With the rising and thriving popularity of SUVs, the compact coupe is quickly going by the wayside. There’s not much to choose from in the new car market, which will make you look toward the used cars. But what if you’re on a really tight budget? In that case, we suggest checking out the Kia Forte Koup because it’s not your average coupe.

Kia Forte coupe with a “K”

If you’re familiar with the Kia brand, then you’ll know that the Kia Forte sedan is still in the market and playing a worthy rival to stalwarts in the segment like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. However, from the 2010 to 2016 model years, the Kia Forte Koup existed, which was a two-door variant that was a low-slung counterpart to the sedan’s more practical body style.

When the Forte Koup debuted back in 2010, it was clear that the automaker was making an attempt to set itself apart from the rest by offering a stylish and hip compact that could appeal to the masses, but mainly to the millennials Gen Y buyers at the time.

Case in point, it had light-up speaker surrounds like the Kia Soul and standout styling that incorporated smooth body lines that were reminiscent of some German sedans, thanks to Audi-designer Peter Schreyer, who joined Kia in 2006. Also, spelling the word “coupe” with a “K” made the car a little more distinct and somewhat German-sounding as well.

Kia Forte Koup got sportier through the years

When the Forte Koup came out, it was available with either a 156-hp, 2.0-liter engine for the EX trim or a larger 173-hp, 2.4-liter engine that mated to either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Neither engine was too inspiring as Car and Driver noted in their review that the SX model’s acceleration felt “sluggish” and that the manual transmission was imprecise with the automatic possibly being the better way to go.

Fortunately, that changed with the 2014 model year as Kia redesigned the Forte Koup with a longer and wider body, updated styling, and a choice of more powerful engines. Under the hood was either a 173-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 201-hp, 1.6-liter turbo engine that could be connected to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. And while the Forte Koup offered buyers more power this time around, it still wasn’t as sporty as its looks entailed, but it did offer a lot of fun for anyone just looking for a compact means of transportation.

Is it worth it to buy a Kia Forte Koup?

In its most-recent 2016 iteration, the Kia Forte Koup was equipped with a bevy of technological and creature comfort necessities like Bluetooth, air conditioning, and all of the power amenities. But it could also be outfitted with packages that contained leather seats, a moonroof, push-button start, and a Google-powered UVO infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen. There were even some unexpected luxuries like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats available.

That all being said, the Kia Forte Koup once retailed from $19,000 to $25,000, however, you can now find some clean, low-mileage examples for anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 if you opt for the later models with the upgraded engines and features.

All things considered, we would say that’s a downright bargain considering what you get. Ultimately, at least you’ll have something that’s different than the average Civic or Corolla, especially since it starts with a “K.”