Kia Forte Koupe Hits The Track

Kia isn't a company that's been known for producing exciting, attractive vehicles in the past. They're trying to change that, though, and the greatest example of this is the upcoming Forte Koupe.  And yes, Coupe is spelled with a K.  I don't get it either.

I must say, though, the "Koupe" is a clean, attractive design for a FWD compact coupe.  It's got a LARGE dose of current-generation Civic in the styling, but if you're going to immitate - immitate the best, right?

Powertrain options for the Koupe in the US will include a 2.0L 156bhp I4 and a 2.4L 174bhp I4.  Elsewhere, there's a 1.6L Gasonline-Direct Injection Turbo I4 with 175bhp, and rumor has it that the 2.0L Turbo I4 (210bhp) from the Genesis Coupe could find it's way under the hood of top-of-the-line models.

Hmm, a lightweight FWD compact coupe with a 210bhp Turbo engine?  That could be just the thing the doctor ordered, if Kia's shooting for the "people who like to drive" market.  It remains to be seen if the Forte is really that great, but just on the surface it's leaps and bounds ahead of any small cars the company's cranked out up until now.  I'd say that's a great start.