With the economy going the way it is, people are now starting to look at less-expensive vehicles. In the past, most Canadians would be hesitant to even take a Kia for a test drive – the thoughts were ‘unreliable’ and ‘cheap’. Hyundai took over Kia in 1998 and Kia has been profitable ever since.

I am impressed with the styling; all of my friends where shocked that this great-looking vehicle is a Kia!

Both Hyundai and Kia have been making changes to their image, while more and more people are starting to look at Kia as a great way to get into a brand-new vehicle for less. Kia’s sales are up 20% this year – and with the introduction of the very funky-looking Soul, and now the introduction of the Forte Sedan and Koup, I have a feeling that things will continue on the upwards for this Korean Car company.

The Forte comes in a sedan and the 2-door Koup version. I have the Koup this week, and I have to point out that the only thing that is the same between these two cars is the hood! I will have the sedan at a later date, so I will share my thoughts on it then. I am impressed with the styling; all of my friends where shocked that this great-looking vehicle is a Kia! It’s not as unique as the Soul, but I am ok with that. The Soul’s appearance was a bit too unusual for me.

This Koup has a wide, aggressive-looking stance from the back with pretty taillights and dual chrome exhaust tips. The front has a blacked-out grille and a lower stance, and I really love the look of the two-toned wheels; it is a very unique touch that will definitely stand out if you are shopping for a car in this class. The interior is straightforward but nicely executed.

The only interior color to choose from though is black, in either cloth or leather. Kia knows this will be the volume seller, but I do worry that this might deter a few buyers. I have met several women who admit that color, whether interior or exterior, is a huge factor when they are looking at purchasing a vehicle! If you opt for the SX, you do get some nice chrome and shiny black accents throughout. Very nicely put together but not overdone. I think that this is definitely a big improvement from Kia.

You can choose from the base EX with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that develops 156 hp with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, or the SX trim with the 173-hp, 2.4L engine and 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic with manual mode. The base model starts at $18,495 and the SX is only $3,000 more. With the SX, not only do you get the more-powerful engine, you also get sport suspension, bigger wheels, alloy sport pedals and leather seats.

If you’re looking at this vehicle to keep costs low, keep it in mind that the SX will burn slightly more fuel.

If you’re looking at this vehicle to keep costs low, keep it in mind that the SX will burn slightly more fuel – the posted ratings for the EX with an automatic transmission is 8.1 and 5.8 L/100km city/highway and the SX is rated at 6.3 on the highway and 9.0 in the city. This will also change slightly if you choose a manual transmission.

It’s a nice car to zip around in the city, while quiet and powerful enough on the highway.

The car’s ride is quite comfy and what I like is that the engine has a decent amount of torque. It’s peppy right off the line but the clutch is a bit touchy – if you don’t give it just the right amount of gas, it will stall! Not a huge issue, but something that you would figure out over time and get used to. It is also a bit more of a challenge if you do drive with heels.

It’s a nice car to zip around in the city, while quiet and powerful enough on the highway. It has a solid feel to it even at high speeds. I can honestly say that this Koup does not make me think of Kias of old!

Like all 2-doors, getting in and out of the back seat is a bit of a challenge, but I had two adults in the back and they found it quite comfortable. With 2 people sitting behind, visibility is blocked but that is quite normal. The rear bench splits and folds 60/40 and the trunk is fairly roomy.

With the seats folded, I had enough space to make a run to Ikea and get a fairly large bookcase in the Koup. As a young woman with no kids, I like a 2-door. For the few times a year I have 4 people in my car, I want to drive a car that looks sportier. The size is just perfect for me, my boyfriend and shopping bags – what more does a girl need?

The base model comes with a decent list of standard convenience and safety features, that include tilt and telescoping steering column with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, air conditioning, power windows, keyless entry, heated outside mirrors, 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control system (TCS). These are safety features that are especially important if you drive your family around.

The car’s ride is quite comfy and what I like is that the engine has a decent amount of torque.

If you step into the SX model, you will also get leather seats, automatic climate control, and trip computer. The great thing about both trim levels is that you get quite a bit of value!

And in today’s market, value is a huge selling feature. Kia has improved its quality and overall image a great deal over the last few years, but I am not sure if it quite has the ‘badge appeal’ yet. Image is important to me as a woman, and I am on the fence as to whether or not I would be willing to pay several thousands more to get a fully-loaded Honda just for the name?
My advice is to take one for a test drive – and when you do, don’t think that you are driving a Kia; just drive it for what it is and you might just fall in love with it!

This Koup has a wide, aggressive-looking stance from the back with pretty taillights and dual chrome exhaust tips.