At the 2013 New York International Auto Show->ke226, Kia has debuted the 2014 Kia Forte Koup SX. The car promises much better performance over the standard model as well as a sportier look and feel.

With the debut of this new performance-minded model, Kia->ke41 is hoping to give buyers interested in a Kia Forte a much sportier option. This model will have a more aggressive appearance and promises better performance to back up the looks. With this new performance-oriented model, Kia’s gunning for other sporty coupes from Europe and Japan.

The more powerful engine in the SX model should lead to a better 0-to-60 mph time. Because of the added power, the new model will require bigger brakes that will be housed by enlarged wheels that help fill out the wheel arches nicely. The more aggressive styling combined with the better performance seems to add up to a pretty impressive model.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Kia Forte Koup SX.

2014 Kia Forte Koup SX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Kia Forte Koup SX
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 201 @ 6000
  • Torque: 195 @ 1750
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2014 Kia Forte Koup SX offers sportier styling with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and dual chrome exhaust tailpipes. A slightly aggressive look is all courtesy of faux carbon-fiber trim pieces, a bigger front bumper, larger grille openings and gloss black grille inserts. The exterior definitely exudes the aura of aggression and sportiness that this high-output Forte deserves.

Even though it is somewhat understated, it does give a hint of what lies beneath the hood through its styling tweaks.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (In)

106.3

Length (In)

178.3

Width (In)

70.1

Height (In)

55.5

Track (In), Front

61.3

Track (In), Rear

61.3

Fuel capacity (Gal)

13.2


Interior

Not many details are yet available about the interior. However, we do know that the SX will come with a steering wheel wrapped up in a coat of leather and with integrated audio and cruise control buttons. Both the front and rear seats come with faux carbon-fiber accents to add a tuning element to the cabin.

Standard Features

-Navigation system with HD Radio

-Sunroof

-Heated steering wheel

-10-way adjustable power driver’s seat

-Heated front seats

-Cooled driver’s seat

-Leather seating surfaces

-SmartKey with push-button start

-Electric chromatic rearview mirror

-Dual-zone automatic climate control

Drivetrain

The meal ticket for the Kia Forte Koup SX is its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that features Kia’s Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). The turbocharged engine pumps out a hefty 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between the 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. The more powerful engine should give this sports coupe the feel of a tuner car. Although a 0-to-60 mph time has yet to be released, and top speed performance figures have not yet been released, this turbocharged Forte should hit 60 mph in the 6.5- to 7-second range.

Engine

1.6L I-4, turbocharged DOHC gasoline direct injection (GDI)

Horsepower

201 @ 6000 rpm

Tourque (lb-ft)

195 @ 1750-4500 rpm


Suspension and Brakes

To handle the added engine power the SX will come with bigger front ventilated brakes. This turbocharge Koup comes with a sport-tuned suspension to help it rocket its way through the twist and sticky 205/55R16 tires to keep it glued to the asphalt.

Suspension

Front

Strut Type, Coil Spring

Rear

Torsion Beam, Coil Spring

Construction

Unibody


Brakes

Type, Front

Vented Disc

Type, Rear

Solid Disc

Size (In) Front

11.8

Size (In) Rear

10.3


Pricing

The 2014 Kia Forte Koup SX will go on sale near the end of 2013. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Honda Civic SI

The Honda Civic SI offers 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque which should land the Kia Forte Koup SX right in this territory. The Honda Civic->ke236 has been around for a number of years and has a good reputation for dependability. The styling of the Honda Civic SI is restrained, but a bit more aggressive than the standard Honda Civic.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an economy sporty car, the Kia Forte Koup SX may be worth a look. While we would lean toward the Honda Civic SI because of its reputation for dependability and good performance, the Forte is a very close second. For our money, however, we recommend staying with the SI for now, but the SX should give it a good run for its money and will give buyers a lot to think about.