Kia Forte
| Kia Forte | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kia Motors |
| Also called | Kia Cerato |
| Production | 2009-present |
| Assembly | Hwasung, South Korea |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 2-door coupe |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | Kia cee'd Kia Sportage Hyundai Elantra Hyundai i30 Hyundai Tucson |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.6L I4 2.0L I4 2.4L I4 |
| Transmission | CVT 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto mm |
| Length | Template:Auto mm |
| Width | Template:Auto mm |
| Height | Template:Auto mm |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Kia Spectra |
The Kia Forte is a new compact car to replace the Spectra in North America, and will go on sale as a 2010 model (2009 elsewhere). The Forte was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. It is based on the Kia cee'd but unlike the cee'd which is targeted at the European market, the Forte will be offered to the rest of the world such as North America and Asia. It is still called the Kia Cerato in Australia.
It is based on the Kia Koup Concept, which was a two-door coupe. It will be offered initially as a four-door sedan, but a two-door coupe will come later. A possible hatchback version has also been hinted at, for those who don't care for the Soul's radical design. Like most compact cars, all engines are four-cylinder, and 1.6 litre, 2.0 litre and 2.4 litre CVVT engines will be available, but only the 2.0L and 2.4L will be available in the USA. Four transmission choices will also be available, 4 and 5 speed automatics, and 5 and 6 speed manuals.[1] The Kia Spectra5 hatchback will largely be dropped, replaced by the Rio-based Soul. The Forte will be launched in Singapore on February 2009 as the Kia Cerato Forte.[2]