Kia Koup Pictures

With this small car Kia is showing how serious they are about making attractive, competitively priced and fun to drive cars. The Kia Forte Koup is a sporty alternative to the traditional Kia Forte sedan.

Pricing starts at $16,595 for a manually equipped EX model, with an optional automatic gearbox bumping that price to $17,595. The up-level SX model retails from $17,695, with the addition of an automatic gearbox adding on another $1,000. All prices exclude a $695 destination charge.

The Kia Koup features "fluid lines and balanced proportions," giving the two-door an overall sporty appearance. Up front the Forte Kia Koup sports Kia's signature grille, which flows into wrap-around headlights. An up-swept beltline gives the Koup an aggressive look, with a rear diffuser giving the two-door a decisively sporty look.

The new Forte Koup is available in two trim levels -- base EX and up-level SX. The EX model sports 16 inch wheels and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 156 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. The optional SX trim adds 17 inch wheels, a sportier suspension and a more powerful 2.4L engine, making 173 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque.

The EX model can be had with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while the SX upgrades to a six-speed manual and a five-speed auto. The Koup EX achieves 25/34 mpg city/highway (no matter the transmission) with the SX posting figures of 22/32 mpg with the six-speed and 23/31 with the automatic gearbox.

Both trim levels come with standard dual body-color heated power mirrors with built-in turn signal indicators, body-color door handles, and tinted glass plus a sunshade band on the windshield on the outside, with a 6-speaker, USB friendly, Bluetooth enabled, Sirius equipped MP3 stereo system along with standard air conditioning, power windows and locks, and cruise control.

The SX comes standard with an upgraded Supervision Gauge Cluster, tilt and telescoping steering column, sport cloth seat trim, and metal pedals.

Both the EX and SX models feature options such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shit, metal-finish interior accents, and leather trimmed heated front seats.

To keep its occupants safe the Forte Kia Koup features full-length side curtain airbags, front airbags, and dual front seat-mounted side airbags.

Kia Koup Pictures
Kia Koup Pictures
Kia Koup Pictures
Kia Koup Pictures