We were expecting a new Sorento to be launched at the show, but instead Kia decided to launch a new small car.A clear adversary to the
Honda Civic Coupe , Kia's new
Forte sedan has spawned a two-door counterpart. To no one's surprise, the production Forte Koup is based on the Koup Concept that was presented exactly one year ago in New York.
The aggressively-styled Forte Coup will be available in the sedan's higher trim levels, EX and SX. The base model gets a 156-hp, 2.0-litre engine while the SX receives a 2.4-litre unit that's good for 173 horsepower. Both versions get a choice of 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions.According to Kia, the Forte Koup boasts more interior space than the Civic Coupe, Scion tC and Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe. A leather seating package will be available, complementing a long list of standard features.The Forte Koup should be on sale within a few months.
photo: Philippe Champoux