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| This Koup's got lines! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
I know I have a cool car when people on the street stop and stare while I parallel park. Then they hang around long enough to ask me questions about it as I feed the meter. That hasn't happened to me in quite some time and doesn't usually happen with cars under $50K. But leave it up to the all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX to turn heads. If it isn't the two-tone 17” alloy wheels or the Electric Blue metallic body colour that makes the masses stare, it's definitely the aggressive styling and predominantly high cool-factor that this little Kia has. A job well done.
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| It might even look better from the back. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
The appeal of the Forte Koup doesn't just stop with its chiseled physique. It extends throughout the cabin as well. Inside my top-line SX are leather-trimmed surfaces that look and feel great, sport seats that hug the contours of me and my passenger's bodies, and a wonderfully crafted, easy-to-use cockpit. I'm also a fan of the various tones and textures of black mixed with red and white gauges. It gives this funky, but not overdone interior an edge that the Koup's competition doesn't have. Another job well done.
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| A surprising amount of soft-touch surfaces in this well laid out interior. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press) |
Whether a smaller or larger displacement engine is your preference, the Koup can satiate your need, or lack thereof, for speed. Found under the hood of the SX model is a 16-valve, DOHC, 2.4L inline-four with dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) technology that's capable of churning out 173hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with the optional 5-speed automatic transmission, makes for one peppy car. I didn't feel the SX was ever underpowered or lacked in personality. It made my time behind the wheel very enjoyable.
