Very, very nice job with the Koup. I love it, but am a little uncertain about the options in the United States. Will the United states have the red interior trims like shown above? Also, when will we have the navigation system and automatic temperature control as shown above? Those are the features that we would want in our Koup, please deliver, thank you!

I really hope the red dash and door trim are available on the U.S. version. All-black interiors can get a bit tiresome. I like that the sedan comes with a “Coffee” brown option, for example.

I also don’t think that the U.S. version will get the black side mirrors, which is a shame. It’s a great look for this car.

Why is it that it seems the more I drive this car the smoother it gets?

Hello!

Great website, i enjoy it very much!

Q/When can the Cerato/Forte-Hybrid be sold in Australia, we are very keen for this vehicle here!

Thanks

You guys should offer navagation with the leather package for N. America . It seems most of it rivals have it. It’s already rare and turning heads too . If this rare and stylish car looks like an everyday Civic why is it the Forte turns heads and Civics don’t?

@jtz

Your car is being broken in. All the rough engine parts are being polished by friction.

Am really looking forward to the Koup. Sure hope they offer the semi-colored interior in the USA.

Was impressed with the sedan and expect even more excitement from the Koup. Have not seen it in the metal and flesh yet, but the hardcopy propaganda brochure is appealing.

When will it be available to U.S.A. consumers ?

Any chance a 5 foot 3 inch man can fit into the Koup ? I fit in the sedan a.o.k., but have to wait and see on the difference the seat andle and a difference of 1.3 inches in headroom makes.

I’m a bit disappointed that the closest dealer without A.D.M. second sticker is 300 miles away in another state. Not the factories fault at that.

Can the pulsing glow ring around the lower audio speaker be disabled in case of driving late at night on a cloudy dark out-of-the way hinterland ?

Thanks for putting competitive pressure on the other guys.

Hope to drive a Koup soon and eventually off the lot to my garage.

Also noticed a 1K rebate on the sedan in early August, but that seems to have disappeared.

Leo Henton

Seattle, WA 98118 USA

I need to ready my typing better. Was so excited I inserted a typo.

What are the chances a 6 foot 3 inch driver can fit in the Koup ?

Leo – From the reviews we’ve seen, the Koup has been described as being very spacious, so I don’t think you’ll have much trouble. But, have a look & feel for yourself at your nearest dealership!! (And let us know!)

The glowing ring can vary by four intensities, it can stay always on, mood (where it pulses back and forth), music (where it bounces to the bass of music), and you can turn it off. It is really clever.

Thank you Pamela and Greg for your recent answers above. I hope the colored interior also makes it to the USA.

I have seen and driven the Forte Sedan. It IS very spacious. It is impressive. I fit in the Forte Sedan easily. Have yet to see a Forte Koup (in the flesh and metal at hand) yet. I’ve got my hopes up.

I really like this blog. I like the additional technical details that are provided. I understand the average consumer might get disoriented if too much technical detail is in the brochures at the retail dealers.

However, so far I have not seen any unnecessary comprimises in getting the job done reasonably. As a matter of fact, there are some pleasent surprises in the details.

Also, a note of thanks to the folks that properly arranged the (gas, brake) pedals for my size 14 feet. It is greatly appreciated.

The local dealers had to ball-park, roughly estimate how long it would take to order then deliver the specific model and trim I finally decide on. I estimated a 5 to 6 month wait. The dealer(s) indicated a 2 month wait. That seems impressive.

If I understand correctly a Kia Forte Koup (or Sedan) can be obtained in SX trim without a moonroof. Excellent.

I think your team’s efforts have raised the standard of excellence in this and the next higher market segment.

A subtle suggestion for a topic for a future blog discussion: “Supply Chain relationships, modern Korean business relationships”. Second discussion: Could you share the quantity of prototypes that fleshed out the tooling and trade studies ?

Leo Henton

Seattle, WA 98118 USA

just a consumer, formerly an automotive engineer in Michigan in the mid-1990′s.

And, oh by the way … the way I shop for cars is that I don’t wait until I need a replacement. I usually visit a various dealer once or twice a month on a slow day for them. There is only (one) handful of models that I think twice about after exiting the dealer. I always decide if I like the car first (regardless of price), then evaluate price as a secondary consideration. So presently Kia Forte is at the top of my list. The remainder of the list is: smallest Volvo, a few of the Volkswagens, and perhaps a used (late) 2008 Dodge Caliber R/T AWD (but that is at the bottom of the list). There are some pretenders that appeared to be contenders, but didn’t make the first cut due to size limitations: Suzuki SX-4 AWD and Suburu AWD.

I noticed with considerable interest that the American journalists, car bloggers etc. drove Forte Koup in very heavy rain in Korea in June 2009. There have not been any American journalists that were concerned about performance in the heavy rain. Very good.

Probably don’t need AWD in 95% of circumstances or more in my location in drizzly Pacific NorthWest with some snow on the passes.

I’m assuming that due to the drizzle and snow that SX trim is preferable to EX trim. Or if one was to select EX trim, make sure to have a minimum of a second set of all-weather tires in the Winter. Your recommendation ? Am I understanding the situation correctly ? EX is the first model in the overall public market with something called “silica” tires for fuel economy efficiency. Works great in Southern California desert I assume.

Thanks for your time in reading thru these comments.

Figure there might be 100 lurkers or more on internet for every person who comments. So in case other rfeaders have questins like mine, I post.

Feel free to edit for clarity, relevance and length.

Leo Henton

Seattle, Washington state, USA

Hi auscars,

Sorry for late reply.
We haven’t decided to sell Forte LPI Hybrid model yet.
Let’s wait until the decision made. : )

Hi Greg,
Thanks for your visit and interest in Kia Forte Koup.
We have forwarded your concern to Kia Motors America’s product manager.
I hope you will meet the Forte Koup with your desired features!

Thanks.
Colin

Dear Leo Henton,

Thank you for your suggestions, we will certainly take them into consideration. If there are other bloggers who would like to know about the same topic, we ask for their vote through this comments section, too!

We appreciate your comments and hope the BUZZ continues to provide you with the details you are looking for.

Hello Colin:

I am well beyond the target age for the Koup. But I plan to get one! The dealer here in New York USA has my deposit. There still is very limited information about the Koup and options, and certain trim configurations seem to be “mandated by the factory. I’m reminded of Hery Ford “Black” Model T. “You can order any color you want, as long aas it’s Black!”. Kia seems to be following this with the packages it has created for the individual markets. I realize that in the US market the vehicle has to conform with many regulations about fuel economy and safety. But why not give us a choice from the “global menu” of options for the Koup?

In my reading it seems the Canadaian SX trim coupe is sold with a mandatory moon roof. I’m 6 foot three inches tall, and many cars seem to “rub” my bald spot atop my head! The trim and structural changes for a “roof window” prevent me from considering some vehicles. Glad I’m not a Canadian customer!

Mandatory leather seating in Canada for SX trim levl. The SX package needs seat side bolsters to keep the driver centered. the leather seating doesn’t appear to have the bolsters to provide that “cocoon” feel for the driver.

The SX package appears to offer a great range of included “options”. Really nothing is left to order as optional equipment. But individual tastes vary, and many in the United Strates are used to “customizing” thier vehicles. Kia doesn’t appear to be willing to allow customers to “mix and match” any options.

Since this vehicle is sold world wide, it would be nice to have the latitude to “personalize” “my” vehicle. Granted some items can be added to the vehicles at the dealer level, but given the great range of geography in the US market, and the diversity of personal taste across 50 states, why does Kia prevent it’s customers from “ordering” a car exactly as they want it?

Tom

Hello Thomas,

Thank you for your interest in Kia Forte Koup.
We have forwarded your opinion about the Koup’s choice for options and Kia Motors America wanted us to share the following with you.

Here it is:
Regarding the question concerning personalization, we do offer accessories to address individual tastes. Factory feature options, however, need to be controlled to minimize complexity; otherwise we couldn’t manage all the possible combinations. In other markets, customers can order a vehicle to spec, and then wait 2 to 3 months for the vehicle to be completed. In the U.S. however, we forecast, build stock to the forecast and customers buy from that stock

I hope this answer helps you to understand our position in the marketplace. Since there are many after-market personalization options, we are able to provide quality vehicles at competitive prices around the world this way.

Thanks!

Colin

WOULD THEY PRODUCE A VERSION OR THE KIA KOUP FOR NORTH AMERICA WITH THE 2.0 LITER TURBOCHARGE ENGINE???

Cerato seems to be a great looking car that can match it with most. How about it comes with the six speed automatic gearbox you have available. That would just put the icing on the cake for me. When your company does that i will consider buying a Cerato.

hey does anyone know if they will come out with a spoiler for the Koup. Im so excited to see this car but i was hoping for more accessories like an upgrade in stereo and such things does anyone know there plan on anything like that??

Have been waiting for the Koup now since June and cannot wait for the SX version to get out on the lots i know ill be camping there if i have to to be the first to test drive that car

I think the car looks very smart and confortable in the inside.

Hello Andre,
First of all, we are very sorry for our late answer.

About your question, we haven’t decided to provide 2.0L Turbocharger engine for Cerato (Forte) Koup.

Thanks,
Colin

Hello John,
We are really sorry for late answer.

A 6-speed transmission is on the radar for Cerato (Forte) & Cerato (Forte) Koup.

Thanks,
Colin

Hello Jerred,

Installation a spoiler for Cerato (Koup) hasn’t been decided yet.
Due to the Cerato (Forte) Koup’s design, it might be difficult to install a spoiler at trunk lid.
If you take a look at the Cerato (Forte) Koup’s trunk lid where the place a spoiler would be installed, you might understand why it’s difficult.

Thanks!
Colin

Thanks kia buzz , great work kia .

i loved the Koup & i wanted to know if it’s coming to the middle east market where i live in Dubai, U.A.E or not ?
and if the answer is yes , is there a specific date ?

Hello A.Jaber,

We are very sorry for our late reply to your comment.
The Cerato Koup will be launched in UAE. We are not sure the specific date yet, but it might happen in December this year.

Thanks,
Colin

I’m Canadian and bought a Forte Koup EX with a Moon roof and I still love it after just a few months. My only thing I’m not impressed with is the 4 gear auto, it should come with a 5 speed. I only zip around the city so I guess it really doesnt matter too much. The 2.0 Liter engine has just the perfect pep for day to day driving so “Good job Kia!!”
One question, Is kia going to offer an AFTERMARKET turbo? That would be great!! Maybe something with 6 to 8 pounds of boost to kick it up to 180 or 190 horsepower with out straining the engine too much? If the turbo would be considered, would be be sold by independant vendors or sold directly by Kia?
Thank you!

love it…..

btw..when is it gonna launch in malaysia?
can’t wait….got ot have it…

the sedan have been launched here last month with an overwhelming response.

great car!
i am like you torrez,waiting for kia to launch it.will trade in my kia spectra and get the forte koup.

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on that topic. If possible, while you gain know-how, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is very helpful for me.

Please bring more interior color options and navigation unit to America!

Hi Guys,

I am trying to source a spoiler for my 2010 cerato Koup. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Putting together a decent setup together has gotten pretty simple. I love it!

Great car, about to buy, but please bring out some performance mods. I’m buying on style and price, but I wanna boost the drive train with some turbo, give it some muscle.

I just study through the entire write-up of yours and it was rather fantastic. That is a great write-up many thanks for sharing this informative details. I will visit your web site regularly for some latest article.

one feature that will attract new customers in the US market, is the availability of the 2.o turbo engine. the Koup has a sporty body, just need a bigger heart!.

@ Miguel

Thanks for your suggestion about adopting 2.0 turbo engine in Forte (known as Cerato) Koup. Unfortunately we don’t have plan for that currently yet. But I will pass your comment to our R&D team and product manager.

Thanks!

i live in ohio, didnt know to much about KIA, never seen to many around here, a new KIA dealership just opened about 25 miles from me a few months ago, was kinda looking for something smaller and better on gas that was dependable, and sporty!! so i went and checked out some KIA’S…needless to say, i traded in my 2000 JAGUAR S-TYPE for a spicy red forte koup ex, didnt want to go back to leather seats or sunroof, and the koup ex offered just what i was looking for, cheap on gas and at a GREAT price..with very hot looks about it, for sure a head turner. keep up the great work KIA!! with prices and style like that and a warranty to die for, you for sure will continue to do awesome in the states..thanks KIA :)

that style interior should have been offered on australian koup along with the in dash nav system! then i would not have to import the equipment to achieve that look from china! i stlill prchased a koup because there is nothing better looking on the road in that price bracket: congratulations kia!

i live in Ghana-Accra and i bought the cerato koop and i love it the shape amazing but it needs more power so 2.0 turbo will do and about the red interior shoud ben offerd in Ghana so we can feel the car because that what i need in my koop without furthur i do congratulation kia

yes i agree, the koup can stand a little more horsepower, i have been researching a few engine chips for more horsepower, i found one that gives you 60 more horse, and increases your mpg, by 7 miles, that would give me about 41 miles per gallon, and give me the little more power that im looking for. the chip i found cost around 60 dollars, and takes around 15 minutes to install. my question is….will something like this effect my factory warranty?

1. I sat in the SX Koup the other day at a dealership … unfortunately, being about 6’1″, my head was just touching the fabric liner. Something HAS to be done about headroom clearance or I, and others, will look elsewhere. Forget this car if you’re tall.

2. This car NEEDS an engine to match its sporty image. Why would KIA have sent the concept to the auto shows with a turbo engine only to tease potential buyers? If competitors (MINI, Cobalt SS) have turbos and don’t look this good, and if KIA (Hyundai) has/have a turbo four (Genesis coupe) or a 2.4 GDI (200hp), GIVE US WHAT WE SHOULD HAVE !!!!!!

Address these two issues and you’ve got guaranteed buyers.

@ Dean,

First of all, we appreciate your interest in Kia Forte (knows as Cerato) Koup. Regarding first issue you mentioned, I will pass the comment to our R&D center and Product manager.

Regarding high-performance engine, we don’t have plan to adopt turbo charger engine to Forte Koup. But you will meet the high-performance engine in next generation of the Forte.

Personally I own a Forte Koup with 2.0L and 5-speed manual transmission, I’m satisfied with its sporty ride and sound.
Maybe it will be much fun to drive Forte Koup with turbo charger engine, but it’s still a fun car to drive and enjoy its naturally aspirated engine.

Thanks,

Thank you Colin for the reply.

I sincerely hope the engineers can address the seating height issue as it really is a problem for taller people. Thank you for forwarding my concern.

With respect to a high performance engine, I don’t believe the new engine MUST be a turbocharged engine … in my last post I also referenced the 2.4L GDI (200hp) which would better position the Koup in terms of aesthetics AND performance (in addition to decent fuel economy).

Can you provide a hint as to when the next generation Forte arrives?

I don’t deny the car is a fun ride … I have only sat in one at a dealership but I plan on going for a test drive very soon to see how good it really is.

Thanks again for addressing my concerns..

@ Dean,

It’s my pleasure to communicate with you, especially someone who has the similar taste of driving. :-)

About headroom of Forte Koup, we recommend you to try SX trim without sunroof option. Sunroof feature used to be standard for SX trim but Kia Motors America is
now providing sunroof as an option for SX trim. Without sunroof will give you more headroom, so it might be suitable to you unless you want sunroof option.

Launching schedule of the next generation Forte hasn’t been decided yet, so it is hard to tell you when it will arrive in the U.S. at this stage.

I hope you will like the Forte Koup’s ride after test drive. :-)
Have a nice day!

Colin, thanks again for replying.

The Koup I sat in at the dealership WAS the SX without sunroof and my head was just brushing the fabric. There must be a way they can lower the seating position which would help all of the taller drivers in the market.

I am in Canada, by the way, but our models are nearly identical to the US market. Regarding the next generation, would it be 2 years or 4 years out?

I am quite certain I will like the ride on my coming test drive. I hope a solution for the seating position arrives ASAP so I have no excuse for buying one !

I just had my first test drive in a Kia Forte. I must say, nice tight ride with pep. The sx I want to test is not in yet. Now I see the (cerato) Koup and am intrigued with the red/black interior. When is it to be launched in Canada? More so, when in Nova Scotia? I am about to purchase another vehichle and may hold off if it is soon.

Great article. Waiting for more.

When do you expect the Forte (Cerato) to be available for purchase/testing?

What is out the door price (COST) for this model. LOADED!

Just a quick note: I have to make a correction to my last post … the SX I sat in at the dealership had the sunroof, as it came that way. There is no way a non-sunroof Koup model would make any difference in my head touching the fabric liner since I was sitting much too high. I still hope something is changed with the seating position sooner rather than later as all taller people will have problems.

News out this week that the new Civic Si, in North America, will have 200 hp and 170 lb-ft …. which brings me back to my concern about performance approximately 4 months ago with the Forte Koup … I hope you NOW have plans to add the 2.4L GDI (200 hp) or a turbo (at least 200 hp) in the North American market.

The Koup is by far the best looking coupe in its class and all Kia needs to do is match the performance of the Koup with its aesthetics. I know I’ve mentioned it before but it had to be reiterated as the competition has raised the bar.

when will forte launch in the philippines?

Hi, my Cerato Koup does not come with the interior red trim, is there a way to fit my Koup with them? If yes how can I get those parts?

I think that you should offer full red interiors, also full dark blue interiors. Not two colored interiors. Read forums some people agree. And cars had it up until a few years ago generally, also I’m 21 so I’m who you wanna listen to for marketing.

Hello, 1246civic, thank you your interest and feedback in Kia Forte Koup. We will
share your thoughts on the interior colors with a design department. Thank you
again and don’t hesitate to comment if you have any other ideas or thoughts you
would like to share with us. :)

I really enjoy my Koup so far. I think it is worth considering for a car of this category to have a seat belt retainer to avoid stretching to reach out the seat belt. I know many Koup drivers like myself have bought retainers from other brands to fit our car.