Although we didn’t have enough time to thoroughly evaluate the interior, initial impressions are very positive. The dashboard is nicely laid out and the plastic surfaces don’t scream cheap or poorly made. Visually, the Koup doesn’t really make a bold statement, especially from the front, but the exterior design is still quite catchy. The rear is especially well executed, featuring a nice little spoiler lip on the trunk and a sporty dual exhaust.
With relatively few budget pocket rockets available these days, the Kia Forte Koup is an excellent new addition to the car market and offers further proof that the Koreans are on a roll. Hyundai and Kia have always been known for good value and more recently for top notch quality, and now with cars like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the Kia Forte Koup, we’ll have to add youthful style and performance to the list.
| Engine |
Transmission |
Price | |
| 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX | 2.4 L 173 hp I4 | 6-Speed Manual Overdrive | $17,695 |
| 2010 Honda Civic EX Coupe | 1.8L 140 hp I4 | 5-Speed Manual Overdrive | $19,455 |
| 2010 Mazda Mazda3 s Sport | 2.5L 167 hp I4 | 6-Speed Manual Overdrive | $19,040 |
| 2010 Scion tC Sports Coupe | 2.4L 161 hp I4 | 5-Speed Manual Overdrive | $17,100 |
| 2010 Nissan Sentra SE-R | 2.5L 177 hp I4 | Continuously Variable Transmission | $19,580 |
| 2010 MINI Cooper | 1.6L 118 hp I4 | 6-Speed Manual Overdrive | $18,800 |
| MORE EXPERT REVIEWS | |
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2010 Kia Forte Koup Review – Kopious Kar for the Kash Rating:  By Kurt Gensheimer “Behold, the very first Kia that you’d actually want to be seen in.” |
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First Impressions: 2010 Kia Forte Koup Rating:  By Alex Kramer “With athletic styling, a willing engine, nice interior, and starting at just over $16k, the Koup should get lots of attention from eager teenagers pining for their first car, or anyone looking for something sporty that won’t break the bank.” |
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 2010 Kia Forte Koup Specs |
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 The official website of Kia Motors – www.kia.com |
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For a car company with out a great history why is this going up close in price with a company like Mazda. They have made awesome cars for 30 years or more?It really makes me think that maybe Mazda is under priced or KIA is kidding themselves . Does a history and tradition count for something over an upstart who 5 years ago was building reconstituted Mitsubishi and Opel’s . There still copying there design from world wide market place rather then there own design language. That’s not a mature company and will not get my money unless the price is very low.Korea is still long way off from being a world class builder.