Front-seat space is adequate, although headroom is noticeably reduced by the sunroof. Rear-seat passengers will rub their heads on the ceiling, which isn’t too surprising. The trunk is decently-sized, as all our video crew’s gear fit in during the drive.
Competition
There are not many compact coupes left on the market, so the Forte Koup has three main rivals: the Honda Civic, the Chevrolet Cobalt and the Ford Focus. With its powertrain choices and high equipment levels, the Koup can easily hold its own. Of course, the Civic Si and Cobalt SS can outrun the Kia, but they cost thousands more.
The $18,495 Koup EX comes loaded with A/C, keyless entry, power windows, Bluetooth, heated seats, cruise control, 6-speaker sound system with MP3 playback and USB port, wheel-mounted audio controls, tilt and telescopic wheel, 16-inch alloys, 4-wheel disc brakes and electronic stability control. The only options are a power sunroof ($800) and the 4-speed automatic ($1,200).
The $21,495 Koup SX adds the bigger engine and upgraded gearboxes, a sport suspension, 17-inch wheels with fatter tires, climate control, a trip computer, leather, fog lights, power sunroof, SIRIUS satellite radio and alloy pedals. The 5-speed automatic also adds $1,200 to the MSRP.
Conclusion
The Forte Koup is an impressive addition to the Kia line-up. Although the market for two-door compacts isn’t very large, it gives the Korean company more ammo to fight the competition and add visual punch to their showrooms.
Like the sedan, the Koup offers a lot for the price, which has always been a Kia strong point. But now, people are starting to buy Kias because they look good, not just because of the low monthly payments, and the Koup will play an important role in that regard.
photo:Philippe Champoux
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| Front-seat space is adequate, although headroom is noticeably reduced by the sunroof. |
Competition
There are not many compact coupes left on the market, so the Forte Koup has three main rivals: the Honda Civic, the Chevrolet Cobalt and the Ford Focus. With its powertrain choices and high equipment levels, the Koup can easily hold its own. Of course, the Civic Si and Cobalt SS can outrun the Kia, but they cost thousands more.
The $18,495 Koup EX comes loaded with A/C, keyless entry, power windows, Bluetooth, heated seats, cruise control, 6-speaker sound system with MP3 playback and USB port, wheel-mounted audio controls, tilt and telescopic wheel, 16-inch alloys, 4-wheel disc brakes and electronic stability control. The only options are a power sunroof ($800) and the 4-speed automatic ($1,200).
The $21,495 Koup SX adds the bigger engine and upgraded gearboxes, a sport suspension, 17-inch wheels with fatter tires, climate control, a trip computer, leather, fog lights, power sunroof, SIRIUS satellite radio and alloy pedals. The 5-speed automatic also adds $1,200 to the MSRP.
Conclusion
The Forte Koup is an impressive addition to the Kia line-up. Although the market for two-door compacts isn’t very large, it gives the Korean company more ammo to fight the competition and add visual punch to their showrooms.
Like the sedan, the Koup offers a lot for the price, which has always been a Kia strong point. But now, people are starting to buy Kias because they look good, not just because of the low monthly payments, and the Koup will play an important role in that regard.
 |
| Like the sedan, the Koup offers a lot for the price, which has always been a Kia strong point. |
photo:Philippe Champoux
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