Only today did they decide to launch the highly-anticipated Forte Koup and the Forte 6-Speed sedan when the brochure was out in showrooms and orders being taken some 2 months ago already. The Forte Koup is Kia’s first-ever two door coupe and embodies the brand’s current design-led transformation and raises the bar in its segment with impressive style and a blend of comfort, technology, performance and safety features.
At the same time, Naza Kia Malaysia has launched the Forte 6-Speed which is set to increase the popularity of the multiple award winning sedan. The new and enhanced Forte 6-Speed now comes with a host of premium features such as a new six-speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth connectivity for cellular phones and a rear-view camera.
The new Forte 6-Speed is an enhancement to the model that was launched in November 2009 and comes in three trims – 1.6 EX, 1.6 SX and 2.0 SX. For the Forte Koup, Naza Kia Malaysia is targeting to sell 30 units a month.
The Forte Koup’s fluid lines and balanced proportions offer a refined and athletic stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile while its muscular stance is accentuated with slim wrapped tail lamps, dual exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser.
The all new Forte Koup, with an on-the-road (OTR) price of RM115,800, 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 to allow greater performance and fuel economy.
The power of this remarkable engine is further complemented by an automatic six-speed transmission which can be manually controlled through the Shiftronic function on the gearbox or paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
Handling in the Forte Koup is responsive and smooth due to its high 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 Forte Koup offers plush leather seats and a host of premium features such as automatic air-conditioning, a retractable sun-roof, Bluetooth connectivity with cellular phones, push-start ignition and a six-CD changer with iPod connectivity. The Forte Koup is available in Racing Red, Clear White, Ebony Black, Sweet Orange or in Santorini Blue.
As for the Forte 6-Speed, it now features several new premium features that are set to further strengthen the award-winning sedan’s position in the market.
The enhanced Forte is now mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic functionality as well as steering mounted paddle shifters. 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.
Other key features of the Forte 6-Speed includes LED turn signals on the side mirrors, which are now electronically foldable, a new stylish grille design, a rear view camera and Bluetooth functionality for cellular phones which can be operated from the steering column.
The new features such as the six-speed transmission, integrated LED turn signals on the side mirrors, new grille design will be available on the 1.6 EX and SX variants as well as the 2.0 SX. The steering-mounted paddle shifters, rear view camera, electronically foldable side mirrors and Bluetooth functionality will only be available in the 1.6 SX and 2.0 SX variants. The new Forte 6-Speed comes in Clear White, Bright Silver, Titanium Silver, Metal Bronze, Spicy Red and Ebony Black.
Meanwhile, Naza Kia Malaysia launched a new 3S centre in Glenmarie today. 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.
