Kia Canada Inc. announces 2010 Forte Koup pricing and specifications
Kia Expands its Forte Lineup with the next evolution of its design language
With performance-inspired, aggressive and sleek styling, Kia Canada Inc. (KCI) today announced the specifications and pricing for the 2010 Forte Koup. "The Forte Koup personifies the next step in the evolution of Kia's design language. It embodies raw athleticism and sporty sophistication in its distinctive styling and fulfills Kia's goal of becoming a design led brand," said Maria Soklis, Vice President & COO, KCI. "When you combine this level of styling with the value Kia is renowned for this vehicle is sure to have tremendous appeal."
Curb Appeal
Based on the design styling of the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last year's auto show, Forte Koup's fluid lines and balanced proportions, meant to evoke an emotional driving experience, closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design. Even from behind, Forte Koup exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lights, duel exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser. athleticism and convenience are standard for the Forte Koup EX with body-color bumpers, power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and 16-inch alloy wheels outfitted with P205/55R16 tires. The SX trim offers an even sportier profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires.
Smooth and Sporty Ride
With a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, an overall length of 4,480 mm, an overall width of 1,765 mm and overall height of 1,400 mm, Forte Koup is slightly shorter in length and height than the Forte sedan, but still boasts comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Koup's lowered stance provides better aerodynamics for those looking for a more exciting ride. The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte Koup better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension developed to optimize responsive handling on curvy roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout to help ensure a comfortable ride with good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.
Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody structure, Forte Koup utilizes the same platform as the sedan, with an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling to help provide the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. The SX trim also comes with a sport-tuned suspension providing for a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.
Lively Performance
More horsepower than the 1.8L Honda Civic Coupe, 2.0L Ford Focus Coupe or 2.2L Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe, Forte Koup EX is driven by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, with dual CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koup's engine hums powerfully courtesy of the dual exhaust outlets outfitted on both EX and SX trims. Like the Forte sedan, two transmission options are available for both 2010 Forte Koup models: 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 Steptronic.
Forte Koup fuel economy is not sacrificed for sportiness. The 2.0-liter engine offers 8.3/5.8 litres/100km (city/highway) when mated with the five-speed manual transmission and 8.1/5.8 litres/100km (city/highway) with the optional four-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine also can expect an economical 9.2/6.2 litres/100km with the six-speed manual and 9.0/6.3 litres/100km when paired with the five-speed automatic transmission.
Striking Interior
With a surprisingly spacious interior for a two-door coupe, Forte Koup provides a comfortable 2,568 litres of interior volume, larger than the 2009 Honda Civic Coupe or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe. Driver and passengers have an impressive 982 mm of headroom and 1,108 mm of legroom in the front seats and 897 mm of headroom and 862 mm of legroom in the rear seats. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways will be a breeze with ample cargo space of 358 litres, enough to accommodate luggage and belongings of all passengers.
Forte Koup continues the luxury treatment with a host of standard interior features, beginning with supportive, well appointed sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion and seat back for optimal comfort. Air conditioning, driver's seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, tilt and telescopic steering column, rear defroster, power heated mirrors, center console with dual cup holders, map lamps and variable intermittent wipers are also just some of the myriad amenities standard on every vehicle. Also standard on all models are power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power heated mirrors, cruise control and heated front seats for cold Canadian winters. EX trim also offer an optional power sunroof.
Progressing to the SX trim offers additional standard touches such as: unique sport leather seat with vibrant red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power sliding and tilting sunroof, metal pedals and metal finish trim and a SupervisionTM gauge cluster with trip computer further enhancing its energetic personality.
Superior Sound
For inside entertainment while cruising down the road, Forte Koup comes with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. SX trims are outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. For added listening convenience 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(R) and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit. Standard Bluetooth(R) connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones.
Standard Kia Motors Safety
Forte Koup offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as dual front airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC).
2010 Forte Koup
EX - Starting at $18,495
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 5-speed manual and optional 4-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags, active front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, keyless entry, air conditioning, heated front seats, cruise control, six speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 16" alloy wheels and exterior chrome door handles and optional tilt and sliding sunroof.
SX - Starting at $21,495
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 5-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17" alloy wheels, front fog lamps, sport tuned suspension, automatic climate control, power tilting and sliding sunroof, leather interior, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, alloy sport pedals, trip computer, Sirius satellite radio (includes 3 month free trial) and supervision instrument cluster.
Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Forte Koup is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a five-year or 100,000-km limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 100,000-km limited comprehensive warranty, and a five-year unlimited-km anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/100,000-km roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
The KOUP, the Forte Sedan and Soul represent Kia's new design strategy. They have enhanced the value of Kia's current line up, which has already shown strong appeal, and have propelled Kia into the top tier of design led brands. With the successful launch of the Soul, Forte Sedan and KOUP, Kia is leading the way by creating a new generation of vehicles that offer premium styling combined with exceptional value.