2010 Kia Forte Koupe


Prices: $16,595-$18,695


Automakers like to bring out sporty versions of conventional cars to give them a sexier image and to attract new and younger buyers. The 2010 Kia Forte Koupe ("K" is for "Kia) is a prime example of such a move by this aggressive South Korean automaker. It’s the first coupe in Kia history.

The front-drive, five-passenger Koupe is mechanically based on the Kia Forte sedan but shares no exterior sheetmetal with the four-door except for the hood. It’s 2 inches shorter, 2.4 inches lower and lighter, with the same 104.3-inch wheelbase. Sporty features include aggressive air intakes, dual exhausts and a rear diffuser. Styling is based on that of the Koup concept vehicle displayed at the 2008 New York Auto Show.

The 2010 Koup comes as the base EX, which costs $16,595 with a five-speed manual transmission and $17,595 with a four-speed automatic. It also comes as the sportier, higher-line SX, which has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and costs $17,695 with a six-speed manual and $18,695 with a five-speed automatic featuring a manual-shift feature.

Both engines are advanced, with dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves and variable valve timing for quicker responsiveness. The 2-liter engine generates 156 horsepower, while the 2.4 generates 173 horsepower and more torque.

The manual transmission has a short-throw shifter and overly sensitive clutch with a long throw that takes getting used to. Fourth gear can be used in town without engine "lugging," but a downshift is needed to fourth on highways for fast 65-75 mph passing.

Performance is lively with the 2.4-liter engine and six-speed manual, but the 2-liter "four" is best off with a manual and could use a five-speed automatic for better performance.

Estimated fuel economy with the 2-liter four and either transmission is an impressive 25 mpg in the city and 34 on highways with either transmission. Figures for the 2.4 engine are 22 city and 32 highway with the six-speed manual and 23 and 31 with the five-speed automatic.

The speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering is quick, and the car’s turning circle is a handy 33.9-34.5 feet, depending on tire size. The ride of a Koup SX I tested was firm but supple, and handling was sharp—thanks to its sport suspension and larger tires. Brake action was reassuring, with good pedal feel.


The Koup looks sporty enough to be mistaken for a European coupe, with sharply creased lines and a low front end found on high-performance cars for better aeroynamics—but also the possibility of front-end damage if it strikes low parking area barriers.

Kia gives its reasonably priced models lots of equipment. Even the EX thus has standard air conditioning, power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry and AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with six speakers, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, tilt steering, cruise control, front sport seats with a driver seat height adjuster, dual body color power mirrors with turn signal indicators and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for more cargo space.

The SX adds a sport-tuned suspension, wider 45-series tires on 17-inch wheels (vs. 55-series tires on 16-inch wheels), tilt/telescopic wheel, metal-finish interior accents and metal pedals, sport cloth seats with vibrant red stitching,, fog lamps, gloss black front fascia accents and even speaker lights that pulse with a rhythmic beat.

Safety equipment for both includes front-side and full-length side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution and brake assist for surer stops. There’s also electronic stability control and traction control to help keep the Koup on the road during overly-aggressive driving.

Options for the EX include a $600 moonroof and a $1,000 Leather Package (for the automatic transmission version) with leather seat trim, heated front seats, leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob and metal-finish trim. The $1,000 leather package offered for both SX versions, provides leather seat trim and heated front seats, besides a leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob.

The Koup’s quiet interior has excellent fit and finish and is world-class, especially with the leather package. Standard for the SX is a gauge cluster with a red-hued glow. There’s good room in supportive seats up front, and the rear seat comfortably accommodates three adults, although leg room is limited for a tall passenger behind the driver.The right-front passenger seat slides forward for easy access to the rear.

There are plenty of cupholders and a decent number of cabin storage areas. Climate controls and outside mirrors are large, but audio system controls are small. All are easily reached, as are console controls for the optional heated seats.

The large trunk has a wide but fairly high opening and a lid with hinges instead of more-desirable hydraulic struts. There are handy trunk releases for the rear seatbacks, but they don’t sit entirely flat when flipped forward. The pass-through opening between the lined trunk and rear seat area is just moderately large.

The heavy hood is held open by a prop rod that is awkward to reach and use.

Kia is associated with South Korea’s Hyundai, so the Koup has one of the best warranties in the business. It provides such things as a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, besides a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.

The Koup has the right combination of style, comfort, equipment and affordability in these troubled economic times to do well, especially if Kia continues to attract more customers.