Test Drive: 2014 Kia Forte Koup

The 2014 Kia Forte Koup earns its fair share of admirers practically wherever it goes, and there's no doubt it's a nice-looking two-door with a lot of packed-in value. Be forewarned, though - the edgiest thing about my test vehicle this week is the spelling of its name.

Initially introduced for the 2010 model year, the Koup is still both young and young-looking in 2014, where it enters its second generation. The 2014 model's engine lineup grows to include a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that's sure to appeal to drivers of any age.

My test vehicle this week, though, is equipped with the second engine choice you can opt for with the Koup - a larger and non-turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. It's less powerful than the 1.6-litre powerplant, but compared to last year's 2.0-litre, it gets a boost in both horsepower (173, up from 156) and torque (154 lb-ft, up from 144).

It may be less powerful than the 1.6, but it still ranks in the upper-echelon of naturally-aspirated engines when it comes to power in this admittedly small segment.

It's worth noting that regardless of what engine you choose, it'll be mated to a six-speed transmission (a manual is available on both EX and SX trims, though an automatic is optional). I have no issues with the auto in my test vehicle, as shifts are generally fast and smooth.

Competitors are few and far between, as coupes simply aren't as popular in Canada, unless you're in the market for a far more expensive sports car. The Honda Civic Coupe, Scion tC, and the Koup's sister vehicle the Hyundai Elantra Coupe are all legit challengers.

While none of these vehicles are built as straight-up asphalt assassins, both the Civic and tC that I've driven in the past proved to be surprisingly agile. The Koup, meanwhile, offers ride and handling that's far more pedestrian.

The ride, which is a little too jittery for my tastes, is the worst offender. The compact Koup stays relatively stable when pushed around corners, but the steering leaves something to be desired. The vehicle incorporates Kia's adjustable FlexSteer system, which allows the driver to choose from three different steering modes, offering more or less feedback depending on his or her preference. I still think it's a gimmick more than anything, and the differences between the three steering modes are marginal to the average driver.

The Koup is most compelling in terms of bang-for-the-buck. My test vehicle is the entry EX trim, and besides the addition of a six-speed automatic transmission and sunroof, everything inside comes standard. The list is far too long to go over here, but it's absolutely full of nifty features that would have added thousands of dollars to a similar vehicle being sold a decade ago when I was searching for my first new car.

I have very few issues with the cockpit - it's roomy (though my hair does brush up against the roof), pleasing to the eye, and everything is laid out and organized in an efficient and user-friendly way. Nothing here is revolutionary, but methinks many buyers will be plenty happy simply being able to set up their Bluetooth phone connection in a few painless seconds or activate the seat-heater button without having to take their eyes off the road.

Like many other coupes, the rear seats aren't a place you want to keep adult passengers for very long. Leg room is passable as long as the front seat occupant doesn't mind compromising his or her comfort, but the sloping roof will require taller people to bend their neck at an awkward angle, slouch, or otherwise contort their body in an unnatural position.

Rear seat ingress and egress isn't too bad considering this is a coupe, and I like the easily adjustable seatbelt extension guide that makes entry and exit easier. Trunk space is at a premium, which is another undesired hallmark of many coupes.

Kia claims that the Forte Koup is arguably the sportiest model in the automaker's lineup, and that doesn't bode well for other Kia models (although for the record, the Forte5 is far more fun to drive).

The Koup offers loads of value, but so do its four- and five-door siblings, along with far more versatility.

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FACT FILE

2014 Kia Forte Koup

Trim level: EX AT w/ sunroof

Price as tested (before taxes): $23,095

Options on test vehicle: none

Freight/PDI: $1,485

Configuration: front engine/ front-wheel drive

Engine/transmission: 2.0L four-cylinder / six-speed automatic w/ sequential shift

Power/torque: 173 hp/ 154 lb-ft

Fuel (capacity): Regular (50L)

Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 7.6 city, 6.0 hwy

Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 7.7 over 873 km

Warranties: 5 years/ 100,000 km (basic), 5 years/ 100,000 km (powertrain)

Competitors: Honda Civic Coupe, Hyundai Elantra Coupe, Scion tC

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