Kia Introduces All New Compact Forte Sedan

Say goodbye to the Kia Spectra and hello to the Kia Forte. The Forte is the newest model from Kia which only this past spring introduced the Kia Soul, its answer to the popular Scion family of vehicles. The Forte will do battle with the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the perennial leaders and favorites in the compact car category.

“On the heels of several successful vehicle debuts and introductions, Forte finds itself in good company and follows in the stylish steps of Borrego and Soul,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. “With a heavy emphasis on design, Forte sedan is poised to help consumers make that emotional connection with their vehicle by offering the entire package of style, safety features and value.”

Stylish And Priced Right

While the Spectra was often ridiculed for its bland styling and so-so quality, the Forte is stylish and offers an improved build quality, attributes it'll need in order to succeed in the crowded compact car segment. Working to the Forte's advantage is its standard sticker price, $13,695, some two to three thousand dollars below the price of comparably equipped models from its competitors.

The Forte will be offered in three trim levels – LX, EX and SX. The EX model will retail for $15,795 while the top of the line Forte in SX trim, begins at $17,195.

Five Passenger Seating Is Standard

Sitting on a 104 inch platform, the Forte is 178 inches long and 70 inches wide, offering seating for five passengers. Along with standard cloth seats, the Forte offers six-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering column, a rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console. EX and SX models expand the standard equipment list to include power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; tweeter speakers; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats.

All Forte models will be powered by a 2.0L I4 engine paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. An optional 2.4L I4 engine paired with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission is also available.

By its looks, the Forte is a winner as it is based on the popular KOUP concept, a car that was received with critical acclaim when it made the auto show circuit in 2008. With the Soul and the Forte in the Kia line up, the Korean automaker is repositioning itself to compete with some of the top brands.. And, based on these changes, Kia stands a very good chance of making a new name for itself in a bid to win itself some new customers.