DETROIT: KIA’s Forte5 and Forte sedan has been revealed sporting an exterior design inspired by the all-new Optima at this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and both are due to go on sale in the first half of 2016 in the US.
The Forte5 hatchback gets three trim levels starting with the entry level LX, EX and range-topping SX, whereas the Forte sedan has the LX, S and EX.
Both hatchback and sedan has a front clip that’s highlighted by a wider version of the signature “tiger nose” grille, similar to the one found on the all-new Optima that connects the rearward-sweeping redesigned headlights.
And depending on variants, LEDs are used for the rear light cluster as well as daytime running lights.
The entry-level Forte5 LX gets projector beam headlight, keyless entry with trunk opener, blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear-cross traffic alert, while the EX gets LED taillights, leather seats, heated front seats, push-button start with Smart Key, and perimeter approach lighting with front-door pocket lighting along with UVO services.
Kia’s UVO infotainment system offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlayTM (late availability) compatibility, and is displayed on a seven-inch colour touchscreen and both platforms allow drivers to stay connected, while behind the wheel.
The range-topping SX adds on 18-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear fascias with red accents and dual exhaust tip finishers along with an exclusive new colour – Orange Color Pack that includes orange leather seat inserts and contrasting stitching on the seats and shifter.
Under the hood lies a 2.0-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine that’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an available second-generation six-speed automatic transmission.
However a 1.6-litre turbocharged GDI engine is also available that paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission but Kia is keeping mum about the performance figures till closer to the launch date.
As for the Forte sedan, it comes in three variants starting with the LX, S and the range-topping EX – all of which will be produced at the Korean carmaker’s new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, which will begin in he first half of 2016.
As standard, the Forte gets a 2.0-liter Atkinson I-4 engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox or an available second-generation six-speed automatic transmission.
Furthermore, it gets crammed in with additional advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, front collision warning, and dynamic bending lights.
As for the S variant, it adds a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip.
But, the range-topping EX trim comes standard with LED taillights, dynamic bending light technology, Smart Key with perimeter approach lighting and front door pocket lighting, and new 17-inch alloy wheels.
Within the cabin, both the LX and S trims get upgraded cloth materials for the seats, while the S trim features an exclusive black fabric seats with white contrasting stitching, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The EX now comes standard with leather seats with heated front seats, 10-way powered driver seat with a two-position memory setting, dual-zone automatic temperature, rear vents, and a push-button start with Smart Key.
As for infotainment, both the S and EX trims come standard with UVO33 telematics, which is displayed on a seven-inch colour touch screen as well as sat nav, drive mode select of Normal, Eco or Sport.
KIA FORTE5
KIA FORTE SEDAN
Keyword: Kia showcases Forte sedan and Forte5 hatchback