Kia has taken the wraps off its all-new Forte Koup, which is also known as the Cerato in some markets.
It joins Kia's American range alongside the Forte saloon and the Forte five-door hatchback. Kia claims that it boasts European-inspired design and performance; it won't, however, be coming to the UK.
Engine options include a turbocharged 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol unit that outputs 198bhp and 195lb ft of torque. Models with this engine are, consequently, the most powerful Forte Koups ever.
“The Forte Koup is arguably the sportiest vehicle in our award-winning line-up, and it has helped raise Kia’s brand awareness significantly among automotive enthusiasts,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications of Kia Motors America.
Kia's new coupé will be offered in two trim levels, SX and EX, and buyers will be able to pick from two engines and transmissions. EX versions get a conventional 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and the SX gets the potent 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.
Both engines should prove reliable as Kia's durability testing means that test engines are run for 300 continuous hours at redline under full load, then for an additional 20 hours at 10 per cent above redline under full load.
EX models feature a six-speed manual gearbox, while the SX is available with either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox with wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
In line with the rest of the Forte range, the Koup comes with a substantial standard equipment list that includes alloy wheels, a rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and LED running lights. Higher-specification SX models get larger alloy wheels, a body kit and different trim.
Optional equipment on offer includes upgrades like a sat-nav system, a heated steering wheel, leather trim and dual-zone climate control.
Sprague added "Its rakish design, premium specification and powerful turbocharged engine set it apart from the competition. With the debut of the Forte sedan and five-door earlier this year, and now the Koup in New York, the Forte line-up has been completely revamped from top to bottom.”
The Kia Forte Koup is due to go on sale in the US in autumn.
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