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Kia announces new 2010 Forte Koup
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Kia's new 2010 Forte Koup is another step on the Korean automaker's road to redefining itself as a sporty value brand
I got a chance to see the new Forte Koup last month in Seattle when Kia launched the 2010 Forte Sedan. We couldn't drive it, but we did a chance to sit in the car and take a good look inside and out. So after that sneak peek, I'm excited about today's formal announcement from Kia that the car's almost here. If you've been thinking about a new two-door sports coupe such as a Honda Civic or Scion TC, the Kia really deserves your consideration.
Kia's Koup is driven by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, courtesy of variable valve timing and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which help increase fuel economy as well as performance. The upgraded SX version of the Koup features a 2.4-liter engine that delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque.
Like the Forte sedan, four transmission options are available for the 2010 Forte Koup models: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive on base EX models, while the SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and Sportmatic shifting.
Tuned in the U.S. to appeal to sportier driver preferences, the Kia-developed suspension is refined for responsive and predictable handling on all kinds of curvy roads. The SX trim also comes with a sport-tuned suspension set to provide a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.
An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system with high gearing adds the finishing touch for precise handling to help provide the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions, and Kia has engineered the unibody chassis for maximum stiffness.
All Forte Koup models feature Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated operation for compatible phones, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. For added listening convenience, steering wheel-mounted audio controls come standard on all models, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod/MP3 controllability at the audio head unit or through the steering wheel-mounted controls.
Like almost all new cars, all Koup models include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, driver's seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, tilt steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders and storage area, dual map lamps with ceiling-mounted, drop-down sunglasses holder and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
Buying up to the SX trim offers additional standard touches such as sport cloth seats with red stitching, a tilt and telescoping steering column, speaker lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, metal pedals and metal finish trim. Both EX and SX trims also offer optional tilting power sunroofs.
Kia has not yet announced pricing on the Koup, but you can bet it'll be affordable.
For more info: Check out Kia's website here. Or you can read my prior reviews of Kia's Forte Sedan, Soul CUV, and upscale Amanti Sedan.
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