All-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup recognized as a 'Best in Show' at New York International Auto Show

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Michael Choo (  mjc@kia.co.kr),
International Communications Manager, Kia Motors Corporation, Tel:
+82-2-3464-5663

All-new Kia Forte Koup recognized as a 'Best in Show' at New York
International Auto Show

-         Newest Kia vehicle honored by prestigious automotive Web site, MSN
Autos, in the U.S.

-         Kia's first two-door coupe noted for style, substance and value

 

(SEOUL) April 16, 2009 - The all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup (known as 'Cerato
Koup' in many markets), unveiled just last week during the 2009 New York
International Auto Show, has been chosen by the editors at MSN Autos, a
reputable automotive Web site in the U.S., as a 'Best in Show' pick.
Vehicles that made the list offered impressive style, value and overall
potential to help move the automotive industry forward.  

 

"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 at Kia Motors America.  "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."

 

MSN Autos, the largest global network of online automotive sites providing
consumers with comprehensive research, buying and ownership services,
recognized the Forte Koup for its sleek styling and extensive offerings for
a good value.  The all-new two-door also was noted for its competitive power
and fuel efficiency.

 

Based on the design styling of the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last
year's show, the all-new Forte Koup's fluid lines and balanced proportions
closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the
same aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air
intakes and a low, sleek profile.  Available in two trim levels (EX and SX),
Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design. 

 

More powerful than the Honda Civic Coupe, Ford Focus Coupe or Chevrolet
Cobalt Coupe, Forte Koup EX is driven by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder
engine producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, while the SX
features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine delivering 173
horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque, more than the Scion tC.  Both
engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway), with estimated fuel
economy of 25/34 (city/highway) for the 2.0-liter when mated with either the
five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.  The more
powerful 2.4-liter offers an economical 22/32 mpg with the six-speed manual
and 23/31 when paired with the five-speed automatic.

 

Editor's notes: Standard equipment, specifications and trim levels based on
U.S. model and may vary depending on country.



Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the
young-at-heart -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of
motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to
become one of the world's premier automotive brands. Nearly 1.5 million
vehicles a year are produced in 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in
eight countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of
distributors and dealers covering 172 countries. Kia today has over 40,000
employees worldwide and annual revenues of over US$14.5 billion. It is the
major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of
FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World Cup -- as well as a EUROTOP
partner of UEFA. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to
Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing
customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.