The South Korean automaker has begun its second phase in its evolution in the US market with the introduction of the 2010 Kia Forte Koup. At first glance it seems to resemble an awful lot like the Civic, but once behind the wheel of the sculptured c-pillar Koup you'll notice the difference. The Kia Forte Koup can navigate the narrow streets of any major metropolis, getting around those tight, second-gear corners with moderate understeer and moderate body roll.

Similarly the Koup is comfortable on rough, aged roads and manages to drive refined and composed. In the Kia tradition, most interior amenities come standard. For a car that's priced at less than $20k, the Kia Forte Koup is top of the range and offers more commodities than what you'd expect from a compacts coupe.