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The Kia Forte is an all-new compact sedan replacing the previous Spectra for the 2010 model year. The Forte will go on sale in North America in late spring or early summer of 2009.
Exterior
With a bold look set apart by crisp lines, swept-back headlamps, and a sleek profile, the 2010 Kia Forte will go head-to-head with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Chevrolet Cobalt.
Available in three trim levels - LX, EX, and SX - the Kia Forte offers a sleek, sophisticated design. The sportier SX trim offers a more athletic profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45 R17-sized premium tires and a rear spoiler.
Interior
With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 178.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, the Forte offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class with seating for up to five passengers.
The Kia Forte offers the largest cabin in its class, which at 96.8 cubic feet exceeds that of competitors like the Honda Civic (90.9 cu-ft), Chevrolet Cobalt (87.1 cu-ft), and the Toyota Corolla (92.0) considerably. The Kia Forte offers class-leading front headroom (40.0 in.) and legroom (43.3 in.), and ranks at the top of its class for rear-seat headroom (37.8) and legroom (35.0). At 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, the Forte's trunk is smaller than the Corolla's (16.6 cu-ft), but larger than the Cobalt's (13.9 cu-ft) and Honda Civic's (12.0 cu-ft).
Standard features include a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering column, rear defroster, and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console. Also standard is a four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players and SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service
Kia Forte EX and SX models offer a number of additional features like cruise control; power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; dual front and rear cupholders; and floor mats.
Kia Forte EX models also receive leather-trimmed seats, while SX models add a telescoping steering column as well as sport cloth seats adorned with red stitching, further enhancing its energetic persona.
Forte offers a host of standard safety equipment, including active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Handling & Engines
Kia Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection. The transmissions are available on LX and EX models: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. The SX comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission and features an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.
The optional Fuel Economy Package, available with the 2.0-liter powerplant, will include the five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering, and low-rolling resistance tires with aero enhancements to provide a combined fuel economy of 36 mpg (highway).
Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte utilizes an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs.
SX models receive a sport-tuned suspension and larger front brakes for improved stopping capabilities.