The 2010 Kia Forte Koup is primarily targeting the North American automotive market. It's sits lower to the ground and is shorter overall than its sedan brother. In fact, the only sheet metal shared between the two forms the hood. All other design standards are individualistic. On the market to compete with the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Scion tC, the Forte offers prospective consumers several class-leading features.

The 2010 Forte Koup EX from Kia is equipped with a 2.0L 156hp 144 lb-ft I4 gasoline powered engine and your choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox. EPA estimations for EX fuel economy are 25/34 mpg urban/rural. The other trim available is the SX. With its 2.4L 173hp 168 lb-ft I4 and 6-speed stock manual tranny, it delivers 22/32 mpg along with its sport-tuned, firmed suspension and standard 17-inch wheels. The chunky Forte Koup was designed at Irvine, California and shows off with non-Koreanlike confidence. It definitively proves that inexpensive vehicles do not have to look they are.

2010 pricing for the Kia Forte Koup starts at about $17,250 delivered for EX trims and 18,650 delivered for SX versions. The new Forte is representative of a visually-distinguished direction for the Kia Motor Company. It wants to markedly differentiate itself from its parent company, Hyundai. And so far, the result is a great-looking, very well-equipped success. Standard features include 6 separate airbags, electronic traction and stability, 4-wheel ABS, iPod connectivity, cruise control, keyless keyfob entry, and Bluetooth hands-free communication/entertainment. And while it may lack the SYNC system of the Ford Focus, many consumers believe that it offers class-leading value.

Consumers may optionally equip their 2010 Kia Forte Koup's with powered sunrooves, genuine leather interior trim and more. It has been designed and calibrated to instill a sense of sporty confidence in drivers. It jumps off the line to display ready throttling responses. Hydraulic shifting action is on the positive side - almost jerky. In fact, without proper attention paid, the Forte Koup accelerates rather abruptly. And while the ride quality may suffer due to this slightly, there's no doubt that Kia made the Forte Koup to be highly-spirited. A bold design, surprising power and loads of standard features make the Kia Forte Koup a definite short-lister in the compact car segment.