Kia Motors America has revealed its updated Kia Forte sedan and Forte5 hatchback at the Detroit Auto Show. The cars have been treated to subtle exterior updates similar to what we’ve seen in the Korean-spec Kia Cerato, but also gain a few powertrain and tech upgrades to match.
The US-spec Forte gains a new 2.0 litre four-cylinder multi-point injection (MPI) petrol engine that replaces the previous 1.8 litre unit. Performance figures for the new engine and the other new powertrain combos haven’t been revealed yet, but they are said to be more fuel efficient that before.
The new mill features in all variants except for the top-spec EX sedan and Forte5, both of which continue to use a 2.0 litre GDI engine. The five-door Forte5 also maintains its option of a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol.
A six-speed manual transmission is available for all variants, while Kia has also introduced a new six-speed torque converter automatic transmission as well. The Forte5 hatch has now been updated to offer a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
Both the sedan and hatch models have been treated to a new look inspired by the Kia Optima K5. The Forte sedan will offer customer a choice of two designs, with one plainly being a little sportier than the other. One of these looks can be seen on the Forte5 hatch.
The Forte5 hatch has been similarly tweaked in the style department, getting a new front bumper and tiger nose grille that has been extended to connect with the new headlights. Both body style variants get updated tail lights as well.
A new S trim line has been added to the Forte sedan, giving the model a sportier look and feel. The Forte S adds a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip. The Forte EX remains as the top-spec model in the Forte sedan’s range, and features LED tail lights, a Smart Key system, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Dynamic Bending Light headlamps.
The sedan and hatch also gain Kia’s new UVO telematics infotainment system, equipped with a seven-inch display touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The Forte sedan gets a long list of new safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Lane Change Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert. The Forte5 on the other hand will receive Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist.
Kia Motors America says that further details for both models will only be revealed at a later point, closer to the models’ market launch some time in the first quarter of 2016.
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- 2017 Forte Sedan
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- 2017 Forte Sedan
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- 2017 Forte Sedan EX
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- 2017 Forte Sedan
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Wow… Autonomous emergency braking… I think only full spec will get this is it?
Wow pure stunning beauty…that’s how Preve and Suprima should look like!
Suprima facelift
since Suprima already has 7 gears – no need to update. if u understand what i mean.
Boleh la… tapi masih belum mampu untuk menyaingi Honda Civic 2016. Kipidap & Dongibap!
Civic is nothing without turbo. Pity bolehland only got underpower car
Mazda 3 can smoke it easily
You buy a car to smoke other car? Thanks to ppl like you, Malaysia has one the highest vehicle accidents in the world.
Front headlamp looks ‘something wrong’
Agreed. The headlamp curve shape is ugly and doesn’t suite the grille which has sharp corners and straight edges. Current design looks better and more homogeneous with the overall car shape. A failed facelift attempt.
Dear Kia, pls send my regards to your head of interior designer. Tell him to eat more kismis ya. Bye2.. ;)
If you are not shopping for car or cannot afford then pls don’t judge! Tak malu ke?
What the..the current one look better I think. The headlight looks weird.
Hope that long list of safety(passive & active) will reach our shores not forgetting that sweet 1.6L turbocharged engine….
Kia malaysia would probably increase the kit count and lower its price when the new civic arrives…
tho , Honda has reiterated that turbo vtecs will not make it to our shores …. >:(
still a battle of NA engines in this segment….except the focus and the pug packing turbo power~!
BLAND
With the abv revelation. Kia (M’sia) 2016 tag line should read: Pay More Get Less …We’re 1 fxxking family
Instead of “face lifting” the exterior, could the designer please spend more effort in improving dated the interior?
Kia could have increased their sales by 30% had they brought on the MT versions of the cerato. The bulk of manual shifter lovers will not buy the auto just because its the only variant available.
Damn my kia forte original design so much nicer inside and out.