Kia introduced its new Forte sedan in 2009, re-establishing the company as a player in the compact-car segment with an affordable alternative to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
The Koup aims to do the same versus other two-doors. The Koup has a lot going for it, especially its attractive styling and gutsy engine in higher trim levels, but it doesn't beat the competition on price.
The Exterior
The best thing Kia has done with the Koup is embrace a design philosophy that isn't boring. The car's design looks familiar, yet daring. The back really makes a statement, with dynamic taillights and a black lower air diffuser that create what could easily be the most aggressive look in the class.
The Interior
The Interior
The SX trim level comes with an all-black interior, which makes it seem more like a sports car. The EX comes with a tan interior, called Stone. Piano-black plastic runs down the center of the dash and over the stereo and climate controls, which definitely adds some flair. Most of the controls and buttons show the strides Kia has made in refinement.
Performance
Generally, when you get an economy car you don't expect much in the driving-thrills department, but the upgraded 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the SX is quite capable. A 156-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard in the base EX. The six-speed manual transmission is terrific when accelerating quickly through the gears. The steering is one of the car's better attributes, and the car is a joy to drive.
Mileage
is rated at 25/34 mpg city/highway for the EX with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, 22/32 mpg for the SX with a six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg for the SX with a five-speed automatic.
Features
The Forte Koup starts at $16,595.
Kia offers a lot of standard features at that price, including 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker stereo, a USB interface and iPod connectivity, cruise control and, surprisingly, Bluetooth for hands-free calling. Moving up to the higher-powered SX costs an additional $1,100, starting at $17,695 and adding the more powerful engine, 17-inch wheels, a trip computer, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, fog lights and a sport-tuned suspension. Leather seats are optional on either trim for $1,000, as is a power moonroof for $700.
Safety
The Forte Koup does not come up short in the safety department. It features all the standard airbags, along with seat-mounted side airbags and active head restraints for front passengers. Stability control is also standard.
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