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It ain't perfect; then again, no car is. The Kia Forte Koup's been around for only a few years, and is still a great looking, little car. However, the compact-car segment goes through a lot of change over four seasons, and the Forte is starting to prematurely feel its age.
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX's biggest drawback is fuel economy, which trails the newcomers within its category. However, in other aspects the Koup still shines and impresses.
Underwhelming 2.4
While the base EX trim of the 2012 Kia Forte Koup relies on a 156-hp 2.0L engine, the SX and SX Luxury trims are fitted with a 2.4L 4-cylinder that develops 173 hp and 168 lb-ft. A 6-speed manual is standard, while a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional.
Equipped with the latter, our SX Luxury tester reached 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and cleared the quarter mile in 15.6 seconds at 143 km/h. That's quick enough for a majority of buyers in the market for a sporty, two-door compact.
Although the car handles well, its steering lacks good in-centre feel, while good-size bumps and road imperfections send shivers up the steering column. The SX's sport-tuned suspension is stiff without making the car more enjoyable to drive. A little more refinement would be welcome.
Fuel economy is what's most disappointing in the 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX. The engine is a sipper under 2,000 rpm -- or under 100 km/h on the highway -- but around town or under spirited driving conditions, fuel consumption rises rapidly. Our average of 10.5L/100km should've been better, as a Honda Civic Coupe, a Scion tC and a Hyundai Elantra Coupe achieve better results.
Styling thumbs-up
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup's been on the market for three years now, and it still draws attention with its clean, muscular lines. Our tester was also shod with a bunch of dealer-installed accessories, such as 18” alloys, front and side skirts, a rear spoiler, a performance exhaust and other minor trim details. I'd keep the wheels and forego the rest, especially the muffler that makes the engine louder, but not exactly aurally pleasing.
The Koup's cockpit looks upscale with pretty good fit and finish. The centre stack button layout is straightforward, and there are plenty of storage spaces up front. The back seat is actually quite roomy for a compact coupe, including ample foot space even for a middle passenger. The trunk is bigger than the Civic Coupe's, but smaller than the tC's and the Elantra Coupe's.
The leather wrapping on the wheel of the 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX doesn't feel at all like leather, though. The seat heaters only offer one intensity level, so it's hot buns or nothing. The split-folding seatbacks can only be lowered using trunk-mounted pull handles, not from the inside.
Well equipped
Our SX Luxury tester with the automatic transmission costs $25,995; not exactly cheap although, typical for Kia, you get a lot of features for the dough: leather upholstery, alloy pedals, navigation, power sunroof, climate control, trip computer, a telescoping steering column, Bluetooth connectivity, a 6-speaker stereo with USB port, and satellite radio, as well as an intelligent key system.
In comparison, a Honda Civic Coupe EX-L costs $24,890 and a loaded Scion tC costs $24,885, although neither one is as equipped as the Kia. A 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe SE is listed at $25,199.
Ironically or not, the 2012 Kia Forte Koup's strongest competitor is actually its Korean cousin, the Hyundai Elantra.
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup has a lot going for it, such as good interior space and a long list of features. On the other hand, its higher-than-average fuel consumption spoils what is a stylish and affordable little coupe. We'd prefer the base EX; slightly less powerful but better on gas, and still well equipped at $18,995.
As we said earlier, the compact car segment is ever-improving, and no manufacturer can sit on its laurels for very long. The redesigned 2014 Forte sedan should arrive sometime next year; no word yet on the Koup's fate, but if and when it appears, expect the current car's shortcomings to be addressed.
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX's biggest drawback is fuel economy, which trails the newcomers within its category. However, in other aspects the Koup still shines and impresses.
 |
Underwhelming 2.4
While the base EX trim of the 2012 Kia Forte Koup relies on a 156-hp 2.0L engine, the SX and SX Luxury trims are fitted with a 2.4L 4-cylinder that develops 173 hp and 168 lb-ft. A 6-speed manual is standard, while a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional.
Equipped with the latter, our SX Luxury tester reached 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and cleared the quarter mile in 15.6 seconds at 143 km/h. That's quick enough for a majority of buyers in the market for a sporty, two-door compact.
Although the car handles well, its steering lacks good in-centre feel, while good-size bumps and road imperfections send shivers up the steering column. The SX's sport-tuned suspension is stiff without making the car more enjoyable to drive. A little more refinement would be welcome.
Fuel economy is what's most disappointing in the 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX. The engine is a sipper under 2,000 rpm -- or under 100 km/h on the highway -- but around town or under spirited driving conditions, fuel consumption rises rapidly. Our average of 10.5L/100km should've been better, as a Honda Civic Coupe, a Scion tC and a Hyundai Elantra Coupe achieve better results.
 |
| The 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX gets a 173-hp, 2.4L engine. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Styling thumbs-up
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup's been on the market for three years now, and it still draws attention with its clean, muscular lines. Our tester was also shod with a bunch of dealer-installed accessories, such as 18” alloys, front and side skirts, a rear spoiler, a performance exhaust and other minor trim details. I'd keep the wheels and forego the rest, especially the muffler that makes the engine louder, but not exactly aurally pleasing.
The Koup's cockpit looks upscale with pretty good fit and finish. The centre stack button layout is straightforward, and there are plenty of storage spaces up front. The back seat is actually quite roomy for a compact coupe, including ample foot space even for a middle passenger. The trunk is bigger than the Civic Coupe's, but smaller than the tC's and the Elantra Coupe's.
The leather wrapping on the wheel of the 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX doesn't feel at all like leather, though. The seat heaters only offer one intensity level, so it's hot buns or nothing. The split-folding seatbacks can only be lowered using trunk-mounted pull handles, not from the inside.
 |
| The centre stack button layout is straightforward, and there are plenty of storage spaces up front. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Well equipped
Our SX Luxury tester with the automatic transmission costs $25,995; not exactly cheap although, typical for Kia, you get a lot of features for the dough: leather upholstery, alloy pedals, navigation, power sunroof, climate control, trip computer, a telescoping steering column, Bluetooth connectivity, a 6-speaker stereo with USB port, and satellite radio, as well as an intelligent key system.
In comparison, a Honda Civic Coupe EX-L costs $24,890 and a loaded Scion tC costs $24,885, although neither one is as equipped as the Kia. A 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe SE is listed at $25,199.
Ironically or not, the 2012 Kia Forte Koup's strongest competitor is actually its Korean cousin, the Hyundai Elantra.
 |
| The 2012 Kia Forte Koup EX starts at $18,995, while our top-shelf automatic SX Luxury cost $25,995. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup has a lot going for it, such as good interior space and a long list of features. On the other hand, its higher-than-average fuel consumption spoils what is a stylish and affordable little coupe. We'd prefer the base EX; slightly less powerful but better on gas, and still well equipped at $18,995.
As we said earlier, the compact car segment is ever-improving, and no manufacturer can sit on its laurels for very long. The redesigned 2014 Forte sedan should arrive sometime next year; no word yet on the Koup's fate, but if and when it appears, expect the current car's shortcomings to be addressed.