2013 Kia Forte Koup
Kia Motors America's (KMA) resident two-door coupe returns to the lineup for 2013 with the same combination of sleek styling, spirited performance and long list of standard comfort and convenience features that have become synonymous with the Kia brand. Also back for 2013, Kia's U.S. motorsports program is once again campaigning two Forte Koups in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) in the Street Tuner (ST) class, having brought home the 2012 Team and Driver Championships in its sophomore season thanks in part to the Forte Koup's responsive and dynamic driving capabilities.
The 2013 Forte Koup is back with minor styling enhancements and added features, including a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels (EX) and power-folding side mirrors for added convenience. The performance-inspired coupe also benefits from higher-quality leather materials on the steering wheel for a more comfortable and luxurious feel, while both trims now include a standard washer fluid warning lamp, illuminated glove box, and improvements in the areas of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) through added sound-deadening materials.
Available in EX and SX trims, Forte Koup starts at $17,4001 for the EX trim while SX starts at $18,800. Both trims come standard with convenience features including air conditioning, SiruisXM™ Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service2, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth® wireless technology3 and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Plethora of Standard Technology and Connectivity Features
All Forte Koup models surround occupants with the latest in must-have technology with Bluetooth®4 wireless connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. For listening convenience, USB and auxiliary input jacks offer full iPod®5 and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or the standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls. A six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capability with three months complimentary service6 also comes standard on all models, while speaker lights that can either pulse to the beat of the music or simply add mood lighting further enhance the personal lounge feeling of the interior.
Striking Design
Forte Koup's fluid lines and balanced proportions offer a refined and athletic stance with sweeping wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design, and even from behind, the two-door coupe exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lamps, dual exhaust outlets and a racing-inspired rear diffuser.
Standard exterior features are plentiful throughout the Forte Koup EX, including power heated and folding outside mirrors with LED integrated turn-signal indicators, dual chrome exhaust outlets, body-color bumpers and 16-inch alloy wheels (new design for 2013) outfitted with 205/55R16 tires and five-spoke alloy wheels. The SX trim offers an even more sporty profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with 215/45R17-sized premium tires, grey-colored 10-spoke alloy wheels, LED taillights, and gloss-black front fascia accents. Buyers can choose from an exciting array of exterior colors, including Titanium, Corsa Blue and Racing Red.
Refined and Lively Ride
Riding on the same 104.3-inch wheelbase as its sedan and hatchback siblings, Forte Koup provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers with an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, making it 2.4 inches lower, 2.0 inches shorter and 0.4 inches narrower than the sedan. Koup is equipped with a front lip spoiler, under-floor airflow deflectors ahead of all four wheels, an engine bay cover, and a lowered stance which contributes to a highly competitive coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.31 and an aerodynamic lift coefficient (Ci) of just 0.21, enhancing stability and providing a smoother ride at higher speeds.
The two-door's high torsional stiffness gives Forte Koup responsive handling, a smoother ride and improved refinement over the competition. Tuned in the U.S. to appeal to more spirited driving preferences, the Koup is built on a lightweight, hydro-formed subframe, featuring a front suspension that employs MacPherson struts similar to the sedan and hatchback, while high-speed stability has been enhanced by lowering the ride height and widening the wheel track. The SX trim also comes with sport-tuned suspension designed to provide a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.
An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system and smart front suspension design add the finishing touches to the robust, finely tuned steering and suspension package and provides a highly competitive turning circle of just 33.9 feet.
For 2013, additional improvements have been made throughout the vehicle to significantly reduce NVH and help ensure a comfortable ride. Additionally, noise-inhibiting materials are used in the engine bay bulkhead and rear parcel shelf, including the injection of sound-dampening foam into hollow sections of the bodyshell at strategic noise-transference points, as well as improved door and window seals.
Refined Performance
The Koup is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque7 that features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which allow for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque8. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koup benefits from a dual-outlet exhaust outfitted on both trims.
Two transmission options are available for 2013 Forte Koup models: an efficient standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Fuel economy is not sacrificed for performance with Forte Koup as both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway). The 2.0-liter engine offers 24/33 mpg9 (city/highway) when paired with the six-speed manual transmission and 25/34 mpg9 (city/highway) when mated with the optional six-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine can expect an economical 22/32 mpg9 (city/highway) with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg9 (city/highway) with the six-speed automatic transmission.
Impressive Interior
Forte Koup provides a spacious 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, a surprisingly roomy interior for a two-door coupe. Driver and passengers have an impressive 38.7 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom in the front seats and 35.3 inches of headroom and 33.9 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways are a breeze with ample cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet while 60/40-split folding rear seats that fold nearly flat extend the available amount of cargo space even further to 53.4 cubic feet.
Forte Koup continues to impress with a host of standard interior features, beginning with supportive sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion and seat back. Additional standard equipment on all Forte Koup models includes air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, a driver's seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, a tilt and telescopic steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders and storage area, dual map lamps with ceiling-mounted, drop-down sunglasses holder and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
Progressing to the SX trim offers additional standard touches such as: paddle shifters, auto headlamps, unique cloth seats with vibrant red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with a more luxurious material for 2013, metal pedals and metal finish trim. Both EX and SX trims also offer a host of options, including a navigation system, automatic climate control, push button start with smart key, and power sunroof with tilt.
An optional Leather Package is available on the SX trim that includes leather and heated seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
A Supervision™ gauge cluster with trip computer, optional on EX models and standard on SX models, further enhances Koup's energetic personality with its red-hued glow and message display shown at the bottom of the cluster. This display includes information such as outside temperature, distance to empty, engine coolant temperature, elapsed time, door-open alerts, fuel consumption, average and instantaneous miles-per-gallon readings.
Standard Kia Safety Features
Forte Koup offers the same impressive list of standard safety equipment as its sedan and hatchback siblings, with features such as front active headrests, dual advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, side impact door beams, front and rear crumple zones, four-wheel disc brakes with an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Industry-Leading Warranty
The 2013 Forte Koup is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program10, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.
