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Posted: October 12, 2009
With the economy going the way it is, people are now starting to look at less expensive vehicles. In the past, most Canadians would be hesitant to even take a Kia for a test drive - the thoughts were unreliable and 'cheap'. Hyundai took over Kia in 1998 and Kia has been profitable every since. Both Hyundai and Kia have been making changes to their image and more and more people are starting to look at Kia as a great way to get into a new vehicle for less. Kia's sales are up 20% this year - and with the introduction of the very funky looking Soul and now the introduction of the Forte Sedan and Koup; I have a feeling that things will continue on the upwards for this Korean Car company.
The Forte comes in a sedan and the 2-door Koup version. I have the Koup this week and I have to point out that the only thing that is the same between these 2 cars is the hood! I will have the sedan at a later date so I will share my thoughts on it then. I am impressed with the styling, all of my friends where shocked that this great looking vehicle is a Kia! Its not as funky looking as the Soul, but I am ok with that. The Soul was a bit too unique looking for me. This Koup has a wide, aggressive looking stance from the back with nice looking rear lights and dual chrome exhaust. The front has a blacked out grill and a lower stance and I really love the 2 toned wheels. It is a very unique touch that will defiantly stand out if you are looking for a car in this class. The interior is simple to look at but nicely executed. The only interior color to choose from is black. Kia knows this will be the volume seller but I do worry that this might deter a few buyers. I have met several women that admit that color, whether interior or exterior is a huge factor when they are looking at purchasing a vehicle! If you opt for the SX, you do get some nice chrome and shiny black accents through out. Nicely put together but not over done. This is defiantly a big improvement from Kia.
You can choose from the base model EX with a 2.0L 4 cylinder engine and 156hp with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed Steptronic Transmission or the SX trim with the 2.4L engine and 173hp and a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. The base model starts at around $19,000 and the SX is only about $3000 more. With the SX, not only do you get the more powerful engine, you also get sport suspension, bigger wheels, alloy sport pedals, and leather seats. If your looking at this vehicle to keep your costs low, keep it in mind that the SX will burn slightly more fuel - the posted ratings for the EX with an automatic transmission is 5.8L/ 100km on highway (8.1 in the city) and the SX is rated at 6.3 on the highway and 9.0 in the city. This will also change slightly if you choose a manual transmission. Driving is quite comfy and what I like is that the engine has a decent amount of torque. Its peppy right off the line but the clutch is a bit touchy - if you don't give it just the right amount of gas, it will stall! Not an issue but something that you would figure out over time and get used to. Nice to zip around the city and quiet and powerful enough on the highway. It has a solid feel to it even at high speeds. I can honestly say that this Koup does not make me think of Kia's of old!
Like all 2-doors getting in and out of the back seat is a bit of a challenge but I had 2 adults in the back and they found it quite comfortable. With 2 people sitting in the back, visibility is blocked but that is quite normal. The back seat splits and folds 60/40 and the trunk is fairly roomy. With the seats folded I had enough space to make a run to Ikea and get a fairly large bookcase in the Koup. As a young woman with no kids, I like a 2-door. For the few times a year I have 4 people in my car, I want to drive a car that looks sportier. The size is just perfect for me, my boyfriend and shopping bags - what more does a girl need?
The base model comes with a descent list of standard convenience and safety features that include tilt and telescoping steering column with steering wheel mounted audio controls, air conditioning, power windows and doors, Dual power, heated, body-coloured side mirrors, 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system (TCS) and Rear seat lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). If you step into the SX model you will also get leather seats, automatic climate control, and trip computer. The great thing about both the trim levels is that you get quite a bit of value!
And into days market value is a huge selling feature. Kia has improved its quality and overall image a great deal over the last few years but I am not sure if it quite has the 'badge appeal' yet. Image is important to me as a woman and I am on the fence as to whether or not I would be willing to pay several thousands more to get a full loaded Honda just for the name? My advice, take it for a test drive - and when you do, don't think about driving a Kia; just drive it for what it is and you might just fall in love with a Kia!
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