Vehicle: 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX
Price as tested: CDN$23175

Performance: As with the Forte sedan, the Coupe is powered by either a 2.0 or 2.4 liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine. While the EX comes standard with a 155 hp 2.0 liter, the highlight is the SX with 173hp. This is the new generation of Kia 4-cylinder that will soon find its home in the upcoming Hyundai product, namely next Elantra. The subject of our tester’s 2.4 liter bumps out 173 hp and 158 lb/ft of torque. When it comes to refinement, flexability and NVH; it is every bit as good as anything from Toyota and Honda. The engine is a smooth operator when pushed. Thanks to variable valve timing, this engine is willing to rev and strong in both mid and upper range. In the Forte Coupe, it got a healthy does of exhaust growl which we won’t find in its sedan silibing. My only pet peeve with the Forte Coupe’s powertrain is the 5-speed manual geabox. While it provides good gear ratios for both top and bottom, its the shift quality that isn’t able to match its rivals. The throws are long and rubbery. It just doesn’t have the precision of, say a Civic Si. However, clutch take-off is progressive and light. That means the optional 5-speed Steptronic is a better choice, since it offers equally satisfying drive without the rather sloppy shifter action.

Handling: What makes the Forte Coupe such a delightful to drive on the road and on the track have to do with its chassis. Kia engineers have done a wonderful job of putting together a chassis that is both solid and strong, without any sorts of cracks and rattles. Another credit has to go to Coupe’s recalibrated sports suspension. This sports suspension not only does provide firm and supple cornering prowess for the Forte, it also absorbs bumps and roughness with ease. While its riding qualiy is European firm, its far from being harsh. The steering provides excellent feel and feedback, with precision that could remind anyone of a Honda. There is slight body rolls and safe understeer. Forte’s standard stability control also is an uninstrusive type, which means it won’t step in unnecessarily until driver rears its ugly heads. You are not only getting a safe car with the Forte, you are getting a fun sports compact with Coupe’s dynamic abilities.

Brakes: Coupe’s 4-wheel discs with standard ABS all around make it a true performer on the braking front as with handling front. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels firm and solid. This could well be the best Kia brakes we have ever tested. While previous Kia’s brakes are certainly far from poor, this Coupe is excellent.

Interior: Despite of fold-down rear seats, Coupe has a rather high liftover and narrow opening which are typical for a compact sports coupe. It has enough space for two persons on a weekend getaway, however.

On the front, the Forte Coupe has a leather sports seats which provide excellent back, thigh and side support when cornering. The rest of the interior is logically layout. It got plenty of standard features from Bluetooth capability, heated seats and USB/i-Pod plug-in both trim levels. Unfortunately, some of its dash materials aren’t up to the quality we expect for the rest of the car.

Conclusion: The new Forte Coupe represents lots of value for money. Not only does it handle as nicely as any sports compact out there, it got a powertrain which offer plenty of aftermarket potential. As for feature content, its unbeatable as it got heated seats, electronic stability control, Bluetooth and USB/i-Pod capabilities all come as standard features in both trim levels.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Kia Forte Koup
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5