Imagine driving a very cool new car for a distance between 9 to 25 miles, getting out and then into another very cool car for another 9 to 25 mile leg and then repeating the same routine through 23 cars in a two day period.

Welcome to the 2010 NWAPA (Northwest Automotive Press Association) Run to the Sun held recently in western Washington.? After 23 cars and more than 450 miles of smiles, here are our quick impressions of the Kia Forte Koup.

Since opening four dealerships in the Portland, Ore. area in 1994, Kia has made gigantic strides in quality, quantity? of models and sales (the big one). With most of Kia?s emphasis on the economical sedans and wagon-style vehicles, we hear little about the Forte Koup (coupe).? In fact, since it was introduced at the 2009 New York auto show, we have had almost no drive time in it. ?After quick drives at the ?Run?, we were both surprised by how much we liked this little two-door.? It?s available in two models with two engines and three transmissions.? The ?Run? car was the upper level SX with a 173-hp, 2.4-liter four cylinder driving the front wheels through the six-speed manual transmission.? The attractive Koup makes the 0 to 60 mph run in 8.3 seconds, which is no big deal, but the driving fun factor was an 8 or ?9. ?We are anxious to spend more time in this one.? Pricing starts at $17,290 for the EX with five-speed manual transmission and peaks at just over $21,000 for the SX with an automatic moonroof and leather seating.

See the other 22 ?Run to the Sun? Cars here.