Berlin City Kia VT

2010 Kia Forte
(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.
Motor show related video is available at www.thenewsmarket.com/kiamotors. You can get broadcast-standard or streaming-quality video (for Web use) and print-quality stills. Delivery options include digital FTP transfer and streaming download in a variety of file types including Flash, MPEG-2, QuickTime and Windows Media. Registration and content is free to the media.
Photo caption: Tom Kearns, Chief Designer, Kia Design Centre America (left), and Michael Sprague, Vice President of Marketing, Kia Motors America (right), reveal Kia Forte Koup at the New York International Auto Show.

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.

Kia Forte Coupe