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2011 Kia Forte Koup named one of the Top 10 coolest cars under $18.000
Kelley’s Blue Book names 2011 Kia Forte Koup one of the “Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18.000”!
The Kia 2011 Forte Koup has been named one of the “Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000” by Kelley Blue Book’s popular site kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book is the leading and one of the most popular providers of information regarding new and used cars in the USA.
The “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” list surveyed the marketplace for new cars that were fun to own, drive and, most importantly, had the “cool factor”. The editors of kbb.com included the cars by checking their Fair Purchase Price from Kelley Blue Book, which accurately reflects the changing prices in a changing marketplace.
The 2011 Forte Koup was selected for the list because of its style, affordability and modern technologies that it provides at the given price range. According to the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, the Kia Forte Koup was also the sportiest looking car in the list.
Those who don’t know much about the stylish sports coupe from Kia, let us reveal you a few important facts about it. The Forte Koup comes in two trims, EX and SX, and is a two-door coupe that come pre-installed with an overabundance of amenities and power.
The 2011 Forte EX model is powered by a 156-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder engine, whereas the SX model comes with a 2.4L inline four-cylinder that delivers 173 horsepower. The torques delivered by the engines are 144 and 168 pound-feet, respectively. The starting price of the car is under $17.000 (MSRP).
The Forte Koup comes with standard equipment that includes Bluetooth wireless technology, USB/iPod integration, and a satellite ready audio system. It is available with a six speaker MP3 audio system that is outfitted with Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The steering wheel is mounted with voice-activated controls that use Bluetooth for easier functioning.
According to Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America, the Forte Koup’s recognition by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com as a ‘cool’ vehicle is further validation of the carmakers strategy to provide consumers with a compelling combination of aggressive styling and performance, a long list of standard safety features and strong overall value.
The Forte Koup, like the rest of the Kia lineup, continues to raise the bar in the segment by offering performance and modern technologies that contribute to an outstanding experience for every owner.
Great red going on there!
great car .. i have one … Red 🙂 2012
i love it
back then, the concept Koup was announced with a 2.0L T 292 HP!…
The least of most people concerns are Manufacturers Logo`s that are “Aped” or Copied. What I find revolting is the Hyundai dealer installed “Winged” Bentley styled Genesis Logo that are being applied to the Hood, Trunk, and Alloy Wheels. The Genesis is a great care on its own merits (without) having to imitate thats its a fake Bentley look-a-like knock off! How silly.
Sharp Car! Lots of Great Features and Handles Great. KIA did this one right! So right they need to make more!
2012 Forte? I have no info on the ’12, release date or any changes. I had heard from my district rep that for 2013 there was going to be a whole new car that replaces the Forte. I imagine it will use the updated elantra platform and powertrain that gets 40 mpg. Anyone else heart this?
Sorento-Sportage and Optima are very nice in the respective categories
They are totally redesigning the Forte. The whole car has been an abysmal failure for Kia. 8,000 units per month for 3 different bodystyles? The car is chintzy. It is the only Kia in the line-up that doesn’t have a secure “THUD” sound when you shut the door. Even the 2012 Rio makes a nice thud. The Forte was a car designed and engineered during a time of corner cutting and cost reductions. And it seriously shows. It simply isn’t a competitive car, and really hasn’t been since two months after its introduction.
not a failure for Canada – no change for the 2012 Forte or any increase in prices.
The Forte is Kia Canada’s best selling model far outselling the previous Spectra model. It sold more units in its first 21 months that the Spectra sold in 4 years.
However, there is suppose to be a Forte replacement and new name for 2013. Also that year is to be a Rondo redesign or replacement too.
Damn, can`t we just let the old Spectra R.I.P.? True, it had a leg up on the Kia Sephia, but thats not saying much. I believe that 2013 will bring a completely new vehicle to replace the present Forte. Hyundai Elantra`s are killing the Kia Forte is that segment while the Hyundai Sonata is outselling the Kia Optima only due to more Dealerships and inventory. You can`t sell what`s not on the lot or in the Show Room! Start loading the ships and start sending the new 2012 Kia Rio and Rio5. If production begins soon at Kia`a Sohari Plant, they should be arriving by Oct. There`s about a 3 month gap between build and arrival.
Read the article in USA Today. Hyundai and Kia will be building 40 vehicles on 6 platforms by 2013. Spectra’s sales peaked in 2007 at 73,474 units. Forte’s only full year sales so far was 2010, and they sold 68,500. That is embarrassing and humiliating. They sold exactly 35 more Fortes in 2010 then they sold Spectras in 2008.
Although I still prefer the looks of the 2012 Hyundai Accent Sedan, both (exterior & interior) over the 2012 Kia Rio Sedan, I think the 2012 Kia Rio5 Hatchback may end up being Kia`s Break Out Vehicle! If not in North America which (really) does not have an infinity towards small Sub-Compact/B-Segment Vehicles, I think Global sales will be HUGE! It could explode like the Soul, Sorento, Sportage, and Optima combined for a Monster hit. If priced right, there should be a “wait list”. Fall 2011 should be very interesting. Be prepared for Price Gouging in certain Markets as well depending on shortages of Inventory too.
I own a 2010 Forte LX Sedan w/ sportmatic auto transmission and am very satisfied with it’s overall quality. I get a solid “thud” from the doors when I close them. It has great pick up and I get 30 – 42 MPG.
In reading some of the comments… I wonder which model is being discussed, Forte or Spectra ? I owned a 1997 Sephia prior to my Forte ( 13 years / 205,000 miles ), not bad for a “unknown” car made by an “unknown” manufacturer ( in 1997 ).
As for “new” styling…In the “old days”, models were re-styled every year…Nothing “dates” a car faster than that, and it wouldn’t be long before the “critics” get bored…
These comments remind me of the discussions over the latest cell phones in the cell phone blogs…
We can do better…
Dale-I owned a 1999 Kia Sephia-bought it new in May of 1999. And that was the car that turned the tides on me buying a string of 3 Ford products in a row…one of them new and two of them used. From the ’99 Sephia I traded that in on a 2001 Kia Sportage 4 X 4, and that was a nice SUV. I have since strayed to Mitsubishi but always remember the solid value and good driving experience of the Sephia and Sportage 4 X 4. I may return one day to the Kia fold and it would more than likely be the Kia Rio hatchback that will be the rig that draws me back. That is an awesome HB worthy of a long, scrutinized test drive and lots more internet research. The closest Kia dealer to me is George Gee Kia in Coeur d’ Alene, ID, and they have not received the 2012 Rio’s yet. When are they due in U.S. dealers, anyway?
Ooops! I meant Bryan ! Sorry !
Mostly likely the difference in both color selection and content between US version vehicles and Canadian is that although both share part of greater North America, Canadians are considered a bit more refined and European. Us Americans, thanks to the Tea Party & Tea Baggers and ” Joe the Plumber” we end up getting the scraps despite the fact we are a much (larger) market and our admitted self proclaimed “Exceptionalism”! Need proof? Just look at the stripped down “decontented” new 2012 Hyundai Accent US version compared to the Canadian model. We don`t even warrant an emergency spare tire and jack while the Canadian models do, oh well….Let`s hope the new 2012 Kia Rio and Rio5 will have a spare tire and jack for US models instead of the mini air compressor and can of tire sealant.
Most likely the difference in both color selection and content between US version vehicles and Canadian is that although both share part of greater North America, Canadians are considered a bit more refined and European. Us Americans, thanks to the Tea Party & Tea Baggers and ” Joe the Plumber” we end up getting the scraps despite the fact we are a much (larger) market and our admitted self proclaimed “Exceptionalism”! Need proof? Just look at the stripped down “decontented” new 2012 Hyundai Accent US version compared to the Canadian model. We don`t even warrant an emergency spare tire and jack while the Canadian models do, oh well….Let`s hope the new 2012 Kia Rio and Rio5 will have a spare tire and jack for US models instead of the mini air compressor and can of tire sealant.
The Kia Koup should have been the design for the Forte at all trim levels. Secondly, More advertisements to convince the public that a Forte would be actually cool to own. WHich is why Sorentos and the Kia Soul are selling so darn well.
DO you see the power of Psychological provocation of the mind? Make a great car and advertisments, and people no matter where they come from , will buy the car. It is about the right form advertisement which is contextually apropos o the target audience, income, gender, and age brackets.
Which demographic this Koup could sell to:
1.Generation X and Y ( Cool and different, fun )
2. Young Males and Cute Females( performance and attractiveness(
3. Fuel efficient conscience buyers, (40 MPG on the highway )
4. Value oriented customers (10 Year warranty)
As other manufacturer’s found out quickly, spending Milliions of dollars on Superbowl commercials is a profitable investment that will be rewarded 10 times over. The key to Superbowl Commercials is really to hit the sweet spot or the funny bone of a target audience. Madison Avenue advertising corporations usually are trained years to master
the art of selling to a audience through psychological means. Which is why the Sorrento and Kia Soul are heavily scattered on interstates of America. Madison Avenue designed Sorrento and Soul Commericials hit the sweet spot amongst their target audience. thus, the commercial subconsciously provoked or nudged the decision making process towards that particular Kar manufacturer/brand towards their next new automotive pucrhase.
I am not saying that commercials are the only factor in selling a vehicle. But Marketing techniques can be the straw that breaks the mental firewall of critical individuals prodding them to buy the car, which the individual deems a good value and Cool to own (Left brain and right brain).
I advise that Kia and Hyundai Corporation, Samsung, LG, take a deeper look into Marketing, propaganda, and psychology, in order to better understand what the con-sumer demands and desires. And make creative advertisement that tap into these so called freudian/Bernaysian deep subconscious needs that even Maslow has been researching. Further readings into BF Skinner or Ivan Pavlov would also be valuable learning tools or weapon caches to further understanding Selling techniques.
What is funny is that I, myself, understand that psychological programming is extremely important to guide direction in Pseudo-democratic societies. I am transferring advice to you guys at KIA and Hyundai so that you can be successful and become a dominant car manufacturer for the world. Who would of thought a blogger can help a big corporation like you KIA? You know what Kia, it’s true, This information will be the key to your success
If they can get Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga, that would be a step in the right direction for KIA or Hyundai.
I think Nadal was a decent signing, but I don’t understand the signing of Blake Griffin. The NBA viewer demographics may not be the best in selling cars. While, the NFL is a Great arena or venue to sell cars.
NBA demographics I heard target lower income brackets, which is not lucrative to KIA. but the NFL has such a large 18-36 Male Demographic, People seing Justin Bieber or Tom Brady in a KIa, Wll provoke New Englanders to buy a Tom Brady Kia Optima, Young Generation Y to buy a Justin Bieber Kia Koupe.
If I was paid money to do demographics, I guess I could really help you guys at KIA. Since targeting the right demographics is essential in selling a vehicle or any con-sumer product.
Demographics and hitting that so called “Sweet Spot” or “G Spot”, whatever, in targeting potential car buyers makes sense to a point but it can also backfire too. Even young hearted progressive (adults) can eventually be turned off by seeing stupid Puppets and Cartoon Characters driving around in Sorento`s and Soul`s. Your pointing out Justin Bieber as a good marketing ploy is DUMB. He`s not even old enough to purchase a car on his own without his mommy or daddy`s permission and signature. How is that going to get a 20`s or 30`s something individuals to run out and buy that particular make and model of car? But, in all honesty, I might be wrong. The same target group that would consider voting for Sharon Angle, Christine O`Donnell, Sarah Palin or Michelle Bachmann, just might be attracted to those kind of ads. Just include a free “Cross” handing from the interior mirror as a “sun catcher” an you`ll set the hook for sure. Include a standard “Fish” emblem on the Trunk Deck, a Pro-Life Bumper Sticker, and a standard gun holder in the Glove Compartment and Rifle holder in the Trunk and you won`t be able to build them fast enough.
Don’t mention the chevy cruze.
It’s not funny that GM is taking billions of dollars from the hard sweat and tears from Daewoo employeees. And the Grand Master is even ashamed of these so called Korean low life serfs.
commercial isn’t funny, and never will be funny.
My post got deleted again.. jerks.
“Even young hearted progressive (adults) can eventually be turned off by seeing stupid Puppets and Cartoon Characters driving around in Sorento`s and Soul`s”
until you provide me some hardcore numbers, i am not buying what you are saying..
It seems like the sorrento and Soul’s are selling pretty darn well. that can be attributed to the commercial. ONce again Psychological programming does WORK.
“Your pointing out Justin Bieber as a good marketing ploy is DUMB. He`s not even old enough to purchase a car on his own without his mommy or daddy`s permission and signature. How is that going to get a 20`s or 30`s something individuals to run out and buy that particular make and model of car?”
You are not thinking long term. And I think that Justin Bieber or Someone of that magnitude will sell cars. Look at what Michael Jordan did for Nike and Gatorade. I would sing Bieber when he gets his license to drive. He could sell Forte for sure. Which is the young generation.
Seondly, you are missing my point. My point is to peddle Pop culture stars to sell products. Fortunately there are some big mega stars, like Bieber that have the potential to sell cars.
“The same target group that would consider voting for Sharon Angle, Christine O`Donnell, Sarah Palin or Michelle Bachmann, just might be attracted to those kind of ads. Just include a free “Cross” handing from the interior mirror as a “sun catcher” an you`ll set the hook for sure. Include a standard “Fish” emblem on the Trunk Deck, a Pro-Life Bumper Sticker, and a standard gun holder in the Glove Compartment and Rifle holder in the Trunk and you won`t be able to build them fast enough.”
LOL, I guess strokes for different folks. I am targeting the masses that buys the Daewoo cruze because of people like Dale who laugh at them. New age and politically correct items could be after market items that Kia or Hyundai could offer.
Because of people like dale who laugh at the Daewoo cruze commercials
Oh, and the Sephia had peak sales at 82,211 units in 1999. That blows the Forte out of the water. Spectra had sales of 78,835 and 72,382 for 2001 and 2002, respectively.
Woohoo me and my husband got a new 2011 Forte =D ….. it is a very awesome, sporty car !!!! *****
Yes, it is one of the top-cool cars in the worldwide auto market with a relatively low price of $18,000.
Love my forte koup! got a black 2011 forte SX…