The Kia Forte Koup is – as its name implies – a coupe version of the Forte (badged a Cerato in other world markets) 4-door sedan. It is the first ever Coupe built by the Korean company and a clear sign that it intends to very quickly change the image of Kia. As the Koup uses an only slightly modified Forte sedan drivetrain with an identical chassis, Kia will not go as far as to define the Koup as a performance car. Instead it is intended to be a sportier looking alternative to the more conservative sedan
Unique Body Panels for Kia Koup
An indication of just how different the styling of the Koup is to the sedan, only the hood is shared between the two models.
The Koup is 60mm (2.3in) lower (from a 50mm (2in) lowered roofline and 10mm (0.3in) lowered suspension) and is 50mm (2in) shorter and 10mm (0.3in) narrower than the Forte sedan, while retaining the same 2650mm (104in) wheelbase.
The car tested here is the high specification SX manual, which includes leather upholstery, full iPod integration kit, fog lights, remote door locking, steering wheel-mounted audio, cruise control functions, and tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel.
The SX also comes with a power sunroof, reverse warning sensors and automatic climate control.
Specially Tuned Engine Note for Kia Koup
The 115kW (154hp) 2.0-liter four cylinder engine – as used in the Forte sedan - is tuned to deliver a much throatier tone, a twin exhaust system specially tuned by engineers, although it still does not sound very ‘sporty’.
Other changes specific to the Koup include an improved electronic throttle control, and a more sensitive accelerator pedal sensor, all intended to increase the response from the engine.
Uprated Suspension for Kia Koup
Suspension changes include uprated dampers, increased castor angle for greater self-centring steering and a sharper steering 'feel' in town driving. A thicker front stabiliser bar helps improve cornering stability and delivers extra grip. The steering wheel also has a quicker turn ratio.
While the handling is certainly improved the ride quality is too firm. The uprated dampers have far too much bump and not enough rebound, so that the suspension extends too rapidly when travelling over a large bump and the wheel thumps hard into the tarmac.
On smooth tarmac the car is much better to drive, and on smooth urban roads the car handles well, but the power steering is vague and over-sensitive at low speeds.
The general driving experience is one of a car that has been styled to look sporty, with hardware that almost delivers an enhanced driving experience. Kia is right to be classifying the Koup as a sporty, rather than sports car.
Then again, with a low entry level price and no real competitor in the market the style of the car will be the deciding factor for most buyers, who will not be concerned with performance.
ref: Kia NZ and review car
Sam Domett - I have been a motoring journalist for over 15 years, beginning with my own website. I then moved on to the Manukau Daily News. My next job ...
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