2010 Kia Forte
(SEOUL) April 16, 2009 - The all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup (known as
'Cerato Koup' in many markets), unveiled just last week during the 2009 New York
International Auto Show, has been chosen by the editors at MSN Autos, a
reputable automotive Web site in the U.S., as a 'Best in Show' pick. Vehicles
that made the list offered impressive style, value and overall potential to help
move the automotive industry forward.
"As the New York Auto Show
offers a number of concept and production introductions, we are pleased that MSN
Autos recognized Forte Koup as a 'Best in Show' for its bold styling and immense
value," said Michael Sprague, Vice President of Marketing at Kia Motors America.
"The all-new Forte Koup, combined with the recently launched Soul urban
passenger vehicle and soon-to-be launched Forte sedan, really drives home our
current strategy to create a full lineup of value-laden vehicles with a distinct
and attractive Kia design."
MSN Autos, the largest global network of
online automotive sites providing consumers with comprehensive research, buying
and ownership services, recognized the Forte Koup for its sleek styling and
extensive offerings for a good value. The all-new two-door also was noted for
its competitive power and fuel efficiency.
Based on the design styling of
the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last year's show, the all-new Forte Koup's
fluid lines and balanced proportions closely mirror the powerful design cues of
the concept vehicle and offer the same aggressive stance with swept-back
wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile.
Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Forte Koup offers a muscular yet
sophisticated design.
More powerful than the Honda Civic Coupe, Ford
Focus Coupe or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe, Forte Koup EX is driven by a 2.0-liter
DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque,
while the SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine
delivering 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque, more than the Scion tC.
Both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway), with estimated fuel
economy of 25/34 (city/highway) for the 2.0-liter when mated with either the
five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The more
powerful 2.4-liter offers an economical 22/32 mpg with the six-speed manual and
23/31 when paired with the five-speed automatic.
Editor's notes: Standard
equipment, specifications and trim levels based on U.S. model and may vary
depending on country.
Motor show related video is available at
www.thenewsmarket.com/kiamotors. You can get broadcast-standard or
streaming-quality video (for Web use) and print-quality stills. Delivery options
include digital FTP transfer and streaming download in a variety of file types
including Flash, MPEG-2, QuickTime and Windows Media. Registration and content
is free to the media.
Photo caption: Tom Kearns, Chief Designer, Kia Design
Centre America (left), and Michael Sprague, Vice President of Marketing, Kia
Motors America (right), reveal Kia Forte Koup at the New York International Auto
Show.
vehicles for the young-at-heart -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest
manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia
aims to become one of the world's premier automotive brands. Nearly 1.5 million
vehicles a year are produced in 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in
eight countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of
distributors and dealers covering 172 countries. Kia today has over 40,000
employees worldwide and annual revenues of over US$14.5 billion. It is the major
sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA -- the
governing body of the FIFA World Cup -- as well as a EUROTOP partner of UEFA.
Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents
the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through
continuous automotive innovation.

Kia Forte Coupe