SHAH ALAM: Naza Kia Malaysia launched Thursday the Forte Koup and the Forte 6- speed sedan,
The Forte Koup is Kia’s first ever two door coupe and is a product of the brand’s design-led transformation spearheaded by styling guru Peter Schreyer.
With an on-the-road (OTR) price of RM115,800, the Koup is equipped with a four-cylinder 2.0L engine that produces 156 hp and 194 Nm of torque and features continuous variable valve timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection.
The transmission is an automatic six-speeder which can be manually controlled via a Shiftronic function on the gearbox or steering mounted paddle shifters.
With its fluid lines and an athletic stance, one would expect the Koup to deliver a more entertaining drive than its sedan sibling.
Handling is said to be responsive and smooth due to higher torsional stiffness while high-speed stability in comparison to the Forte sedan has been enhanced by lowering the ride height and widening the wheel track.
Inside, the Koup offers leather seats. Automatic air-conditioning, a retractable sun-roof, Bluetooth connectivity with cellular phones, push-start ignition and a six-CD changer with iPod connectivity are standard.
The Forte Koup is available in Racing Red, Clear White, Ebony Black, Sweet Orange or in Santorini Blue.
“The Forte Koup showcases performance-inspired, aggressive and dynamic styling that is certain to be a hit with consumers who want to make a bold statement,” said Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, COO of Naza Kia Malaysia.
Besides a new 6-speed Shiftronic transmission in place of the previous 4- speeder launched in November 2009, the Forte sedan now comes with Bluetooth connectivity for cell phone users.
The grille design is new and the side mirrors are now electronically foldable and feature LED turn signals.
Steering mounted paddle shifters, rear view camera and Bluetooth functionality are available only in the 1.6 SX and 2.0 SX variants.
The Bluetooth system can be operated from the steering column.
Available colours are Clear White, Bright Silver, Titanium Silver, Metal Bronze, Spicy Red and Ebony Black.
The OTR price of the 1.6 EX variant is at RM78,800 while the OTR prices for the 1.6 SX and 2.0 SX are at RM85,800 and 97,800 respectively.
Meanwhile, Naza Kia Malaysia also launched a new 3S centre in Glenmarie.
The 12,000 square feet facility incorporates Kia’s global space identity program and is part of an ongoing exercise by the company to renovate and upgrade 25 existing showrooms in the country.