Taking a cue from Las Vegas’ high rollers, Kia Motors America (KMA) is upping the ante for its second-generation Forte Koup, adding turbocharged power to the sporty two-door for the 2014 model. The all-new Koup is part of a completely redesigned Forte lineup for 2014 and features a powerful 1.6-liter gasoline direct injected turbo engine – a first for the Forte nameplate.
[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:5px;”]First unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, the all-new Forte Koup SX boasts European-inspired design and performance to match with 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. As equipped, the SX is the most powerful Forte Koup ever. Sales are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2013, and pricing will be announced closer to the Koup’s launch.
Similar to its Forte5 sibling, the Forte 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 tarmac-carving SX comes standard with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both the EX and SX come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offer an available 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Advanced Technology and Premium Features
In keeping with the rest of the Forte family, the all-new Forte Koup offers an impressive array of amenities and technology. The Koup EX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices with Rear Camera Display, Bluetooth wireless technology, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, FlexSteer, tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows and LED positioning headlights with fog lights.
The Koup SX offers standard 18-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, and LED tail lights. Forte Koup SX also features an aggressive front fascia with larger bumper and grille openings, black gloss grille inserts, larger front brakes, alloy sport pedals as well as front and rear seats with carbon fiber-style accents. The lower front fascia and rear valance also include carbon fiber-look trim.
Both EX and SX trim levels offer optional HID headlights, navigation system with HD Radio, sunroof, heated steering wheel, 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat, heated front seats and ventilated driver’s seat, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, SmartKey with push-button start, electric chromatic rearview mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Continuing Kia’s Design Leadership
Created by Kia’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, Calif., the Forte Koup’s sporty two-door profile, swooping roofline, and large 18-inch alloy wheels give it an athletic and aggressive stance that continues Kia’s tradition as a design leader.
The Forte Koup’s swept headlights stretch deep into 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 upmarket appearance, and a rear valance with twin chrome exhaust tips maintains the Forte Koup’s sporty demeanor.
Sporty Cabin with Premium Features
The interior of the Forte Koup features premium materials and soft touch points. Large, easy-to-read, white-on-black gauges nestle deeply into the instrument cluster. Chrome accents around the HVAC controls and optional push-button start, along with carbon fiber-textured materials on the dash and seats, add a sporty touch. A grippy leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are further evidence of the Forte Koup’s performance intentions. Class-exclusive available features such as front heated seats, a ventilated driver’s seat and driver-selectable electric steering further set the Forte Koup apart from its two-door competition.
Dynamic Driving Experience
Utilizing a 1.6-liter T-GDi turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the SX is the most powerful Forte Koup ever. Power is seamlessly transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The GDi powerplant produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,750-4,500 rpm. The advanced powertrain features double overhead cams with dual continuously variable valve timing to help improve efficiency and performance.
The Forte Koup EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter GDi powerplant producing 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. During durability testing, the engines are run 300 continuous hours at redline under full load then for an additional 20 hours at 10 percent above redline under full load.
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.
