear bumper and dual exhaust outlets reminiscent of the Chevrolet Camaro.
Interior
Fit and finish are excellent in the Forte Koup's cabin. Both EX and SX models get deep sport seats but the SX gets its own special cloth; rear seat room is tighter than in the sedan. A navigation system is available in addition to a host of tech features usually associated with more expensive vehicles. The front stereo speakers have a light ring around them that can be programmed to pulsate with the music being played in the stereo, adding to the visual excitement in the interior. SX models have an available leather package for the seats and steering wheel plus paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel for vehicles with the automatic transmission.
Performance & Handling
The Koup SX is fun to drive, but the Koup's ride and handling are more mainstream-compact than all-out sports coupe. It reaches 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, and needs 117 feet to stop from 60 mph. Power in the 2.0-liter models may leave shoppers wanting for more, especially with the automatic transmission. But cars equipped with the 2.4-liter engine move with gusto.
Safety
Dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the Forte Koup, along with disc brakes with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist; stability control; traction control; and tire-pressure monitoring.
EPA Fuel Economy
EX: 25 city/34 highway (manual and automatic)
SX: 22 city/32 mpg highway (manual); 23 city/31 mpg highway (automatic)
You'll Like
- Cool looks
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Lots of standard equipment
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Fun to drive
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Comfortable ride
You Won't Like
Sum Up
Good all-arounder with more show than go.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Honda Civic
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Ford Focus
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Scion tC
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Volkswagen Golf