2010 Kia Forte Koup Preview

Design
If the 2010 Kia Forte Koup looks a bit familiar, you might remember the KOUP Concept that Kia rolled out in 2008. The production model faithfully apes the concept’s design, looking not unlike a slightly better tailored Honda Civic Coupe. Though it’s based on the Forte sedan, the Koup is a little shorter in height and length than the sedan, giving the 2-door a sportier appearance. Standard 16-inch alloy wheels and body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals make the Koup look more upscale than its surmised price tag would indicate.

Inside, the Koup borrows liberally from the Forte sedan in terms of design and décor. In terms of passenger space, Kia claims the Koup is bigger than the Honda Civic, Scion tC, and the Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe. Plus, it has a 12.9 cubic foot trunk, which is larger than that of the Honda Accord Coupe.

Model Lineup
Available in two trim levels, the 2010 Kia Forte Koup comes to market in EX or SX spec. The EX includes features like 16-inch alloy wheels, side mirrors with turn signal indicators, sport bolstered seats, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and cruise control. The EX also includes a driver’s seat height adjuster to help ensure optimum comfort, and a 6-speaker stereo with 3 free months of Sirius satellite radio. The Koup is also equipped with Bluetooth wireless communications, USB and auxiliary jacks, and the ability to control your iPod or MP3 player through the audio system.

The Kia Forte Koup SX is the sportier of the two models. It gets 17-inch alloys, lower profile tires, a sport suspension, unique seat upholstery, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, leather wrap for the steering wheel and shift knob, metal foot pedals, metal-finish interior trim, and what Kia calls a Supervision meter cluster.

Optional for both models are a power sunroof and a leather package that includes heated seats.