Mainly-smooth, most of the time
The tester cruised smooth highways with a softly sporty ride while keeping wind noise levels in check-- though invading sound is cranked up a fair bit on poor roads thanks to the sport-tuned suspension and low-profile tires.
Steering is quick and lively, and the suspension and steering allow for flat, predictable and confident cornering. Extra points for great brakes, too. Stopping power from these is precise, powerful and surprisingly easy to modulate outside of antilock engagement.
Peppy 2.4 litre engine, six-speed stick
The tester’s up-level powerplant consisted of a dual-cam 2.4 litre four-banger with 173 horsepower. The engine has no perceptible power curve, instead preferring to deliver its snap flatly across the rev-range. Using the lower gears, it’s plenty peppy enough in city driving-- even if the sound effects are a little dull at times.
The Forte Koup’s smaller two-litre mill gets a five-speed manual, though the tester got the six-speed stick that’s standard with its larger engine. Shifting is carried out with a relatively light and quick action, though the mechanism lacks the precision feel you’ll find in comparable Japanese models. Cruising at about 115 km/h in 6th gear, drivers can expect mileage to settle around 8L / 100km.
One major complaint
In all areas where it counts, the Forte Koup hits the nail on the head when it comes to delivering piles of sports coupe bang-for-the-buck-- though one issue repeatedly bothered your writer in his time with the car.
Forte Koup’s throttle pedal is connected to the engine by an electronic sensor and computer software-- rather than with a simple mechanical throttle cable. Carmakers typically execute electronic throttle systems with a natural feel, but in this case, Kia isn’t one of them. Put simply, Forte Koup’s computerized throttle felt too numb, not responsive enough, and inconsistent.
The driver’s right-foot inputs are smoothed out, and throttle blips during heel and toe downshifting are ignored. Strangely, the engine revs itself up as the clutch is let out to get the car rolling, too.
The apathetic throttle and off-the-line self-revving makes learning to drive stick virtually idiot-proof, and those learning to use a manual transmission will find the Koup forgiving, smooth and difficult to stall. Thing is, those who know what they’re doing will probably find it irritating.
The throttle issue should be far from a dealbreaker for most shoppers, though. End of the day, the Forte Koup SX remains an excellent deal where equipment, style and character are concerned.
Remember-- the as-tested price in question here is $21,500. As a complete package, throttle weirdness or not, it’s a toughie to beat. Besides, the Koup’s largest problem can be fixed by a simple computer software update. Hopefully they’re working on one now.
The tester cruised smooth highways with a softly sporty ride while keeping wind noise levels in check-- though invading sound is cranked up a fair bit on poor roads thanks to the sport-tuned suspension and low-profile tires.
Steering is quick and lively, and the suspension and steering allow for flat, predictable and confident cornering. Extra points for great brakes, too. Stopping power from these is precise, powerful and surprisingly easy to modulate outside of antilock engagement.
Peppy 2.4 litre engine, six-speed stick
The tester’s up-level powerplant consisted of a dual-cam 2.4 litre four-banger with 173 horsepower. The engine has no perceptible power curve, instead preferring to deliver its snap flatly across the rev-range. Using the lower gears, it’s plenty peppy enough in city driving-- even if the sound effects are a little dull at times.
The Forte Koup’s smaller two-litre mill gets a five-speed manual, though the tester got the six-speed stick that’s standard with its larger engine. Shifting is carried out with a relatively light and quick action, though the mechanism lacks the precision feel you’ll find in comparable Japanese models. Cruising at about 115 km/h in 6th gear, drivers can expect mileage to settle around 8L / 100km.
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| The tester’s up-level powerplant consisted of a dual-cam 2.4 litre four-banger with 173 horsepower. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
One major complaint
In all areas where it counts, the Forte Koup hits the nail on the head when it comes to delivering piles of sports coupe bang-for-the-buck-- though one issue repeatedly bothered your writer in his time with the car.
Forte Koup’s throttle pedal is connected to the engine by an electronic sensor and computer software-- rather than with a simple mechanical throttle cable. Carmakers typically execute electronic throttle systems with a natural feel, but in this case, Kia isn’t one of them. Put simply, Forte Koup’s computerized throttle felt too numb, not responsive enough, and inconsistent.
The driver’s right-foot inputs are smoothed out, and throttle blips during heel and toe downshifting are ignored. Strangely, the engine revs itself up as the clutch is let out to get the car rolling, too.
The apathetic throttle and off-the-line self-revving makes learning to drive stick virtually idiot-proof, and those learning to use a manual transmission will find the Koup forgiving, smooth and difficult to stall. Thing is, those who know what they’re doing will probably find it irritating.
The throttle issue should be far from a dealbreaker for most shoppers, though. End of the day, the Forte Koup SX remains an excellent deal where equipment, style and character are concerned.
Remember-- the as-tested price in question here is $21,500. As a complete package, throttle weirdness or not, it’s a toughie to beat. Besides, the Koup’s largest problem can be fixed by a simple computer software update. Hopefully they’re working on one now.
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