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Kia Cerato Forte Koup 1.6 (A) Review

Kia Forte Koup 1.6 SX 6-Speed (A) Facelift Review

Mythbusted: Does a faster car always consume more fuel?

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This is an old car model that is no longer for sale by the local distributor since Aug 2013.
Editor Review
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Kia Forte Koup 1.6 SX 6-Speed (A) Facelift Review
01 Aug 2011  |  Kia Reviews
Having experienced Kia's new 6-speed automatic gearbox in the Cerato Forte and Forte Hatchback, we now try it out on Kia's sportiest model.
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   Consumer Reviews of Kia Cerato Forte Koup
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3.5
 
30 Consumer Reviews
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Comfort
3.0 Reliability
3.0
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Handling
3.0 Features
4.0
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Exterior Styling
4.0 Interior Design
4.0
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Value for money
4.0 Engine Performance
2.5

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Joseph1959
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 25-Oct-2012
Value for Money Sporty Looks  Posted on 25 Oct 2012
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
Hi,
Any Koup drivers out there ? ... I just got mine (2nd Hand) done 21300km and she is still good for value and sporty style

Comfort is better than compared to a Civic Vtec I drove before I changed to this Baby
Handling and Reliability just right for the roads of Singapore
Exterior, Interior Design .... is great for a 1.6L car like this, Features are a plenty. what can you ask for in a 1.6L

Alot of people are complaining about the engine's lack of punch or power, well I personally think that it really bores down to one's driving habit and condition ...

I kick it in at about 2500 / 2800 and just let the engine work, I find it smooth abrit the small engine (work-Noise) ... I still find it comfortable.

The trick here is once it reaches 4th gear, deccelarate the gas pedal a little bit and the engine noise will be soften

for your info, I am driving a 1.6L A/T and am still enjoying it and yes ... the sound systems (comparable to and good brand thats in the market)

What I like
Really ... its the Drivers' seat ... it is really hugging you !!

What I do not like
Still yet to find out ... If there's any !


Kelvin1512
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
1 points
9 forum posts Joined on 28-Mar-2010
Super Value for Money  Posted on 16 Feb 2011
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
It's definitely value for money...that's for sure. The new bodykit isn't that nice. Good news is that you can opt not to have the new bodykit

What I like
shape and design...

What I do not like
hmm....handling not that good...quite a little understeer


Sleon383
Clutched
5 reviews
15 points
38 forum posts Joined on 30-May-2009
6 speed auto.  Posted on 26 Dec 2010
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Intend to get the 1.6A for my wife as our second car.
Finally the six speed and Bluetooth integrated to the panels. The body kit is not appealing to us thought.
Pick up and engine noise is better than the 4 gear version.

What I like
6 speed finally.

What I do not like
So far so good.


Sleon383
Clutched
5 reviews
15 points
38 forum posts Joined on 30-May-2009
Still a value for money buy  Posted on 16 Dec 2010
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
I don't own this car but test drive the 2.0M before.
Looks good and features acceptable.
Engine rather noisy. 4 speed gear box
Realiability do be test out.

What I like
Exterior. Features at this price.

What I do not like
4 speed gear box
Engine noise.


Driver61
Neutral Newbie
4 reviews
0 points
1 forum posts Joined on 17-Jan-2010
Super stylish 2 door coupe but...  Posted on 14 Dec 2010
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Comfort 2.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 2.0
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Review
Owned this car for 7 months. Just gave it up to get a more practical 4 door car. Overall, a good car, really really well spec-ed for the price range. Used to be real value for money (Before spectacular COE Rise!)
But Bone-Jarring Suspension is a high price to pay for its great cornering capability. Numerous "?xtras" normally not found in this price range. GREAT Warranty!(Over the 5 years, that has to be a big plus in cost savings as well as worry free motoring!)

What I like
- 2.0L Model is powerful & much quieter than 1.6L model
- Super Stylish Exterior, especially in Racing Red!!
- Numerous "Extra" Features at this price range,eg.17in Rims, Built-in "handsfree" blue-tooth, keyless entry, push button start, remote boot release,sun roof, anti- dazzle mirror, auto-fold in side mirrors.
- 5 year Unlimited Mileage Warranty from C&C Kia. At that time (Oct 2009) unprecedented in Singapore (Though I was in Frankfurt recently, saw that KIA Germany offering 7 year Unlimited mileage Warranty! How is That for Peace of Mind?)
- Excellent 6-speaker Factory fitted sound system-Better sound than my present car's 8 speaker set.

What I do not like
- Poor FC-2.0L model drinks like a horse. Over the 7 months period, Normally Average Only about 8km/l. If I drive a lot on Highway, can only Average 10km/l.
- Old 4-spd gear box-Even on the 2.0LSX Hi-Spec model
- "Bone-Jarring" Super hard suspension. Whole family complains about that!
- Really Low Roof line- If I raise the seat to see just over the bonnet, head touches the ceiling. I am 1.70m tall.
- Driver's seat a bit uncomfortable. Insufficient Lumbar support.


Mcfmun
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
2 points
76 forum posts Joined on 20-Oct-2008
A car that brings a smile to me most of the time.  Posted on 10 Dec 2010
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
Been driving this car for 4 months. A 1.6SX(A) Red, a popular color.

My wife liked the color and shape. We found the car spacious and could comfortably seat 4 persons, which is just nice for my family.

The boot is big for my use and the only things I put in are the pails and carwash items.

The Engine is somewhat noisy and at low RPM is not that responsive. I have kept everything stock as the car itself already comes complete with what I need.

What I like
Polite SE - George Tan
Good value for the things in the car
The look
The low-riding leather seats
cold auto a/c
steering wheel audio controls which I use very often
decent audio

What I do not like
noisy engine
fuel consumption (knew before buying) of about 10km/l
low seats (my wife has problems)


Gs_1984
1st Gear
3 reviews
53 points
81 forum posts Joined on 10-Mar-2010
my 1st car  Posted on 30 May 2010
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 3.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
Just booked the car yesterday.
I find the car very well made. My wife was indeed very attracted to the interiors of the car. Feels very much like a conti. The noise from the engine is slightly noisy than the japanese brands and steering is slightly harder than the other cars my wife tested.
Afterall, for the amount of money you paid, you are getting alot of features that you cannot see in jap cars. Like intergated radio, keyless entry, sunroof, remote boot control and many more.
Anyway for ppl looking for a 1st car, do drop by kia and have a look and you will know what i mean.

What I like
-keyless entry
-start-stop button
-frameless door
-sunroof
-digital air-con control
-sport rims
-controls on steering
-intergrated bluetooth (optional)
-intergrated GPS with reverse camera (Optional)
-in fact everything.

I took a korean car rather than a hybrid jap car with similar features yesterday. That would have told you how much I love the car.

What I do not like
-noisy engine


Nikos_tan
1st Gear
6 reviews
25 points
15 forum posts Joined on 23-Aug-2009
Did this review page just turned into a forum?  Posted on 29 May 2010
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 3.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
Whenever we review any car, let us remind ourselves that we are not Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear. Even if you hate a car, do not be bias in your review and totally bash the car. It is not cheap to own a car in Singapore. Think about others who actually spent their hard earned cash on it.

To JingHng_1990. I noticed that you have put many reviews for many cars. I wonder if you actually did drive them. The review page is for someone whom have drove the car and not a passenger of it. We should also give reviews only after we have fully tested the car and not just making one round around leng kee road and back to the show room. I do hope you revise your style of reviewing cars. Thanks alot. (:

Ok, as for the review of this car, I dont personally own it but I have a friend who owns the 1.6m version and tested it a couple of times. His reason for buying a manual is similar to us complaining about the 4 spd auto and for that, I agree with it.

First of all, this is not a sports car. It looks like one but its not. The design is fantastic though. Being a N.A 1.6L, we should not expect superior performance. We should compare it to cars of its similar segment like the Hyundai Tuscani or Honda Integra (non type r). Among all, I can say this Koup is the prettiest.

Interior is well sorted with the buttons well arranged and not cluttered. Stock seats are a little disappointing being fabric and not leather for this car. The ride is a little uncomfortable probably due to its hard suspensions setups.

As for performance, dont expect 200bhp. Its not class leading but still enough to get you from point A to B in style. The steering is well weighted and does not feel too light nor too heavy. Its enough to feel the road. Manual trans is not very efficient; at 100kph, rpm is at 3.1. There is quite an amount of body roll but solved with a strut bar.

I don't think I should talk about reliability as I do not own the car and so far, my friend have no complains.

For features, I can say that its superbly well equipped for cars in this segment. You get USB audio, steering controls, auto climate, 17 inch alloys, 2 airbags and a sunroof.

As for safety, I think its crash test received 5 stars but thats only if you get the 2.0SX version with 8 airbags. I dont think you will survive on 2 airbags in a side on crash in a car with frameless windows.

What I like
All in all, I think the koreans have got the japanese surprised with their new line of well designed cars. This car would probably turn some heads due to its super pretty styling.

- Design
- Features

What I do not like
- 4 speed auto
- Handling

Oh yes JingHng_1990, let me paste the disclaimer as well as what to avoid here for you to see. They are all given by sgCarMart.

(You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold harmless this website and their agents with respect to any claim based upon any post you may submit.)

(Avoid...
- Info about price and a particular dealership
- Inappropriate language and attitude
- Info about other companies and websites)

No one wants to know if its your sister or whoever posting those rude comments below. It is your responsibility to control who access your account and to read the notes by sgCarMart before posting. Thank you so much. (:


Zinesta
Neutral Newbie
3 reviews
0 points
2 forum posts Joined on 31-Mar-2009
Im not actually agreeing with you  Posted on 29 May 2010
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 2.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 3.0 Engine Performance 1.0
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Review
Yoz bro. Think you misunderstand. Im not actually agreeing with you. Im just expressing my views on this car. Your behaviour looks really childish and actually calling someone stupid?

Correct me if Im wrong. But to own both a JAzz and Slyphy before hints to me perhaps you are a pretty well off kid? Well, it shows again money cant buy one person's manners.

What I like
NA

What I do not like
NA


Zinesta
Neutral Newbie
3 reviews
0 points
2 forum posts Joined on 31-Mar-2009
Just A Review of Others' Review  Posted on 27 May 2010
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 2.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 3.0 Engine Performance 1.0
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Review
Honestly, I believe whatever anyone wants to write should be the person's freedom. Theres no need to apologise. Given the extravagant design in terms of the whole build, one would naturally compare its performance to a car that costs a lot more.

Yes it might be cheap, but honestly the idea of a 4speed gearbox is definitely not the best idea combined with an ordinary 1.6/2.0 NA engine.

Such a nice exterior car with not the best ideas performance might appeal to some but disgusted by others. As it goes, One man's meat is another man's poison.

Oh yeah in my view, this car definitely dont appeal to me =D

What I like
Exterior, Interior, Styling

What I do not like
World War II gearbox


JingHng_1990
Neutral Newbie
47 reviews
2 points
12 forum posts Joined on 01-Apr-2010
Replys from Jinghng_1990  Posted on 26 May 2010
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
I am very sorry if I have offended you. I agree the koup is quite affordable and I am not comparing this fantastic with any posh car. I was just giving my own thoughts. I am sorry if my thoughts was overboard because I know how you feel. But I think comparing this car with the picanto is abit (Very) crazy but just because picanto is small doesn't it can't be fun?
I agree the steering thing is abit crazy as I am a man. (I did not type that review my sister did) Maybe the exterior is not to my liking. Interior is quite okay but I typed those word because I was out of my mind. I did not drive those high end sports car as I am only 22. I only own a Jazz and Sylply.
I am also very sorry for dissing the car as I know there are people out there driving this car. I am also very sorry if I offended you. And no, I am not a car agent from other car makes and I will not do that again because it is not nice. I am again very sorry if I offended you. Why don't we just forgot about that overboard review and just be friends?

What I like
NA

What I do not like
NA


Ericwidjaja
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
37 forum posts Joined on 23-Mar-2010
highly disagree with the guy below me.  Posted on 24 May 2010
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
what are u comparing the koup with a price range like this? bmw ? merc ? your statements are biased, i don't know maybe with your own perception of the brand.

comfort better than picanto? u got to be kidding, are u sure you've sat in a picanto before? agree that the 4-speed auto is outdated, but that should be compensated well by the superbly-designed exterior of the car, it depends on individuals, looks > performance or performance > looks, for me, as long as the car can move and won't stall in the middle of nowhere, looks please ( its more practical in singapore of course ).

steering heavy? pardon me, are u a guy or a girl? how heavy can steering be for a guy? i almost laughed when i read this part. interior design is subjective, maybe u were driving a high-end sports car before that is why u think the interior design is not pleasant.

instead of dissing the car, i think this person could probably be some car agents from other makes to discourage any keen koup buyers to change their mind.

oh, and yes, i'm one of that keen koup buyers.

What I like
everything from exterior to interior.

What I do not like
4-speed auto.


JingHng_1990
Neutral Newbie
47 reviews
2 points
12 forum posts Joined on 01-Apr-2010
... What can I say?  Posted on 24 May 2010
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Comfort 2.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 3.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 2.0 Interior Design 2.0
Value for money 3.0 Engine Performance 2.0
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Review
Tested this car 2 weeks ago. Looks is amazing. But interior quality is how can I say it? Went for test drive. Squeking sound from tyres spoils my day. Steering well weighted, can be very heavy during parking. 4 speed auto for this 'sport car'?? Please! The only think sporty about this car is the 17" rims. Must why drive the picanto. Its not that bad.

What I like
-Twin exohust
-Okok boot space
-sun roof
-The looks and nothing else!

What I do not like
-Gear ratios
-4 speed auto, why no 5 speed!
-Handling
-Interior design
-Handling
-Comfort worst than picanto! (Even a small hatchback can win this vhicle in comfort wise!?)
-Squeaking tyre soound
-Noisy ride
-FC
-Steering well weighted but can be very very heavy during reversing!
-2 airbags
-Bad dealership
-Only think sporty is the 17" rims!


Gqcraze
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 28-Aug-2007
Long wait? Try 9 months!  Posted on 18 May 2010
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 3.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
I've been waiting to check out the Koup since it was launched in Korea way before it was announced in this part of the world. I think it is a FAB car, not trying to be something else, good to look at, and really high quality finishing for a car in this price segment.

I read with interest on the waiting period. I think it is nothing in fact, if you are looking to buy a NEW car in high demand, be prepared for the wait. It is common for the factories to fulfil orders in sequence, and Spore was pretty slow in the launch so obviously buyers here had to wait a while.

I booked my Audi based on paper, before it was launched in Asia, and waited NINE months in total before delivery. Yes i did complaint and all, but in the end I took it as part of getting a car very highly sought after. I never even tested the car, never even laid eyes on it except a few brief encounters in Germany 5 months after I placed booking in Spore.

Now am tempted to get the Koup as a weekend play car haha!

What I like
The looks definitely, and stylish interior.

What I do not like
Existence of a B pillar... would be sexy minus the B pillar!


Kar_lover
Supercharged
10 reviews
5,939 points
6681 forum posts Joined on 19-Feb-2010
My new ride :)  Posted on 11 Apr 2010
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
Ordered my car late Feb (after CNY) and collected yesterday. Total time from ordering to collecting is exactly 6 weeks. Minimum fuss even in the recent challenging COE environment. My Sales Exec, Ms. Keren Yeo is simply simply fabulous. Very patient with me the whole time (i don't tink i'm the easiest customer).

After collecting the car, well, its definitely a head turner and also a onversation starter. When i stop at workshops, never fail to pull ppl over.

Comparing to my previous ride (Honda Fit 08 GE6), my review is as follows:

Comfort: a bit more comfortable than Fit
Reliability: i guess its early but no problems so far
Handling: head and shoulders better than Fit
Ext styling: i guess this is subjective but i doubt many would say the Fit looks nicer
Interior design: streets ahead of Fit
Features: again, streets ahead of Fit
VFM: and again, streets ahead of Fit
Engine performance: better than Fit but i tink the 4 speed lets the car down. I really wish it had the 6 speeder like the Sorento. Gear changes are smooth though. FC-wise, if i can get 12km/l, it'll be a minor miracle (lousier than Fit) due to the 4 speed. In comparison, i can cruise at 100km/h @ 2000rpm for Fit but the best i can get at 2,000rpm for Koup is around 85km/h.

Defintely a superior car to my Fit in every way except FC (but then again FC is supposed to be Fit's reason for existence). I even notice that when i drive the Koup, other drivers give way to me more (!!). Of course, the Koup's 2 door body will have its inconveniences and limitations and probably not the best choice for the family man (but i'm not ha!).

What I like
Exterior and interior design
Strong wow factor
Good handling
Engine pulls quite well
Did i mention exterior and interior design?

What I do not like
4 speed gearbox - adverse affect on FC
Front seats are very "tall" - had to buy a big neck cushion

Kia Cerato Forte Koup
3.5 stars - based on 30 reviews