OGAN AUTO

The brand-new Kia Forte Koup is Kias first two-door auto and a sibling to the new Forte sedan, which is Kias substitute for its sad-sack Spectra and its respond to cars like the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla, and the Mazda3. The "Koup" moniker is a melding of the "K" from "Kia" and the "oup" from "coupe." The Forte Koup will be at Kia dealers by August or September.

The Kia Forte Koups fresh, recent styling is absolutely a strong point. Along with the Forte sedan, it represents a new devise direction for Kia, which is manufacturing a big effort to differentiate its products visually from corporate parent Hyundais. The Koups web lattice and air intake are part of a new Kia signature family looks that youll see on more cars in the future. A strong shoulder line running the length of the car and standard 16-inch or optional 17-inch alloy wheels give the Koup a sharp street stance.

The interior plastics are a little hard to the touch but largely inoffensive. The drivers door armrest needs more padding. The center stack is particularly well-designed and finished with a glossy black material. Stereo and HVAC controls are logical, and a superb six-speaker CD stereo with iPod/MP3 connectivity is standard. The SXs substantial dead pedal (on the far left of the drivers footwell, for resting your left foot when its not on the clutch) is finished in polished metal like the other pedals.