MT First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte Koup

[coolmazda5]

Is that leather? (scratch)

 

[TinmanMS6]

Is that leather? (scratch)

Just barely.

 

[McflysMS6]

Do you think anyone over 5 ft 8in will even fit in there?
Also, it looks squished down to me. Is there a functional back seat?
If so, it doesn't look very accessible, IF you need to haul
a 3rd or 4th person even with the long door, they'll have
trouble getting in and out. Short people...short car.
I guess I'm getting old, and practicality is starting to matter. Ahhh fudge.

 

[coolmazda5]

Let's through some numbers compared to the Civic, they are very similar IMO (dunno)

2010 Kia Forte Koup

Base price
$15,450 - $19,000 (est)

Vehicle layout
Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 2-door, coupe
Engines
2.0L/156-hp/144-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4; 2.4L/173-hp/168 lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4

Transmissions
5- or 6-speed manual, 4- or 5-speed automatic

Curb weight
2700 - 2900 lb (mfr)

Wheelbase
104.3 in

Length x width x height
176.4 x 69.5 x 55.1 in

0-60 mph
7.0-8.5 sec (mfr est)

EPA city/hwy fuel econ
22-25/31-34 mpg

CO2 emissions
0.68-0.77 lb/mile (est)

On sale in U.S.
Aug-09


2009 Honda Civic Coupe

Base price
$16,015

Vehicle layout
Front engine, FWD, 5-pass, 2-door coupe

Engine
1.8L/140-hp/128 lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4

Transmission
5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic

Curb weight (MT/AT)
2588/2652 lb (mfr)

Wheelbase
104.3 in

Length x Width x Height
175.5 x 68.9 x 55 in

0-60 mph
n/a

EPA city/hwy/combined fuel econ (MT/AT)
26/34/29 mpg (MT), 25/36/29 (AT)


2009 Honda Civic Si

Base price
$22,615

Vehicle layout
Front engine, FWD, 5-pass, 2-door coupe

Engine
2.0L/197-hp/139 lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4

Transmission
6-speed manual

Curb weight
2900 lb (mfr)

Wheelbase
104.3 in

Length x Width x Height
175.5 x 68.9 x 55 in

0-60 mph
6.7 sec (MT tested)

EPA city/hwy/combined fuel econ
21/29/24 mpg

Source:
http://wot.motortrend.com/6532789/m...-koup-vs-2009-honda-civic-si-coupe/index.html

 

[altspace]

Looks like a decent car... but I mean come on, the front end is damn near identical to a civic.

Where do you see that?

 

[TinmanMS6]

Where do you see that?

Really? You don't?

 

[coolmazda5]

Where do you see that?

Really? You don't?

I saw this the other day, found it again via (google)

 

[Donas64]

I like it's looks better than the civic and the bigger motor would provide enough punch to be somewhat fun. Interior leaves a little to be desired though. Overall, not a bad effort at all.

 

[Gone_Insane]

Do you think anyone over 5 ft 8in will even fit in there?
Also, it looks squished down to me. Is there a functional back seat?
If so, it doesn't look very accessible, IF you need to haul
a 3rd or 4th person even with the long door, they'll have
trouble getting in and out. Short people...short car.
I guess I'm getting old, and practicality is starting to matter. Ahhh fudge.

Let me start off by saying hi (first post). I drive a Protege (2000). Now that I got that out of the way...

Let me stop you right there McFly, you slacker (lol. just kidding. Its a BTTF reference).

It may look squished, but isn't. There IS a functional back seat, which IS accessible.

I'm 6 ft (ok 5'11 and 3/4). I test drove (and subsequently bought) a Forte Koup this past Monday, which I receive FRIDAY!!! But anyway, I am very comfartable in that car. In fact, I don't have to put the seat all the way back to be comfortable (My current seat position is all the way back on the Protege). Furthermore, I got into the back seat with the front seat all the way back. I was fine. REALLY! Back seats of Proteges, Mazda3s, VW Jettas all have less space than this coupe. Getting in/out is fine too.

I'm sad to inform everyone here that this car beat out the 2010 Mazda 3 for me. Integrated Bluetooth, heated seats (Montreal... its cold), 6-speaker, power everything, ABS, ECS, and 5-yr bumper to bumper warranty... Much more than the Mazda3 for less money than a GX... choice was obvious to me!

 

[coolmazda5]

I'm sad to inform everyone here that this car beat out the 2010 Mazda 3 for me. Integrated Bluetooth, heated seats (Montreal... its cold), 6-speaker, power everything, ABS, ECS, and 5-yr bumper to bumper warranty... Much more than the Mazda3 for less money than a GX... choice was obvious to me!

Have you Gone_Insane? ((lol2) @ the user name)

Well, this is what matters: you are happy with what you bought with your own money, so don't be sad . KIA has come long way (although I believe still knock-offs but who cares), but drop us a post 2-3 months later to see if the initial quality is as good as claimed, that can help (or reemphasize) the KIA image in this forum I think.

Only thing I know is that I'm familiar with the KIA Rondo as is the closest competitor for the Mazda5 in Canada (as well), and owners seem to be very happy if no issues with the car, but if there are any the KIA service and warranty claims suck