US: Kia Koup unveiled at New York Show

The company's first ever two-door coupe epitomises the brand's bold new design direction.

"Hot on the heels of the Soul and Forte four-door, Forte Koup represents the next exciting step in the transformation of Kia design and offers a blend of sporty and emotional appeal," said Michael Sprague, Vice President of Marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA).

"We believe our new design evolution coupled with standard Kia value and safety features will continue to attract customers to the Kia brand." he added.

[B]Curb Appeal[/B]

Strongly based on the design styling of the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last year's show, Forte Koup's fluid lines and balanced proportions closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile.

[B]Smooth and Sporty Ride[/B]

With a wheelbase of 2650mm, an overall length of 4480mm, an overall width of 1765mm and overall height of 1340mm, Forte Koup is slightly shorter in length and height than the Forte sedan, but still boasts comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Koup's lowered stance provides better aerodynamics for those looking for a more exciting ride.

The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte Koup better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension developed to optimise responsive handling on country lanes. Additional refinements are fitted throughout to help ensure a comfortable ride with good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.

Built on a front-wheel-drive monocoque chassis, Forte Koup utilises the same platform as the four-door, with an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and anti-roll bar and a torsion beam rear axle. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort.

An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling to help provide the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. The SX trim also comes with a sport-tuned suspension providing for a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.

[B]Lively Performance[/B]

More powerful than many American rivals in its class, Forte Koup EX is driven by a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 bhp and 195 Nm of torque. Greater performance and fuel economy is aided by Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection.

The SX version features an upgraded 2.4-litre in-line four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 bhp and 168 lb/ft of torque. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koup's engine hums powerfully courtesy of the dual exhaust outlets outfitted on both EX and SX trims.

Like the Forte sedan, two transmission options are available for both 2010 Forte Koup models: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.

[B]Striking Interior[/B]

With a surprisingly spacious interior for a two-door coupe, driver and passengers have an impressive 983mm of headroom and 1107mm of legroom in the front seats. In the rear, passengers have 896mm of headroom and 861mm of legroom. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways will be a breeze with ample cargo space of over 350 litres, enough to accommodate luggage and belongings of all passengers.

[B]Standard Kia Motors Safety[/B]

Forte Koup offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

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Credits: JRC