Economy Sport Coupe Showdown: 2010 Honda Civic Si Vs. 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX

When it comes to affordable sport coupes, image and styling count for a lot when it comes to mass market sales. But when you look at the top of the line variants (that are invariably "sportiest"), you usually encounter highly focused sporting machines designed to appeal to a very small sliver of the car buying public.

But it doesn't have to be that way, as the 2010 Honda Civic Si and 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX so adeptly prove. Both have high revving four cylinder motors, get great fuel economy, plenty of rear seat room for passengers and come standard with all of the automotive essentials.

But even better than all of the aforementioned these two sport coupes are very affordable with the 2010 Forte Koup SX starting at $17,995 and the 2010 Civic Si Coupe starting a bit higher at $22,145. But only one can be the best. Which do you think it will be?

(Note: This review was written based on two weeklong road tests that I conducted this year. I am not just comparing facts and figures but also am trying to convey my driving impressions that can only be gleaned after serious (and not so serious) time behind the wheel.)

Exterior Styling

Both the Forte Koup SX and Civic Si are terrific looking two doors yet there is only one I can crown as the winner of this competition. Although I tried to resist during my time with this "Koup," it was the more grown up and masculine lines of the Kia that always drew me back for another look. (Advantage: Kia Forte Koup SX)

Interiors and Utility

Where the interior of the Civic Si is all ergonomic experimentation with its dual level dashboard, the Forte Koup SX plays it safe with a clearer and more minimalist design. Both of these models are evenly matched when it comes to trunk space but headroom feels tighter inside the Civic Si Coupe. This does not, however, take anything from the fact that the inside of the Civic looks ready to withstand 20 years of abuse. The Kia looks like it can handle ten. (Advantage: Honda Civic Si)

Fuel Economy and Value

Here is where the Forte Koup SX really scores with its low base price and 22 city/32 highway EPA estimates. The Civic Si turns in a still respectable 21 city/29 highway average but when taken in conjunction with its higher base price it turns this talented road racer into a loser. (Advantage: Kia Forte Koup SX)

Engine and Transmission

Both the Forte Koup SX and Civic Si come standard with six-speed manual transmissions but that is where the similarity ends with these two gearboxes. Where the Civic Si's divinely smooth six-speed encourages naughty driving, the Forte Koup SX has a clutch that is so abrupt that it discourages trips to the supermarket.

Things improve for the Kia on the engine front thanks to a strong 2.4 liter 173 horsepower/168 lb. feet of torque 4 cylinder that doesn't need to be revved as frenetically as the 2.0 liter motor in the Civic Si. The Si's 4-cylinder puts out 197 horsepower (at a stratospheric 7800 RPM) and 139 lb. feet of torque. In other words, you work harder for your power in the Civic Si but thanks to the shifter it never feels like a chore. (Advantage: Honda Civic Si)

Fun to Drive

The Civic Si would win this part of the competition even if it didn't have the most direct steering and precise handling characteristics of the pair. But, quite frankly, it is the manual transmission in the Forte Koup SX that really ruins the driving experience. (Advantage: Honda Civic Si)

Verdict

If you are looking for an epically fun to drive, yet accessibly affordable, new sport coupe then you absolutely must experience the Honda Civic Si for yourself. It may only be available with a six-speed manual but it is the best of its kind that I have ever tested. As for the Forte SX, until Kia fixes the manual shift action it remains a pleasant commuter/workaday tool-as long as you order it with an automatic.

(Note: 2011 Kia Forte Koup SX models will have optional six-speed automatics that are all new this year.)

Source:

Honda.com

Kiausa.com