Korean Designer Wear

 

Naza Kia Malaysia has finally announced that it will launch the pretty Forte Koup and the Forte 6-Speed sedan to kick off it’s 2011 model launches. The two models will be launched on March 3 and is sure to bring renewed interest to the Kia brand.

The Forte Koup is Kia’s first-ever two-door coupe, and while based on the Forte sedan, has neat and stylish lines courtesy of Kia’s German design director, ex-Audi man Peter Schreyer. It opens up a new niche for the Korean brand in Malaysia and brings them yet further up market in terms of image and market segmentation.

The Forte 6-Speed enhances the already very popular Forte sedan and brings with it a host of new premium features. Aside from the new six-speed automatic transmission, it also has Bluetooth connectivity and a rear-view camera.

   

“Both the Forte Koup and Forte 6-Speed will further enhance the Kia brand in the market. The new Forte Koup showcases performance-inspired, aggressive and smooth styling and we believe it will be a hit in Malaysia.

“As for the Forte 6-Speed, a great car just got better. It now features a range of premium features that will make it even more competitive in its segment. To-date, we have sold 5,781 units of the Forte since its launch in November 2009 and we are confident sales will increase following the launch of the Forte 6-Speed,” said Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, chief operating officer of Naza Kia Malaysia.

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The Forte Koup is powered by the same four-cylinder 2-litre engine that is used in the Forte 2.0 sedan. It 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 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be manually controlled through the Shiftronic function on the gearbox or paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

Interior highlights include leather seats, automatic air-conditioning, a retractable sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, push-start ignition and a six-CD changer with iPod connectivity.

 

The Forte 6-Speed also has a few external improvements and now has LED turn signals on the side mirrors, which are now electronically foldable, and a new grille design with honeycomb inserts. It will be available in three trim levels – 1.6EX and SX and a 2.0SX. All variants get the new external changes but only the 1.6SX and 2.0SX get the interior equipment upgrades.


Prices have yet to be announced but a trawl through the pages of our sister publication Motor Trader indicates that prices will start at RM78,800 for the 1.6EX, RM97,800 for the 2.0SX and RM115,800 for the Forte Koup. We’ll update the prices once the information becomes available.
Faisal Shah

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