2010 Kia Forte Koup Gets "Best in Show" Pick in New York

The recently-debuted 2010 Kia Forte Koup, currently on display at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, has been awarded "Best in Show" by MSN Auto. Kia Forte Koup is a model based on the KOUP concept showcased at the previous edition of the New York show and will be offered in a choice of two trim levels, EX and SX, according to official details provided by the South Korean automaker.

Kia Forte Koup EX is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that generates 156 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the SX flavor comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 173 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque, "more than the Scion tC" as the company said in a statement for the press. Obviously, both models are particularly aimed at fuel consumption and emissions, with figures around 31 mpg in highway conditions in both cases.

Mated to either a five-speed manual transmission (standard) or four-speed automatic (optional), the 2.0-iter unit achieves 25/34 mpg in city/highway while the 2.4-liter goes as much as 22/32 mpg.

“As the New York Auto Show offers a number of concept and production introductions, we are pleased that MSN Autos recognized Forte Koup as a “Best in Show” for its bold styling and immense value,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA.

“The all-new Forte Koup, combined with the recently launched Soul urban passenger vehicle and soon-to-be launched Forte sedan, really drives home our current strategy to create a full lineup of value-laden vehicles with a distinct and attractive Kia design.”