2010 Kia Forte Koup Is One Kool Kar

By Anne Proffit

Anne Proffit

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2,081 views May 7, 2010

2010 Kia Forte Koup

Kia is coming up with some very interesting vehicles these days, including its compact Forte sedan and Forte Koup two-door. Yeah, the spelling for Koup is gimmicky at best, but the vehicle itself is a grand challenger for the segment-leading Honda Civic Si and for the soon-to-be-departed Chevrolet Cobalt SS.

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX is, as one would expect from the top-of-the-line model, loaded with features. Start with the running gear, a 2.4-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine that makes 173 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 168 pound-feet of torque at four grand, and with a 6500-rpm redline. The engine is peppy and willing and, for a four-cylinder, fairly smooth.

This particular car comes with a six-speed manual transmission (with ring lift for reverse) with fine gearing that allows one to travel at 70 mph running at only 2,250 rpm. The revs go up to 2,500 at 75 mph, keeping the sound level, even with dual pipes, at a reasonable level. The speedometer runs to 140 mph; no doubt the car can do it. The only issue with this combo is first gear, which is a bit touchy on the uptake.

Handling is the calling card for the 2010 Kia Forte Koup, with its front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspensions, both with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. While the compact dimensions of the Koup--176.4 length; 69.5 width; 55.1 height on a 104.3-inch wheelbase--would indicate somewhat of a rough ride, this coupe is well damped but taut and handles all but the buckled roads that seem to be prevalent these days. Hydraulic rack and pinion power steering is quick with only 2.6 turns lock-to-lock and the turning circle is an enviable 35.4-feet on this front-wheel-drive platform.

Kia fits antilock disc brakes all around and adds brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, together with electronic stability control and traction control. There are front, side and full head curtain airbags on the 2010 Kia Forte Koup, together with a tire pressure monitoring system, all aiding passive safety.

This Kia is a handsome little coupe, especially when dressed in the copperhead metallic paint with black interior. The aggressive front end of this car is accented by its black central fascia, low fog lights and sleekly wrapped headlamps moving toward arched front fenders. The gently sloping bodywork tapers to a large rear window and genuine trunk, not a hatch. Side mirrors have turn signals embedded and add elegance to the package, as do the SX-particular Goodyear Eagle RS P215/45R tires riding on handsome 17 inch twinned five-spoke alloy rims.

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup comes standard with air conditioning, solar, tinted glass, a CD and MP3-capable audio system with six speakers and complimentary Sirius satellite radio for the first three months. There is Bluetooth phone capability together with USB and auxiliary inputs to complement the pair of 12-volt plugs at the base of the center stack. Power windows have one-touch down operation and there’s keyless remote locking.

Kia fits a nice, tactile leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel (audio left, cruise control right and phone at the bottom) together with a leather shift knob and the steering column tilts and telescopes. Floor mats are standard--a nice touch. The sport seats have excellent support, with both lateral and lumbar there to help anyone find a comfortable position.

This particular 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX has an entry fee of $18,390 including destination and two pieces of optional equipment: the SX leather package for $1,000 adds leather seat trim and (single setting) heated front sport seats; the petite two-way power sunroof that opens atop the roof goes for $700, bringing the total to a reasonable $20,090.