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Kia Kommences Koup

July 9th, 2009 by Steve Cypher

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Koup

Forte part deux

Less than one month after the introduction of the Forte sedan, Kia has released its third salvo for 2009 in the guise of the Forte Koup. At LotPro.com we take note that this is Kia’s first-ever two-door coupe and marks the automaker’s next step in competing with the big boys in quality, performance and – dare we say – design, as well.

Based on its sedan sibling, the Koup version shares the same 104.3 inch wheelbase, but the 2-door body is 0.4 inches narrower, 2.0 inches shorter and 2.4 inches lower than the sedan. Speed-sensitive power steering is standard and the Koup sports a 33.9 foot turning radius with 16” wheels which stretches to 35.4 feet when it is equipped with 17” alloy wheels.

Koup

Standard equipment is anything but

All Koups feature Bluetooth® connectivity through the use of steering wheel-mounted controls which enable voice-activated and hands-free operation for all compatible cell phones. Audio controls, also located on the steering wheel, also come standard as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks located on the center console offer full iPod®/MP3 controllability via either the audio head unit or (this is getting repetitious) steering wheel-mounted controls. SIRIUS satellite radio and three months of complimentary service is also standard.

Koup

Trim levels

Two engine choices as well as four different transmissions are offered. The EX version comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with CVVT that produces 156 horsepower and 144 lb.-ft. of torque and is available with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission.

The upgraded SX trim comes equipped with a 2.4-liter 173 hp four and the choice of either a 6-speed manual as standard or an optional 5-speed automatic transmission with manumatic capabilities. SX-trimmed Koups also feature sports seats trimmed in red stitching, tilt and telescoping steering column, speaker lights (a’la the Soul), leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, and metal-trimmed pedals. Both the SX and the EX trims will offer the option of a tilting power sunroof.

Koup

The Bottom Line

While sharing its interior and bits of outside trim (not a single body panel is shared) with the sedan, the Koup brings even more style to the Forte line as well as the C-segment in general. With EPA estimates of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway for the 2.0-liter, with either transmission, or 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic) and 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway (manual) for the larger 2.3 four-pot as well as a class-leading 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, the new Forte Koup makes Kia a major player. So from all of us here at LotPro.com, a hearty “kongratulations” to everyone at Kia!

Koup