2010 Kia Forte Koup
MONTREAL — As with the Kia Forte sedan, the new Forte Koup comes in two distinctly different flavours. The base EX is an about-town runabout that’s all about style and comfort; the up-level SX is a delightful ride that embraces the sportier side of life.
The biggest difference between the two versions is found in the motive power. The EX employs a lively 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that uses variable valve timing on the intake cam. It churns out 156 horsepower and 144 foot-pounds of torque -- both numbers are stronger than the entry-level norm.
This engine is teamed with either a five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic. Both boxes work quite well, although the EX could use the same transmission choices the SX puts to such good use. The EX takes a tick more than 10 seconds to run from rest to 100 kilometres an hour.
The SX ups the ante with a larger 2.4-litre four-cylinder that employs variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. This not only puts 173 h.p. and 168 ft-lbs. of torque at the driver's disposal, it brings a much broader powerband. Not only is the urgency of the drive cranked up, the engine is noticeably smoother and so much faster in responding to throttle input. The bolder exhaust note then speaks to the engine's willing nature -- the zero-to-100-km/h time for the SX drops to 8.7 seconds.
The 2.4L is offered with a six-speed manual box or an optional five-speed automatic with Kia's Sportmatic manual mode. The manual is passable, although I did not care for the gate's feel or the fact the clutch bites late in its travel. The manumatic delivers a better drive altogether, shifting gears smoothly -- and it is but a snappy downshift away from the heart of the engine's powerband.
What goes unsaid is the potential these engines bring to Kia. Both are derived from the so-called World Engine program that saw Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai (hence the Kia connection) collaborate on a range of power plants. Add variable valve-timing to the exhaust cam and bolt a turbo to the 2.0L engine and you have the Hyundai Genesis motor, which produces 210 h.p. and 223 ft-lbs. of torque at 2,000 r.p.m.
Likewise, adding a turbo to the 2.4L engine produces essentially the same unit powering the Dodge Caliber SRT4 -- it runs 285 h.p. and 265 ft-lbs. of torque at 2,000 r.p.m.! It does not take a fertile imagination to figure out where Kia is heading.
The two Koup models' ride and handling characteristics are equally different. The EX's suspension is comfortably compliant, dialling out most of the body roll when pressed through a corner. Understeer stays at arm's-length, thanks to the P205/55R16 tires. Likewise, the steering represents a good balance between low effort and quick response.
Moving up to the SX sees a much sportier suspension. The beefed-up spring and damper rates all but eliminate body roll. It has a sharper steering response and, thanks to the P215/45R17 tires, there's much less understeer at the limit.
It is as sporty as its key competitor, the Honda Civic coupe.
Both the Koup EX and SX arrive with six air bags, active front headrests, four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS (the SX also gets larger front rotors) and electronic stability/traction control (ESC) as standard equipment. The safety ESC brings is important as it is touted as saving up to 10,000 lives every year in North America. Chalk up a compelling reason to buy the Koup.
When it comes to the rest of the Koup's content, again there is a difference. The EX comes loaded; the SX is fully loaded. Standard equipment includes everything from air conditioning, cruise control and the usual power items to tilt and telescopic steering, heated cloth seats and a decent six-speaker audio package that includes both USB and iPod inputs. Even Bluetooth with voice activation is standard. Both models also boast cabins with a logical layout and better materials than in previous Kia models.
Moving to the SX adds leather, automatic climate control, a nicer gauge cluster, trip computer, Sirius satellite radio, power sunroof, fog lights and aluminum pedals. The only option is the manumatic transmission.
The back half of the Koup has been equally well thought out -- the rear seat will accommodate two adults with legroom to spare (credit the car's 2,650-millimetre wheelbase) and the trunk holds 12.6 cubic feet of stuff.
Perhaps the only thing not to like is the Koup's name, which reminds me of the Hyundai Scoupe debacle. When pronounced "S Coupe" it worked; when pronounced as a single word, let's just say it sounded more like Raisin Bran than a car. To me, the Koup's moniker is just too glib.
The Kia Forte Koup, which is arriving at dealerships now, is a welcome addition. It puts decent handling, ample power (a lot in the SX's case) and more than a little style well within the reach of the entry-level buyer. The EX with a manual transmission starts at $18,495, while the full-zoot SX with manumatic tops out at $22,695.
-- Canwest News Service
THE SPECS
CONFIGURATION: Front-wheel drive 5-passenger coupe
ENGINE: 2.0 L 4 cylinder with 156 hp or 2.4 L 4 cylinder with 173 hp
TRANSMISSION: 5- or 6-speed manual or optional 4- or 5-speed automatic
FUEL ECONOMY: 2.4 L engine: City 9.2 L/100 km; Hwy: 6.2L/100 km
SUSPENSION: Front: independent struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar; Rear: independent torsion beam, coil springs, stabilizer bar
BRAKES: Four wheel disc brakes, ABS, brake assist
SPECIAL FEATURES/OPTIONS: power sunroof, automatic climate control, power driver's seat, stability control, Bluetooth phone connection with voice recognition, steering wheel audio controls, leather upholstery, heated bucket seats, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, Sirius satellite radio
MSRP: $18,495
PRICE AS TESTED: SX trim: $22,950 including $1,455 destination charges
