2009 Kia Koup unveiled in New York
April 11, 2009 by George Skentzos
Kia has unveiled its first ever two-door coupe model at the New York International Auto Show, a car that will go on sale in Australia later this year, and headlines the brand’s bold new design direction.
Imaginatively named the Kia Forte Koup, to be called simply Koup in Australia it is heavily based on the recently released Cerato, and draws its design inspiration heavily from the initial concept on which it was based, maintaining the same surprisingly aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile.
In the US at least, the Forte Koup range will feature two trim levels beginning with the EX, which boasts a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 116kW and 195Nm, coupled with either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.
The flagship SX version features an upgraded 2.4-litre in-line four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 129kW and 228Nm, mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic.
Built on a front-wheel-drive monocoque chassis, Kia has made considerable revisions to the Forte, the US name for the Cerato, platform to improve dynamics to produce a higher torsional stiffness, with specially tuned suspension developed to optimise handling.
Standard creature comforts include sports seats, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls for added convenience and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with iPod connectivity.
The SX trim also adds unique sport cloth seats with red stitching, rake and reach adjustable steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, metal pedals and metal finish trim and a gauge cluster with trip computer.
The Forte Koup also boasts considerable safety equipment including dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
With its new coupe, Kia continues the step towards revolutionise the brand in much the same way Hyundai did with the Tiburon, which later led to serious performance contenders such as the Genesis Coupe.
Print it: 
Civic front mixed with Accord Euro Rear???
Tony, although i agree that there isn’t much wrong with Korean cars anymore and i’m sure one day they will be class competitive, i don’t agree the idea of comparing it to Korean appliances. Some country are good at making certain products and not others, Korea may be good at making TVs, but that doesn’t mean they will be good at making cars. I remember once reading that the head of toyota said hyundai/kia is the brand he sees to be toyota’s biggest competitor in the future, and i think he is every bit right.
Bring it to Australia please…. If we don’t get a 2.0L Turbo, bring it in with the 2.4L as a performance version compared to the 4 door sedan. That way, if you don’t want the bigger engine, more kW etc, buy the 4 door instead.
$20,000 for a 2.4L, 6 speed manual Koup will be in my garage in no time. Needs a set of 20’s though with a set of lowered springs from Pedders.
Come on Salesman, talk with your mates at Head Office and knock some sense into them. KIA need to make a bold statement and this is there chance.
To all those who knock KIA, I’ve owned 4 KIA’s and I’ve never been happier. They are good cars at a reasonable price.
There will always be people who pay more for a car just because of the badge. That’s there choice and money so I won’t comment. Me, i’m happy to get a good car at a reduced price and spend the saved money on other things that matter in life like family.
I dont want to sound like im really clutching at straws, but the shape of the tail lights i very audi a4/a5. didnt the designer used to work at audi?
Kia has confirmed the Koup is coming to Australia in September, though no price details have yet been released. I’m sure they’ll tweak the interior a little between now and then, as well as through the car’s retail lifespan. It looks a winner to me, I’ll definitely seriously consider buying it.
im turning 18 in feburary and i work alot and i will buy this car its amazing inside and out but im not sure about the brand but all these comments sound good
I saw one of these today down at Bombo beach south of Wollongong..
Oh and the KIA logo has an upside down V instead of an A beacuse it was cheaper apparently..