The Kia Forte lineup is set to expand this fall with the introduction of the 2011 Forte 5-Door model. We’ve already seen this hatchback take on the traditional Forte design at the New York Auto Show a few months ago, but now the Kia website has a small preview of the upcoming model.
The fall release date is confirmed by the South Korean company, which says that the versatile hatchback will have support for bluetooth, MP3 connectivity as well as Sirius satellite radio capability. Other options already available for the Forte Koup are also expected to make their way onto the hatch.
Most importantly, the 5-Door will have two versions, the lower priced EX and the more feature-rich SX. The EX will be standard with a 156 HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, as well as 16-inch wheels, while the SX will come with a 173 HP 2.4-liter engine, and 17-inch wheels. Both units can be coupled with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic.
Expect pricing and other details to be revealed at the end of summer.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 kia forte 5-door, 2011 kia forte hatchback, Kia, kia forte
Five-door hatchback models haven’t really been that popular in North America. Times are changing though, as more and more models are being launched in the territory by some carmakers.
Kia is joining them, as it has revealed the 2011 Forte hatchback model at the 2010 New York Auto Show. As you can see, the new five-door, which will join the existing sedan and the Koup, boasts a new front fascia, set to be revealed for the other models later this year, as well as a few other new accessories.
Among the new features will be the option of installing satellite navigation and paddle shifters for those who opt for automatic gearboxes. Expect the same engine choices, either a 2.0-liter or a 2.4-liter unit, which can be mated to a choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.
Expect the new 2011 Kia Forte hatchback to be appear on the North American market later this year.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 kia forte, 2011 kia forte hatchback, five-door, hatchback, Kia, kia forte, new-york-auto-show, north america
One major flaw with the car industry, at least according to us, is that some cars aren’t available globally. This is why the Kia Forte Koup, which is, as of yet, just for sale in North America, has been beyond our European grasp since it was launched.
In order to further twist the blade in the wound, Kia Canada has just announced that dealerships across the country will be able to offer and install a new R performance package for the Forte Koup. The kit will only be available for the SX and EX editions, at a premium, but many customers will definitely be interested in it.
Included in the package are things like a performance exhaust system, a performance air filter, stiffer springs and a strut tower brace. It seems these mods won’t affect the power output, but you can be sure that the handling of the Koup will improve.
In terms of visuals, the R package will add a restyled body kit, comprised of front skirts, side sills and a rear spoiler, a lot of badges both outside and on the inside, as well as 18-inch Europa wheels, wrapped in Yokohama S-Drive tires.
Customers will be able to order the R package in May, and dealers will also be able to install the kit on already purchased Kia Forte Koup models. No word yet on US availability though.
Post tags: Tags: Kia, kia forte, kia forte koup, performance package
Following recent announcements that in the future they will focus on eco-friendly cars, yesterday Kia introduced the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea. With this occasion, Kia has also announced their new eco-friendly sub-brand Eco-Dynamics.
The Kia Forte LPI hybrid is powered by hybrid powertrain consisting of a 114 hp 1.6 liters LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injected) engine and a 20 hp electric motor. Kia claims their new hybrid achieves a fuel economy of 17.2 kilometers per liter of LPG fuel (41 MPG US), the equivalent to 21.5 kilometers per liter of gasoline. The electric motor is powered by highly advanced lithium polymer (Li–poly) battery, a new lighter and smaller battery with higher output than nickel-metal hydride batteries. The same batteries will power the upcoming Chevrolet Volt and will be supplied by LG Chem.
Photo Gallery: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid
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Post tags: Tags: Green, Hybrid, Kia, kia forte
Last Thursday, the South Korean company announced their latest car, the 2009 Kia Forte compact sedan. With the recent high gas prices, Kia hopes to boost sales by releasing this new fuel efficient car, of which they hope to sell 30,000 units this year and up to 250,000 in 2010. The car will be offered with Kia’s 124 hp 1.6 liter engine and a 2.0 powerplant is scheduled to be added to the range soon. Priced from 11.9 million won ($11,300) to 19.6 million won ($18,300), the 2009 Kia Forte will go on sale this week and will compete cars like the Hyundai Avante, the Renault SM3 or the GM Daewoo Lacetti.
More photos after the jump. (more…)
Post tags: Tags: fuel efficient, Kia, kia forte
