The Kia Forte had been showcased at the L.A Auto Show, where Kia motors said that the new Kia Forte will be arriving at dealerships in early 2013. So the the new Kia Forte represents the heart of KMA’s small-car line-up, replacing the current Forte, which had been a huge success story since its arrival in 2009. The new Kia Forte has been placed between Rio sub-compact sedan and the best-selling Optima mid-size sedan, and the new sedan includes an unexpected premium features. Lets take a look at the all new Kia Forte.
First the all-new 2014 Forte will be offered in LX and EX variants with a choice of an efficient 1.8-liter engine or a more powerful 2.0-liter engine. The stunning European design-inspired sedan that makes it clear the Korean auto manufacturer has another winner in its line-up of sought-after cars and CUVs.
“The all-new Forte significantly raises the bar, offering upscale amenities and eye-catching appeal,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “When you combine exclusive available features like a ventilated driver’s seat and UVO eServices in a car with such an attractive design, it’s very clear the all-new Forte sets a new standard for the compact segment.”
Under the hood, the LX features a 1.8-liter powerplant, while the EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter engine. Both engines feature dual continuously variable valve timing and a lightweight intake manifold. The LX model, which has the 1.8-liter MPI inline four-cylinder engine, produces 148 horsepower available at 6,500 rpm and 131 lb.-ft. of torque on tap at 4,700 rpm, and the whole unit is mated to an standard six speed manual transmission or an optional six speed automatic gearbox. And the, EX model produces 173-horsepower at 6,500 rpm, from its 2.0-liter inline four cylinder GDI engine, and offers a robust 154 lb.-ft. of torque which is available at 4,700 rpm, the EX comes standard with a six speed automatic.
Outside, the car is longer (by 1.2 inches), lower (0.6 inches) and wider (0.2 inches) than the previous Forte sedan. With its 106.3-inch wheelbase, it is two inches longer than the present model, the all-new Forte rides on a McPherson strut front suspension and a coupled torsion beam rear axle. The offered drives are, Comfort, Normal and Sport, which vary steering effort at the touch of a steering wheel-mounted button. And the LX manual rides on 195/65R-15 tires, while 205/55R-16 tires on 16-inch alloy wheels are optional. The top-of-the- line EX is shod with the same 55-series tires. Low-profile 215/45-17 tires mounted on sporty 17-inch alloy wheels are optional.
Inside, the cabin features high-quality materials and soft touch points. There is an optional 4.2-inch color LCD screen nestled between the gauges in the EX models, Chrome bezels, and HVAC rotary knobs, and the optional push-button start. Additional chrome accents, standard Bluetooth hands free phone integration and power windows, mirrors and door locks enhance the all-new Forte’s premium feel. Optional leather seating trim, power sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents and HID head lights, which makes the car completely different from its competitors.
Click through the pictures and stay tuned for more updates.
