Kia Forte Koup 1.6 SX 6-Speed (A) Facelift Review
01 Aug 2011|47,992 views
In all my years of being a car nut, I have read about many cars that polarises people's opinions. But I have only seen one car that can invoke such a fierce divide between lovers and haters.
That car is the Kia Forte Koup.
Supporters of the Koup mainly applaud Kia's relatively decent attempt at a first sporty model, but detractors decry that the Koup is all show and no go, and lament that the Korean carmaker shouldn't have bothered in the first place. I have yet to meet someone who takes the middle ground when it comes to the Koup
I guess in a way, both sides are right. While the Koup isn't exactly the performance powerhouse that its looks suggest, it is a decent first attempt for the Korean carmaker who was previously making cheap and not very cheerful cars like the Spectra and Mentor.
With Kia introducing its new 6-speed transmission across its Forte range, things should theoretically get better for the Koup. We've been impressed by the new gearbox so far on the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback, so we have high hopes for the revised Forte Koup.
That car is the Kia Forte Koup.
Supporters of the Koup mainly applaud Kia's relatively decent attempt at a first sporty model, but detractors decry that the Koup is all show and no go, and lament that the Korean carmaker shouldn't have bothered in the first place. I have yet to meet someone who takes the middle ground when it comes to the Koup
I guess in a way, both sides are right. While the Koup isn't exactly the performance powerhouse that its looks suggest, it is a decent first attempt for the Korean carmaker who was previously making cheap and not very cheerful cars like the Spectra and Mentor.
With Kia introducing its new 6-speed transmission across its Forte range, things should theoretically get better for the Koup. We've been impressed by the new gearbox so far on the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback, so we have high hopes for the revised Forte Koup.
Exterior
The Forte Koup still cuts a sleek and aggressive figure, two years from its launch. The muscular and angular lines, enhanced by those flared wheel arches, give it a mean and menacing look.
To differentiate the 6-Speed model from the regular Forte Koups, local Kia dealer Cycle & Carriage is offering the body kit you see on the car here as standard. This means that the fierce-looking front bumper and side skirts, as well as the rear boot spoiler, all come with Koups fitted with the 6-speed transmission.
Personally, I think the body kit is a bit over the top, with too much fussy detailing. But I suppose it does appeal to some of its demographic, namely young, testosterone-charged guys.
Still, the Forte Koup remains quite the looker, never failing to turn heads despite its ubiquity on the roads.
Interior
The interior of the Koup is not much different from the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback. Same design, same features, virtually identical look and feel all around.
Having said that, there are still some things that make the Koup stand out from its more humdrum siblings. Instantly, you notice the striking red leather seats, which I understand can be requested for from the dealer to replace the standard black items. It does give the car a bit of racy and outstanding look.
Then there's the sunroof, which is available only for the Koup. It's a small feature, but it does make driving a car of this type just a tad more fun whenever you feel like a bit of wind in your hair.
The interior of the Koup is not much different from the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback. Same design, same features, virtually identical look and feel all around.
Having said that, there are still some things that make the Koup stand out from its more humdrum siblings. Instantly, you notice the striking red leather seats, which I understand can be requested for from the dealer to replace the standard black items. It does give the car a bit of racy and outstanding look.
Then there's the sunroof, which is available only for the Koup. It's a small feature, but it does make driving a car of this type just a tad more fun whenever you feel like a bit of wind in your hair.
Another unique Koup-only feature is the door speakers outlined in red lighting, which can be tuned via a switch on the driver's side to blink, either in mood lighting mode, or simply to flash along with the music blaring from the speakers. Very interesting when you pull up to Zouk on Mambo Jumbo nights.
For a two door coupe, rear passenger space is actually quite decent, easily accommodating two adults in comfort. Getting there though, is a bit troublesome, as only the passenger seat has a lever to push the chair forward for access to the rear.
Like the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback, the Koup is well-equipped, with features such as an engine start-stop button, steering-mounted paddle shifters, and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity for the stereo system.
For a two door coupe, rear passenger space is actually quite decent, easily accommodating two adults in comfort. Getting there though, is a bit troublesome, as only the passenger seat has a lever to push the chair forward for access to the rear.
Like the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback, the Koup is well-equipped, with features such as an engine start-stop button, steering-mounted paddle shifters, and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity for the stereo system.
The Drive
We've come to the most important part. Does the new 6-speed gearbox now give the Forte Koup a drive deserving of its looks?
Unfortunately, not quite.
For some reason, the gearbox feels a bit sluggish and hesitant to shift. Which is odd as it was the complete opposite of how it behaved when fitted to the Cerato Forte. The only plausible reason I could possibly pinpoint was the relatively newness of our test car, which had less than 1,000km on the odometer, and was perhaps still fresh and unworked.
This is even more disappointing considering the efforts Kia has made to try and achieve an even sportier driving sensation, from the harder suspension to the warble from the exhaust. The engine, which remains unchanged from the 4-speed version, tries its best to urge the car forward, but all you get is a lot of noise and not much go.
Where it lacks in outright performance and grunt however, it makes up for with sublime handling. The Forte Koup is grippy and nimble in the corners, and the car feels light on its feet in the twistys. The steering has a good feel to it, if slightly on the heavy side.
It is a bit odd that in nearly all but one aspect, the Kia Forte Koup has the sports car recipe nailed. Perhaps the 2.0-litre engine might perform better than the 1.6-litre version we tested, but that remains to be seen.
We've come to the most important part. Does the new 6-speed gearbox now give the Forte Koup a drive deserving of its looks?
Unfortunately, not quite.
For some reason, the gearbox feels a bit sluggish and hesitant to shift. Which is odd as it was the complete opposite of how it behaved when fitted to the Cerato Forte. The only plausible reason I could possibly pinpoint was the relatively newness of our test car, which had less than 1,000km on the odometer, and was perhaps still fresh and unworked.
This is even more disappointing considering the efforts Kia has made to try and achieve an even sportier driving sensation, from the harder suspension to the warble from the exhaust. The engine, which remains unchanged from the 4-speed version, tries its best to urge the car forward, but all you get is a lot of noise and not much go.
Where it lacks in outright performance and grunt however, it makes up for with sublime handling. The Forte Koup is grippy and nimble in the corners, and the car feels light on its feet in the twistys. The steering has a good feel to it, if slightly on the heavy side.
It is a bit odd that in nearly all but one aspect, the Kia Forte Koup has the sports car recipe nailed. Perhaps the 2.0-litre engine might perform better than the 1.6-litre version we tested, but that remains to be seen.
Conclusion
On the morning when I was due to return the car, I took a small detour to check out the car's capabilities.
And it was then that I realise where the Forte Koup really rewards you.
Open the sunroof in the early morning, find yourself some quiet winding roads, and take a relaxed drive, and you'll end up with a smile on your face.
Sure, it doesn't have the fire-breathing performance you would expect, but sometimes, a sports car is so much more than outright pace. Cars like the Mazda MX-5, Hyundai Coupe and Lotus Elise make do with less power as well, but they are no less entertaining to drive.
The Kia Forte Koup can be added to that list as well. And besides, if you really want more power, there are possibilities.
So for those who remain unconvinced about the Koup, just take one out for a drive on a quiet day, and try to realign your notions of a sports car.
You'll be pleasantly surprised.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
On the morning when I was due to return the car, I took a small detour to check out the car's capabilities.
And it was then that I realise where the Forte Koup really rewards you.
Open the sunroof in the early morning, find yourself some quiet winding roads, and take a relaxed drive, and you'll end up with a smile on your face.
Sure, it doesn't have the fire-breathing performance you would expect, but sometimes, a sports car is so much more than outright pace. Cars like the Mazda MX-5, Hyundai Coupe and Lotus Elise make do with less power as well, but they are no less entertaining to drive.
The Kia Forte Koup can be added to that list as well. And besides, if you really want more power, there are possibilities.
So for those who remain unconvinced about the Koup, just take one out for a drive on a quiet day, and try to realign your notions of a sports car.
You'll be pleasantly surprised.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
In all my years of being a car nut, I have read about many cars that polarises people's opinions. But I have only seen one car that can invoke such a fierce divide between lovers and haters.
That car is the Kia Forte Koup.
Supporters of the Koup mainly applaud Kia's relatively decent attempt at a first sporty model, but detractors decry that the Koup is all show and no go, and lament that the Korean carmaker shouldn't have bothered in the first place. I have yet to meet someone who takes the middle ground when it comes to the Koup
I guess in a way, both sides are right. While the Koup isn't exactly the performance powerhouse that its looks suggest, it is a decent first attempt for the Korean carmaker who was previously making cheap and not very cheerful cars like the Spectra and Mentor.
With Kia introducing its new 6-speed transmission across its Forte range, things should theoretically get better for the Koup. We've been impressed by the new gearbox so far on the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback, so we have high hopes for the revised Forte Koup.
That car is the Kia Forte Koup.
Supporters of the Koup mainly applaud Kia's relatively decent attempt at a first sporty model, but detractors decry that the Koup is all show and no go, and lament that the Korean carmaker shouldn't have bothered in the first place. I have yet to meet someone who takes the middle ground when it comes to the Koup
I guess in a way, both sides are right. While the Koup isn't exactly the performance powerhouse that its looks suggest, it is a decent first attempt for the Korean carmaker who was previously making cheap and not very cheerful cars like the Spectra and Mentor.
With Kia introducing its new 6-speed transmission across its Forte range, things should theoretically get better for the Koup. We've been impressed by the new gearbox so far on the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback, so we have high hopes for the revised Forte Koup.
Exterior
The Forte Koup still cuts a sleek and aggressive figure, two years from its launch. The muscular and angular lines, enhanced by those flared wheel arches, give it a mean and menacing look.
To differentiate the 6-Speed model from the regular Forte Koups, local Kia dealer Cycle & Carriage is offering the body kit you see on the car here as standard. This means that the fierce-looking front bumper and side skirts, as well as the rear boot spoiler, all come with Koups fitted with the 6-speed transmission.
Personally, I think the body kit is a bit over the top, with too much fussy detailing. But I suppose it does appeal to some of its demographic, namely young, testosterone-charged guys.
Still, the Forte Koup remains quite the looker, never failing to turn heads despite its ubiquity on the roads.
Interior
The interior of the Koup is not much different from the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback. Same design, same features, virtually identical look and feel all around.
Having said that, there are still some things that make the Koup stand out from its more humdrum siblings. Instantly, you notice the striking red leather seats, which I understand can be requested for from the dealer to replace the standard black items. It does give the car a bit of racy and outstanding look.
Then there's the sunroof, which is available only for the Koup. It's a small feature, but it does make driving a car of this type just a tad more fun whenever you feel like a bit of wind in your hair.
The interior of the Koup is not much different from the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback. Same design, same features, virtually identical look and feel all around.
Having said that, there are still some things that make the Koup stand out from its more humdrum siblings. Instantly, you notice the striking red leather seats, which I understand can be requested for from the dealer to replace the standard black items. It does give the car a bit of racy and outstanding look.
Then there's the sunroof, which is available only for the Koup. It's a small feature, but it does make driving a car of this type just a tad more fun whenever you feel like a bit of wind in your hair.
Another unique Koup-only feature is the door speakers outlined in red lighting, which can be tuned via a switch on the driver's side to blink, either in mood lighting mode, or simply to flash along with the music blaring from the speakers. Very interesting when you pull up to Zouk on Mambo Jumbo nights.
For a two door coupe, rear passenger space is actually quite decent, easily accommodating two adults in comfort. Getting there though, is a bit troublesome, as only the passenger seat has a lever to push the chair forward for access to the rear.
Like the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback, the Koup is well-equipped, with features such as an engine start-stop button, steering-mounted paddle shifters, and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity for the stereo system.
For a two door coupe, rear passenger space is actually quite decent, easily accommodating two adults in comfort. Getting there though, is a bit troublesome, as only the passenger seat has a lever to push the chair forward for access to the rear.
Like the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback, the Koup is well-equipped, with features such as an engine start-stop button, steering-mounted paddle shifters, and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity for the stereo system.
The Drive
We've come to the most important part. Does the new 6-speed gearbox now give the Forte Koup a drive deserving of its looks?
Unfortunately, not quite.
For some reason, the gearbox feels a bit sluggish and hesitant to shift. Which is odd as it was the complete opposite of how it behaved when fitted to the Cerato Forte. The only plausible reason I could possibly pinpoint was the relatively newness of our test car, which had less than 1,000km on the odometer, and was perhaps still fresh and unworked.
This is even more disappointing considering the efforts Kia has made to try and achieve an even sportier driving sensation, from the harder suspension to the warble from the exhaust. The engine, which remains unchanged from the 4-speed version, tries its best to urge the car forward, but all you get is a lot of noise and not much go.
Where it lacks in outright performance and grunt however, it makes up for with sublime handling. The Forte Koup is grippy and nimble in the corners, and the car feels light on its feet in the twistys. The steering has a good feel to it, if slightly on the heavy side.
It is a bit odd that in nearly all but one aspect, the Kia Forte Koup has the sports car recipe nailed. Perhaps the 2.0-litre engine might perform better than the 1.6-litre version we tested, but that remains to be seen.
We've come to the most important part. Does the new 6-speed gearbox now give the Forte Koup a drive deserving of its looks?
Unfortunately, not quite.
For some reason, the gearbox feels a bit sluggish and hesitant to shift. Which is odd as it was the complete opposite of how it behaved when fitted to the Cerato Forte. The only plausible reason I could possibly pinpoint was the relatively newness of our test car, which had less than 1,000km on the odometer, and was perhaps still fresh and unworked.
This is even more disappointing considering the efforts Kia has made to try and achieve an even sportier driving sensation, from the harder suspension to the warble from the exhaust. The engine, which remains unchanged from the 4-speed version, tries its best to urge the car forward, but all you get is a lot of noise and not much go.
Where it lacks in outright performance and grunt however, it makes up for with sublime handling. The Forte Koup is grippy and nimble in the corners, and the car feels light on its feet in the twistys. The steering has a good feel to it, if slightly on the heavy side.
It is a bit odd that in nearly all but one aspect, the Kia Forte Koup has the sports car recipe nailed. Perhaps the 2.0-litre engine might perform better than the 1.6-litre version we tested, but that remains to be seen.
Conclusion
On the morning when I was due to return the car, I took a small detour to check out the car's capabilities.
And it was then that I realise where the Forte Koup really rewards you.
Open the sunroof in the early morning, find yourself some quiet winding roads, and take a relaxed drive, and you'll end up with a smile on your face.
Sure, it doesn't have the fire-breathing performance you would expect, but sometimes, a sports car is so much more than outright pace. Cars like the Mazda MX-5, Hyundai Coupe and Lotus Elise make do with less power as well, but they are no less entertaining to drive.
The Kia Forte Koup can be added to that list as well. And besides, if you really want more power, there are possibilities.
So for those who remain unconvinced about the Koup, just take one out for a drive on a quiet day, and try to realign your notions of a sports car.
You'll be pleasantly surprised.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
On the morning when I was due to return the car, I took a small detour to check out the car's capabilities.
And it was then that I realise where the Forte Koup really rewards you.
Open the sunroof in the early morning, find yourself some quiet winding roads, and take a relaxed drive, and you'll end up with a smile on your face.
Sure, it doesn't have the fire-breathing performance you would expect, but sometimes, a sports car is so much more than outright pace. Cars like the Mazda MX-5, Hyundai Coupe and Lotus Elise make do with less power as well, but they are no less entertaining to drive.
The Kia Forte Koup can be added to that list as well. And besides, if you really want more power, there are possibilities.
So for those who remain unconvinced about the Koup, just take one out for a drive on a quiet day, and try to realign your notions of a sports car.
You'll be pleasantly surprised.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Car Information
Kia Cerato Forte Koup 1.6 SX 6-Speed (A)
CAT A|Petrol|12.7km/L
Horsepower
92kW (124 bhp)
Torque
156 Nm
Acceleration
11.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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