2011 Kia Forte Koup SX
01/29/2012
Shahed Hussain
As the first 2-door in Kia's lineup, the Forte Koup takes on the Civic and GTI. Kia offers two models, the base Forte Koup EX ($16,995) and the better equipped SX ($19,395). Pricing rises to $17,200 and $19,600 for the 2012 Forte Koup SX and EX, respectively. We tested a 2011 Forte Koup SX equipped with the 6-speed automatic. Options on the test vehicle included the Leather Package ($1,000), Power Sunroof ($750), and SX Technology Package ($1,800). Including the $695 inland freight and handling fee, the total came to $23,640.
The Koup's interior is a pleasant surprise among affordable coupes. Soft touch plastics on the dash and upper door panels are unusual in this segment. On the fat leather-wrapped steering wheel are rocker switches and buttons for the audio system, cruise control, and Bluetooth. A 150-MPH speedometer is flanked on the left by an 8,000 RPM deadline and large fuel gauge to the right. A small multi-function display within the speedometer shows trip computer data, and a bar gauge for coolant temperature. An engine stop/start button is located somewhat inconveniently on the lower dashboard, near the driver's knee. The Koup SX gets stainless steel brake, accelerator, and dead pedals. Kia's optional GPS navigation is integrated with the audio system. Pushbuttons and knobs on either side of the large display provide convenient access to frequently used settings. The navigation system menus and settings are relatively intuitive via the touchscreen interface. Selecting destinations was fairly straightforward, without requiring us to dive deep into the menus for everyday route planning. Climate controls are simply laid out, with a rotary temperature knob surrounded by six rectangular buttons. A small red display screen shows temperature and fan settings. Kia thoughtfully includes dual 12V outlets in the center console. A USB input and a proprietary adapter cable for iPods are included. Dual cupholders are located on the center console, with additional drink holders in each door pocket.
The Koup's optional perforated leather seats are upholstered with high quality hides and sewn with contrasting red stitching. The driver's seat gets manual fore/aft, rake, and height adjustments as expected, but no lumbar support control is available. Decent thigh and torso bolsters assure adequate support without being confining. The center console-mounted seat heaters have only a single setting, but warm rapidly on cold winter days. Front headroom and legroom is adequate for occupants under 6-foot tall. Rear passengers don't have enough legroom, and headroom is tight, but the seats are otherwise comfortable.
Kia offers a 2.0L inline-4 in the Koup EX, or a larger 2.4L inline-4 in the Koup SX. Both powerplants have dual overhead cams, but the smaller 2.0L has an aluminum block and cylinder head, while the 2.4L has a heavier iron block. The 2.0L is rated at 156-bhp @ 6,200 RPM and 144 lb.-ft. @ 4,300 RPM. Moving up to the 2.4L hikes power output to 173-bhp @ 6,000 RPM and torque bumps up to 168 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 RPM. The bigger 2.4L in the engine bay endows the Koup with above average performance, even with the optional 6-speed automatic. Substantial low-RPM torque combined with a curb weight of 2,891 lbs. certainly improves acceleration, but throttle response across the rev range was impressive. The 2.4L revs remarkably smoothly up to redline, although the typical buzz and vibration of a large inline-4 could be felt through the steering wheel and pedals. The Koup SX pays a penalty at the fuel pump with an unimpressive EPA fuel economy rating of 23/31 MPG (city/hwy.). A green Eco light on the instrument panel encourages gentle acceleration, but we only averaged a disappointing 23 MPG in mixed urban and highway driving. The Koup EX, powered by the 2.0L inline-4 is rated at 25/34 MPG (city/hwy.), and is likely a better choice for customers concerned about fuel efficiency.
For a sporty coupe, we would typically prefer the standard 6-speed manual, but the automatic gearbox is responsive and shifts quickly. Dual paddles behind the wheel allow fingertip shift control at any time. Alternatively, the 6-speed automatic can be sequentially shifted via the console-mounted gear lever. Mostly we left the automatic in "D", but running through the gears with the paddle shifters provided greater control when desired.
The Koup's front suspension consists of MacPherson struts, coil springs, and stabilizer bar; at the rear is a torsion beam axle attached to coil springs and dampers. SX models get 17" x 7.0" alloy wheels shod with 215/45R17 all-season Goodyear Eagle LS2 tires. An all-disc brake system includes 11.8" diameter front vented rotors and 10.3" solid rear rotors. ABS and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) are standard. The Koup's rack-and-pinion steering is hydraulically assisted, with a relatively fast 2.72 turns lock-to-lock.
Affordable compact coupes are expected to offer sharp handling, and the Koup mostly delivers. But there are a couple of steering and handling flaws that should be noted. Around town, the steering is light and responsive, perfect for quick lane changes and dodging traffic. However, there is simply too much assist dialed in at highway speeds, making the Koup feel somewhat twitchy at 70 MPH. The rear torsion beam axle adds its own steering input over bumps, requiring constant steering corrections to keep the Koup pointed straight ahead. To its credit, the Koup offers a pleasantly compliant ride just firmly damped enough to be sporty. On smooth roads, the Koup's moderate body roll and mild understeer confirmed that Kia favored safe, predictable handling intended to appeal to a wide audience. The Goodyear tires are quiet on asphalt, but noticeable tire hiss on concrete-surfaced highways and wind noise from the exterior mirrors add substantially to interior sounds levels.
Kia's first coupe is an admirable effort that offers distinctive styling, comprehensive standard equipment and a good value. Despite its many virtues, the Koup needs additional chassis and steering development to raise its handling capabilities. But for enthusiasts on a tight budget, the Koup is a stylish alternative to higher-priced Japanese and German competition.
