The last piece to the 2014 Kia Forte puzzle after the unveilings of the sedan model at last year’s LA Auto Show and the five-door hatchback at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, is the new Forte Koup that will make its world premiere at the New York Auto Show later today.
The Korean carmaker’s Honda Civic Coupe rival was penned at Kia’s California design studio and will be offered in the States from the fourth quarter of 2013 in two trim levels, EX and SX, with two engine and transmission choices, just like its hatchback sibling.
The EX features a 2.0-liter GDI engine delivering 173HP and 154 lb-ft (209 Nm), paired to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The Sportier SX gains Kia’s new 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine with an output of 201HP and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque, which is mated to either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Kia said it has fine-tuned the Koup’s suspension that comprises a McPherson strut setup in front and a torsion beam rear design to improve handling over the five- and four-door models. The EX rides on standard 205/55R-16 tires while 225/40R-18 tires are included with the SX trim.
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