Kia Forte Koup

Overview

The 2015 Kia Forte comes with some minor revision over its previous models. The Forte Koup along with its amazing streamline design comes equipped with standard features and gadgets. The company has done mild tweaks to all the variants across the line-up and introduced several new safety and optional packages. Offered in two trims Gamma and Nu both of which offers Bluetooth and standard USB connectivity along with high-end assemblies such as HID headlights, smart welcome lighting system, power sunroof, bucket type sport seats and much more. It also offers an option of ventilated driver's seats.There are two engines choices for Kia Forte Koup, and both of them offer competitive acceleration and power. The Nu 2.0-liter MPI is the quickest one among the segment, churning out a maximum power of 161 PS at 6500 rpm and 194 Nm of peak torque at 4800 rpm. Both the mills come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission along with electronic shift-lock function for enhanced safety. The Forte offers exceptional fuel efficiency and power which makes it fun to drive. It comes with wide 2,700 mm wheelbase just like the hatchback and sedan models. The koup can easily accommodate 5 adults comfortably. It comes equipped with standard front and rear parking assist system, and hill-start assist control. It offers three driving modes, namely Normal, Sport and comfort that facilitates hassle-free driving on unpleasant terrains. The Paddle shifters present on the steering wheel increases the driving comfort, by making gear change system quick and simple. Kia Forte offers an array of standard safety equipments such as stability control, antilock disc brakes, front and side airbags. The rearview camera is also available on the upper variants whereas the driver assistance services offers crash notifications and assistance while driving.

Mileage and Fuel economy

The Nu-trim of the Forte Koup comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox that delivers power to the front wheels. The said 2.0L trim has a petrol diet and showcases a combined fuel consumption of 7.4l per 100 km. The diesel Gamma variant runs on the similar lines and showcases an impressive fuel economy with its 1.6L T-GDI mill.

Power

The Forte Koup comes with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder 16 valve engine that produces maximum power of 161 PS at 6500 rpm and peak torque of 194 Nm at 4800 rpm. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Also powering the car is a 1.6 T -GDI diesel engine generating a maximum power of 204 PS at 6000 rpm along with a peak torque of 265 Nm at 1750-4500 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup

Kia Forte Koup is a classic sports car that carries all the modern amenities making it a perfect gen-next car. Apart from that the car ranks well on acceleration and pick-up front. It takes a meager time 8.5 seconds to go from zero to 100 kmph mark, after achieving a top speed of 210 kmph.

Exterior

The front fascia of Kia Forte Koup gets LED accents in the headlights, and the 2-door Koup gets a power-folding exterior mirrors, illuminated door-handles and puddle lamps.Tne enriched design flows throughout the tail. The Koup sports a slimmer chrome-plated upper grill, which goes well with the overall exterior styling of the vehicle as compared to the larger grill fitted to the sedan and hatchback versions. Towards its side, this two-door has a sloping roof that tapers down at the rear to give it a sporty stance. It also has wide wheel arches that allows one to fit either a 15-inch or 16-inch steel wheels, wrapped with 195/65 R15 and 205/55 R16 tires respectively. Increasing Koup's sporty appeal is the a straight character line that extends toward the back. Of note in the Koup are the frameless doors — another traditional coupe hallmark.The rear has large, wraparound taillights, a lip spoiler and a chrome-plated exhaust pipe which maintains the Koup's sporty demeanor.

Exterior Measurements

Koup carries well thought over body dimensions that play a great role in improving and maintaining its high-performance figures. Figuratively, the car measures 4530 mm in length, 1780 mm in width, and 1420 mm in height. Forte Koup offers a descent wheelbase of 2700mm, allowing it to offer ample leg room for the occupants. Ground clearance is restricted to 150 mm that is undoubtedly less and makes it difficult to maneuver over rough terrains.

Interior

The 2015 Kia Forte is an economical a car stuffed with good and efficient gadgets. The cabin is furnished with quality materials. Forte Coupe feature high-tech touchscreen interface with large virtually positioned buttons. The seats are very cozy and comfortable. The Koup's backseat is spacious and descent for average adults. It comes with added headroom and legroom for the passengers. Also, the interior has a straightforward design which incorporates only the essential buttons/functions. It has a driver-oriented interior layout wherein you don't need to lean forward in order to reach the controls. The Koup also has a large instrument cluster which is integrated with easy-to-read white-on-black gauges. Kia made use of chrome accents around the air conditioning controls and push-start button. Coming to the drivers arena is present a three-spoke steering wheel with audio controls, paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped gear shift, round airconditioning dials and a touchscreen display. The Koup's audio system features a CD and MP3 player, Bluetooth connectivity and auxiliary port. For added comfort, the vehicle comes with a center armrest, which is useful during long drives.

Interior Measurements

The Koup comes with a 378-litre of luggage space, further its 60:40 split folding rear seat makes the boot area more spacious. Also are present many storage areas at the front and rear end that make it easy for the occupants to keep their valuables safely.

Engine and Performance

It gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder 16 valve engine that produces maximum power of 161 hp at 6500 rpm and peak torque of 194 Nm at 4800 rpm. The coupe feels like good with the six-speed automatic transmission that transfers power to the front wheels. The car is easy to operate with the powerful turbocharged engine. With the engine, the coupe gets a firm and redefined suspension. Apart for the 2.0L mill, there is a more powerful 1.6L engine too that effortlessly gives away 204 PS of power at 6000 rpm along with 265 Nm of torque at 1750-4500 rpm.

Stereo and Accessories

The center console gets a standard looking audio cum infotainment system that holds functions like phone connectivity, Bluetooth and audio player. The audio system gets four-speaker sound system along with a satellite radio, CD player, auxiliary audio jack, and USB port. The entire system is powered by 'My Music' feature that stores songs played from CD and UBS in system memory.

Wheels

The Forte Koup comes with two impressive options of 15-inch and 16-inch steel wheels that come wrapped with 195/65 R15 and 205/55 R16 tires respectively.

Braking and Handling

The Forte Koup gets adjustable steering along with three modes, namely, standard, comfort, and sport. The Coupe feels safe from all corners and the smooth suspension system ensure great handling on rough terrains. When it comes to rural roads, the Koup has good braking power and handles nicely especially around tight turns and bends

Safety and Security

Kia Forte comes with standard safety equipment such as stability control, front and side airbags and antilock disc brakes. The rearview camera comes standard on both the trims. The optional driver assistance features like emergency crash notification and roadside assistance are also available at higher price.

Pros

• Powerful engine
• Spacious cabin area
• Hassle-free controls

Cons

• Low safety scores
• Unrefined ride quality