New Forte Koup and Forte Sedan 6-Speed will be launched on March 6- Full Press Release!!!

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia Motors vehicles in Malaysia, will kick off its activities for 2011 with the launch of the highly-anticipated Forte Koup and the Forte 6-Speed sedan.

The two models will be launched on March 3. The Forte Koup is Kia’s first-ever two door coupe and embodies the brand’s current design-led transformation and raises the bar in its segment with impressive style and a blend of comfort, technology, performance and safety features.

At the same time, Naza Kia Malaysia will introduce the Forte 6-Speed which is set to increase the popularity of the multiple award winning sedan. The new and enhanced Forte 6-Speed now comes with a host of premium features such as a new six-speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth connectivity for cellular phones 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 the market.

“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.

The Forte Koup’s fluid lines and balanced proportions offer a refined and athletic stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile while its muscular stance is accentuated with slim wrapped tail lamps, dual exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser.

The all new Forte Koup is equipped with a four-cylinder 2-litre engine that 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 power of this remarkable engine is further complemented by an automatic six-speed transmission which can be manually controlled through the Shiftronic function on the gearbox or paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

Handling in the Forte Koup is responsive and smooth due to its high torsional stiffness while high-speed stability in comparison to the Forte sedan has been enhanced by lowering the ride height and widening the wheel track.

Inside, the Forte Koup offers plush leather seats and a host of premium features such as automatic air-conditioning, a retractable sun-roof, Bluetooth connectivity with cellular phones, push-start ignition and a six-CD changer with iPod connectivity.

Meanwhile, the Forte 6-Speed is an enhancement to the model launched in November 2009. It now features several new premium features that are set to further strengthen the award-winning sedan’s position in the market.

The enhanced Forte is now mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic functionality as well as steering mounted paddle shifters.

Other key features of the Forte 6-Speed includes LED turn signals on the side mirrors, which are now electronically foldable, a new stylish grille design, a rear view camera and Bluetooth functionality for cellular phones which can be operated from the steering column.

The Forte 6-Speed will be available in three trims – 1.6EX and SX and a 2.0SX.

The new features such as the six-speed transmission, integrated LED turn signals on the electrically foldable side mirrors, new grille design will be available on the 1.6EX and SX variants as well as the 2.0SX.

The steering-mounted paddle shifters, rear view camera and Bluetooth functionality will only be available in the 1.6SX and 2.0SX variants.

source: Naza Kia Press Release