2011 Kia Forte Koup Named One of the "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

IRVINE, Calif., June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2011 Kia Forte Koup has been named to the "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, a leading provider of new and used car information.  Kia Motors America's (KMA) performance-inspired Koup was selected for offering consumers a stylish and affordable vehicle filled with modern technologies at a tremendous value.  

"Our design-led transformation has dramatically increased consumer perception of the Kia brand, and the Forte Koup's recognition by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com as a 'cool' vehicle is further validation of our strategy to provide consumers with a compelling combination of aggressive styling and performance, a long list of standard safety features and strong overall value," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.  "The Koup, like the rest of the Kia lineup, continues to raise the bar in its segment by offering fun-to-drive performance and modern technologies that contribute to an outstanding ownership experience."

The annual "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list published by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com features vehicles that are fun to drive, fun to own and, most critically, possess the decidedly subjective "cool factor."  Editors at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book's exclusive Fair Purchase Price, which reflects vehicle transaction prices paid by consumers and is updated weekly to reflect changing market conditions.

"Having an attractive car that others haven't seen – that's cool.  The 2011 Kia Forte Koup isn't just the sportiest-looking car on our list, its standard equipment list includes a satellite-ready audio system, Bluetooth®(1) wireless technology and USB/iPod®(2) integration," say editors from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.  "For buyers who think cool and obvious are mutually exclusive concepts, the uncommon Forte Koup is about as cool as it gets for less than $18,000."

Available in two trims, EX and SX, Forte Koup offers consumers an aggressively styled and performance-inspired two-door coupe with an abundance of amenities as well as impressive power.  All Forte Koup models feature Bluetooth® wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service(3).  For added listening convenience, steering wheel-mounted audio controls also come standard on all models, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or steering wheel-mounted controls while maintaining a starting price of under $17,000 (MSRP).(4)

Designed and engineered as a driver's car, Forte Koup is powered by either a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine (EX models), producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque(5) that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, or an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine (SX models), also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque(6).

Adding to the Forte Koup's "cool factor" is the fact that its outstanding driving dynamics and performance-inspired styling provided the basis for Kia's U.S. motorsports program, which competes in GRAND-AM's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in the Street Tuner class.  The No. 10 and No. 12 Infinity Audio Forte Koups have proven to be a road racing force to be reckoned with in their sophomore season, capturing five-consecutive top-ten finishes and two podium appearances, including a victory at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

For more information about the "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-coolest-cars-under-18000-_-2011-edition/.

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1) The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners.

(2) iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. iPod mobile digital device sold separately, and connectivity requires the Kia accessory cable, also sold separately.

(3) Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com. If you decide to continue your Sirius service at the end of your complimentary trial, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call Sirius at 888-539-7474 to cancel. Sirius U.S. Satellite service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C. and PR. Go to www.siriusxm.com/traffic for available coverage. © 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.

(4) Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

(5) 2.0-liter SULEV-rated engine offers 154 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque.

(6) 2.4-liter SULEV-rated engine offers 165 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque.

SOURCE Kia Motors America