2013 Kia Forte Koup 2.0L GDI 6AT (173 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Just four years after the launch of the two-door version of the Forte, also known as the Cerato on other markets, the Korean automaker introduced the second generation of this moniker with improved everything, from styling to drivetrains.

Kia wasn’t known as a significant player in the sport compact segment, a territory where the Honda Civic Si and other similar vehicles made the rules. Still, the Korean automaker tried to get involved and deliver a sports-oriented but budget-priced vehicle. Furthermore, besides the price, the car came well-equipped and even had some amenities available only on expensive vehicles. Kia also offered an incredible ten-year or 160,000 km (100,000 miles) warranty for the Forte Koup, depending on the market. Unfortunately, there was not enough market for it, and in 2016, the automaker pulled the plug on it due to slow sales.

The second generation of the Forte Koup featured swept-back headlights, LED positioning lights, and fog lamps, with an option for HID main beams. Between them, the automaker placed a narrow grille that followed the “Tiger Nose” design language imagined by Peter Schreyer. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker put a broad, trapezoidal-shaped air intake flanked by a pair of scoops that housed the fog lamps. It is worth noting that these amenities were available for both vehicle grades, the EX and the SX.

From its profile, the ascending waistline of the car revealed a muscular-looking greenhouse with narrow windows on the sides and raked-forward C-posts. The flared wheel arches and the very short deck further emphasized the sporty coupe from Kia. Those looking for the base trim level received it with 16-inch alloy wheels, while the upper grade fitted as standard with an 18-inch set. At the back, the automaker placed wide LED taillights extended from the rear quarter panels onto the trunk’s lid. Finally, on the lower bumper, the automaker placed a broad valance that mimicked the look of the front one and flanked it with a pair of chromed-tipped exhausts.

Inside, customers were greeted by a modern-looking dashboard. The binocular-styled instrument cluster of the previous generation was replaced by a fresh-looking one featuring large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked a TFT display showing data from the car’s onboard computer. The SX version came with keyless entry and start. Atop the center stack, the automaker placed a touchscreen for the infotainment system that controlled the audio, and underneath it, the HVAC controls. Several carbon fiber-looking textures decorated the dashboard and the seats. Those who opted for the higher grade received a heated and cooled driver seat and a heated passenger seat. In the back, headroom was limited due to the low-profiled roofline.

Under the hood, Kia installed a choice of two engines and transmissions. The base model came equipped with a two-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, while the SX was powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline unit featuring direct fuel injection. They could be paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic that sent power to the front wheels.