2012 vs 2011 vs 2010 Koup - Kia Forte Forum : Sedan / Koup / Forte5 Forums

duleyboy · 12-01-2011, 12:01 PM

Hey Everyone,

I've spent more time reading on this forum than i did during my 4 years in high school and i just thought i'd share some interesting points.

I've heard of issues/fixes/complaints with regards to the 2010/2011 Koup and it's been rather confusing because i can't relate with the 2012. It's kind of hard to list all the differences between the 2012 and previous models but i thought it would be a good discussion to have.

I'd like to say first of all that it seems KIA is really taking the time to listen to customers and make improvements based on customer feedback. It makes me really happy to know that this is the case.

My most significant observation is that the clutch/first gear on the 2012 is MUCH better than previous models. I would suggest that anyone who has driven a 2010/2011 and complained/hated the clutch or first gear specifically, to go in to their local dealership and test drive the 2012. HUGE IMPROVEMENT. (I mention this because there is a huge thread about the "clutch mod" for pre-2012 models which I don't think is necessary for the 2012)

On another note, my brother has a 2010 Forte Sedan and his bluetooth does not allow you to play music from your bluetooth device, whereas the 2012 does! It's not a huge improvement, but i was really happy about it

If anyone else has noticed any differences in the 2012 from previous models, please share as i think it would be beneficial to anyone looking to buy a 2012 model who is reading about the issues we've faced with the 2010/2011.

duleyboy · 12-01-2011, 12:04 PM

**Also, do the 2010/2011 Koup SX Have "Sport-tuned" suspension?? I'm not in a huge hurry to upgrade the suspension in my car (2012) as it seems to be pretty good to be completely honest and i handle ramps really easily at relatively high speed.

ONE MORE THING (it all keeps coming back to me slowly) - The road noise in the 2012 Koup is pretty bad, it's like there is no floor in the vehicle. This (from what i have read) has NOT changed since the 2010 model.

Koupsx4110 · 12-01-2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duleyboy

**Also, do the 2010/2011 Koup SX Have "Sport-tuned" suspension?? I'm not in a huge hurry to upgrade the suspension in my car (2012) as it seems to be pretty good to be completely honest and i handle ramps really easily at relatively high speed.

ONE MORE THING (it all keeps coming back to me slowly) - The road noise in the 2012 Koup is pretty bad, it's like there is no floor in the vehicle. This (from what i have read) has NOT changed since the 2010 model.

Ramps at high speeds? if you mean speed bumps, you're driving wrong lol. If you put in an aftermarket intake, you hear that more than "road noise". but even on my 2010 i dont remember much road noise, i know it wasn't quiet.

I'd bet it'll be pretty hard to find a lot of people to compare the three or even two of the three.

DevilsX · 12-01-2011, 12:48 PM

Maybe he meant exit ramps that are sharp? and the car doesn't roll?

tyzall1584 · 12-01-2011, 12:49 PM

^^I think ramps were on-ramps or off-ramps to/from the highway, not jumping ramps lol. I think the road noise is from the tires. I got new ones and the ride got quieter. According to the sticker on my car and my comparison drive with a 2011 ex, the 2011 sx has the stiffer suspension.

trevorusn · 12-01-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duleyboy

Hey Everyone,

I've spent more time reading on this forum than i did during my 4 years in high school and i just thought i'd share some interesting points.

I've heard of issues/fixes/complaints with regards to the 2010/2011 Koup and it's been rather confusing because i can't relate with the 2012. It's kind of hard to list all the differences between the 2012 and previous models but i thought it would be a good discussion to have.

I'd like to say first of all that it seems KIA is really taking the time to listen to customers and make improvements based on customer feedback. It makes me really happy to know that this is the case.

My most significant observation is that the clutch/first gear on the 2012 is MUCH better than previous models. I would suggest that anyone who has driven a 2010/2011 and complained/hated the clutch or first gear specifically, to go in to their local dealership and test drive the 2012. HUGE IMPROVEMENT. (I mention this because there is a huge thread about the "clutch mod" for pre-2012 models which I don't think is necessary for the 2012)

On another note, my brother has a 2010 Forte Sedan and his bluetooth does not allow you to play music from your bluetooth device, whereas the 2012 does! It's not a huge improvement, but i was really happy about it

If anyone else has noticed any differences in the 2012 from previous models, please share as i think it would be beneficial to anyone looking to buy a 2012 model who is reading about the issues we've faced with the 2010/2011.

ALL Forte SXs have the sport-tuned suspension.

Jeff8n · 12-01-2011, 01:27 PM

The 2011s let you play music from your bluetooth device as well.
As stated above, the stock tires are very noisy.

duleyboy · 12-01-2011, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koupsx4110

Ramps at high speeds? if you mean speed bumps, you're driving wrong lol. If you put in an aftermarket intake, you hear that more than "road noise". but even on my 2010 i dont remember much road noise, i know it wasn't quiet.

I'd bet it'll be pretty hard to find a lot of people to compare the three or even two of the three.

I'm not referring to Dukes of Hazard Ramp, I'm talking about the on/off ramps at highways.

I will change the tires and see what happens, but as is you can pretty much hear the engine as if it was next to you in the passenger seat- in addition to every drop of water/pebble that sprays up onto the car while driving. I've read the threads about sound dampening and peoples efforts to reduce this effect, but I don't mind the sound really, I know i bought a Kia and not a BMW.

The dealer said that the Exhaust/Clutch/Suspension have been changed since the 2010/2011 models. I have no way of confirming because my brother drives the 2010 EX..

duleyboy · 12-01-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyzall1584

^^I think ramps were on-ramps or off-ramps to/from the highway, not jumping ramps lol. I think the road noise is from the tires. I got new ones and the ride got quieter. According to the sticker on my car and my comparison drive with a 2011 ex, the 2011 sx has the stiffer suspension.

Which tires did you get with your car? I'm wondering if the Canadian Models and the US Models have different stock tires? I can't believe there's already so many differences between Canadian/US models. Apparently the US Models doesn't get auto climate control.. THAT SUCKS!

scarboy6693 · 12-01-2011, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duleyboy

Which tires did you get with your car? I'm wondering if the Canadian Models and the US Models have different stock tires? I can't believe there's already so many differences between Canadian/US models. Apparently the US Models doesn't get auto climate control.. THAT SUCKS!

Mines a US model and I have Auto AC.. Its part of the tech package.

BTW are they more expensive up in canada? My Forte SX with sunroof, leather, and tech package (Auto AC, Navi, smart key, etc) was 19,800 before taxes. (Sticker was 23,640)

duleyboy · 12-01-2011, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scarboy6693

Mines a US model and I have Auto AC.. Its part of the tech package.

BTW are they more expensive up in canada? My Forte SX with sunroof, leather, and tech package (Auto AC, Navi, smart key, etc) was 19,800 before taxes. (Sticker was 23,640)

Yes the prices are higher here, the taxes are also higher and the insurance is higher. My sister lives in Ohio and it's extremely frustrating to hear about the prices she pays comparatively. I picked up a SX Koup with everything except Navi and Smart Key (I don't even think they make smart key for M/T??) and asking price was 22,950. Add Auto tranny+tech = $24,950 if not more.. -___-;;

scarboy6693 · 12-01-2011, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duleyboy

Yes the prices are higher here, the taxes are also higher and the insurance is higher. My sister lives in Ohio and it's extremely frustrating to hear about the prices she pays comparatively. I picked up a SX Koup with everything except Navi and Smart Key (I don't even think they make smart key for M/T??) and asking price was 22,950. Add Auto tranny+tech = $24,950 if not more.. -___-;;

Yea, on the US Site it says "Tech Package only available with Automatic Transmission"

tyzall1584 · 12-01-2011, 08:33 PM

I had the goodyear eagle ls2 tires before. I now falken ziex 912s and they are so much better.

GraveSideTears · 12-01-2011, 10:26 PM

There is no sound dampening material in the roof btw lol

trevorusn · 12-01-2011, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duleyboy

I'm not referring to Dukes of Hazard Ramp, I'm talking about the on/off ramps at highways.

I will change the tires and see what happens, but as is you can pretty much hear the engine as if it was next to you in the passenger seat- in addition to every drop of water/pebble that sprays up onto the car while driving. I've read the threads about sound dampening and peoples efforts to reduce this effect, but I don't mind the sound really, I know i bought a Kia and not a BMW.

The dealer said that the Exhaust/Clutch/Suspension have been changed since the 2010/2011 models. I have no way of confirming because my brother drives the 2010 EX..

Only thing that's changed is the clutch/gas pickup point. Mechanically, EVERYTHING is still the same, never listen to your dealer!!!!