2010 Kia Forte Koup Photos, engines & full specs

Kia introduced its first-ever sporty coupe in 2009 at the New York International Auto Show, trying to lure customers from Honda and Scion alike, but the timing was far from perfect.

While other automakers tried to dodge the bankruptcy bullet, Kia expanded the Forte range in an unusual segment for the Korean brand: the sport-compact coupe. The car manufacturer took the platform from a four-door Forte, decreased the overhangs, and kept just one body panel: the clamshell hood. The interior, on the other hand, while still carrying over several parts from its family-oriented sibling, was designed and equipped for the younger generation. Soon, customers learned that the Forte Koup was more than just a pretty face on the market since it was available with sporty drivetrains.

At the front, the angular-shaped headlights were narrower on their inner side than on the outer ones, resembling those from the same-era Honda Civic Si. Between them, the automaker installed a honeycomb pattern for the grille where the Kia badge took center stage. On the lower part of the bumper, the automaker installed a broad center air intake flanked by squared-shaped side scoops that housed the available fog lamps.

From its profile, the ascending waistline of the vehicle created a sporty image of the car. Depending on the grade, the car rolled on 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, which made it look even more competitive. The front doors were long since they had to provide access for the rear passengers. The car had just two trim levels: the EX and the SX. The former was more of a budget-friendly coupe, while the latter was more focused on performance, hence the standard bigger wheels. At the back, the corner-mounted taillights echoed the shape of the headlights and were stretched from the quarter panels to the trunk lid. Lower, on the bumper, the automaker installed a black valance for the SX version and integrated a twin exhaust with chromed tips to emphasize the car’s sporty character.

Inside, the dashboard was still made with hard plastic areas. It was borrowed from the four-door Forte. Fronting the driver was a three-dial instrument panel with a binocular styling. The speedometer was in the middle and flanked by the tachometer on the left and by the fuel and temperature gauges on the right. On the center console, the automaker placed a six-speaker sound system for the base model. At the same time, the upper grade received an improved one with LEDs surrounding the front speakers. Kia also installed a pair of bolstered seats for the front occupants and a 60/40 split-folding bench seat in the back. The legroom there was adequate for two, but the headroom was not on the highest standards.

Under the hood, the automaker installed two gasoline engines: a 1.6-liter and a 2.4-liter. Both were naturally aspirated. The former was paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the latter came with a six-speed manual and five-speed automatic. Both versions sent their power to the front wheels.