The new Koup rounds out the Kia Forte family.
Kia has ridden a wave of new products to increased sales and market share and it hopes to build on that momentum with the third member of the redesigned Forte line-up – the all-new 2014 Kia Forte Koup SX – that debuted today at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
The Koup SX joins the sedan and hatchback versions of the compact Forte family. Like its siblings, it features European-inspired design and performance to match with a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 201 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque.
“The Forte Koup is arguably the sportiest vehicle in our award-winning lineup, and it has helped raise Kia’s brand awareness significantly among automotive enthusiasts,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “Its rakish design, premium amenities and powerful turbocharged engine set it apart from the competition. With the debut of the Forte sedan and five-door earlier this year, and now the Koup in New York, the Forte lineup has been completely revamped from top to bottom.”
Similar to its five-door sibling, the Koup is offered in two trim levels, EX and SX, with two engine and transmission choices. The EX comes equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, and the SX comes standard with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The EX comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission while the SX may be matched with either a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
To help further improve performance, the Forte Koup features a sport-tuned suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a torsion beam rear design. The Koup rides on standard 205/55R-16 tires while 225/40R-18 tires are included with the SX trim for an even more sporting driving experience.
Forte Koup offers buyers lengthy list of technology and safety features, including standard 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices with rear camera display, Bluetooth wireless technology, Satellite Radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows and LED-positioning headlights with fog lights.
The Forte Koup’s swept headlights stretch to the front fenders, and the raked windshield and broad shoulders give the front end a sleek, sporty appearance. LED positioning lights add a premium look to the front fascia. At the rear, LED tail lights complete the premium look of the exterior. A rear valance with twin chrome exhaust tips serves as accent at the rear of the vehicle.
The interior of the Forte Koup features premium materials and soft touch points. Large, white-on-black gauges nestle in the instrument cluster. Chrome accents around the HVAC controls and optional push-button start, along with carbon fiber-like textures on the dash and seats, add a sporty touch.