We wonder why Kia is offering four transmissions on this car, though. Installing the SX’s 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic in both trim levels would’ve simplified the powertrain choices and allow the 2.0-litre engine to offer even lower fuel consumption. We applaud the fact that at 100 km/h, the manual Koup SX’s engine is spinning at only about 2,000 rpm; it makes for a quieter cabin and keeps fuel consumption low.
In fact, after a ride on the highway aboard the 6-speed SX, the fuel economy gauge read 6.9 L/100 km, which is good. Expect both versions of the two-door Forte to consume well under 10 L/100 km in mixed city/highway driving.
On the track
Kia invited us to take the Koup to the track, which is a good opportunity to feel the car’s dynamic capabilities. After a few laps in each version, the SX clearly prefers sporty driving than the EX; the fatter rubber and tighter suspension made it more enjoyable on the track and more willing to bite through corners.
The one thing I found unsettling was the car’s steering that didn’t seem to respond very well to bumps on the track while cornering; the steering wheel would yank in the opposite direction, so a good grip was required to get through moderate- and high-speed curves. This issue went unnoticed on the open road, however, so it shouldn’t be a big deal.
Well-finished cockpit
The Koup’s interior is blessed with high-quality furnishings. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, while a tasteful mix of silver accents in the SX brighten up the dash and door panels; the EX gets glossy-black trim that looks nice but gets usually dusty pretty quickly. Oh, and the leather-wrapped wheel’s grainy texture really doesn’t feel like leather.
For Koup duty, the seats get more aggressive bolsters than what is found in the Forte sedan. The EX gets fabric and the SX gets leather, while front-seat heaters are standard in both.
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| We wonder why Kia is offering four transmissions on this car. |
In fact, after a ride on the highway aboard the 6-speed SX, the fuel economy gauge read 6.9 L/100 km, which is good. Expect both versions of the two-door Forte to consume well under 10 L/100 km in mixed city/highway driving.
On the track
Kia invited us to take the Koup to the track, which is a good opportunity to feel the car’s dynamic capabilities. After a few laps in each version, the SX clearly prefers sporty driving than the EX; the fatter rubber and tighter suspension made it more enjoyable on the track and more willing to bite through corners.
The one thing I found unsettling was the car’s steering that didn’t seem to respond very well to bumps on the track while cornering; the steering wheel would yank in the opposite direction, so a good grip was required to get through moderate- and high-speed curves. This issue went unnoticed on the open road, however, so it shouldn’t be a big deal.
Well-finished cockpit
The Koup’s interior is blessed with high-quality furnishings. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, while a tasteful mix of silver accents in the SX brighten up the dash and door panels; the EX gets glossy-black trim that looks nice but gets usually dusty pretty quickly. Oh, and the leather-wrapped wheel’s grainy texture really doesn’t feel like leather.
For Koup duty, the seats get more aggressive bolsters than what is found in the Forte sedan. The EX gets fabric and the SX gets leather, while front-seat heaters are standard in both.
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| The Koup’s interior is blessed with high-quality furnishings. |