2014 Kia Forte sedan ready to take on the compact sedan segment

[AVANTI R5]

The 2014 Kia Forte sedan made its U.S. debut today at the 2012 LA Auto Show. It will be heading to dealerships in the first quarter of 2013 to compete with the likes of the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Mazda3 and many more.

“The all-new Forte significantly raises the bar, offering upscale amenities and eye-catching appeal,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. “When you combine exclusive available features like a ventilated driver’s seat and UVO eServices in a car with such an attractive design, it’s very clear the all-new Forte sets a new standard for the compact segment.”

Design wise, the 2014 Kia Forte gets the brand’s new signature grille along with a nice front and rear end design. On the inside, Kia continues to improve the quality of the materials used and the features offered including standard steering wheel mounted audio controls, SiriusXM Satellite Radio1, Bluetooth, power windows, air conditioning and power heated outside mirrors. Optional upgrades include rear-backup camera, push-button start, HID lights, LED taillights and Kia’s new UVO infotainment and connectivity system.

The 2014 Kia Forte will be offered in LX and EX variants. The LX is powered by a 1.8 liter unit making 148-hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The 2014 Forte EX is powered by a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder GDI engine making 173-hp and 154 lb-ft of torque – the EX comes standard with a 6-speed automatic. Buyers may opt for the Eco Package, which includes Kia’s ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system, dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear seat ventilation and unique ‘eco’ badge.

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[plunk10]

sucks if they don't offer the 6 speed manual with the bigger motor.

[vrusso]

Looks very Honda-like.

[plunk10]

Originally Posted by vrusso

Looks very Honda-like.

Maybe on the side profile, but elsewhere, I don't see it.

Interior is very un-honda, in a good way.

[edkwon]

Originally Posted by plunk10

Maybe on the side profile, but elsewhere, I don't see it.

Interior is very un-honda, in a good way.

I'd like to agree with this but I can't, the Kia interior looks a bit too GM'ish, as opposed to their cousin Hyundai designs which have a much more striking design language:

ex, the sister car, Elantra interior

[SCRAPPYDO]

The front grill is a let down of sorts.

[Derbagger]

Front is a bit of a mess...

rear looks like a Focus Sedan:





First underwhelming Kia in quite a while...not bad....just not a real looker.

[WeldingHank]

some really cool features coming with this car, if you opt for the new UVO2 system.

You can find the car via GPS if you forgot where you parked, you can start the car with a smartphone app, and even schedule service appointments through the UVO system.

[ChiWRX]

Rather have the Focus.

Projectors are nice though.

[WeldingHank]

Originally Posted by ChiWRX

Rather have the Focus.

Projectors are nice though.

Except for the crappy and expensive H11B bulbs kia likes to use.

[Dex]

Not bad, boo on the no MT. If I walk in to the Kia/Ford dealership by my house I'm leaving with a Fiesta ST, not another Kia.

[Italiano]

Originally Posted by AVANTI R5

What the hec is that white/silver (?) car in the background with the wacky scoop on the hood?~?~?

[Blitzkrieg]

Originally Posted by Italiano

What the hec is that white/silver (?) car in the background with the wacky scoop on the hood?~?~?

KIA, some how, manged to score a deal with DC Comics. Rides happend to score cyborg from DC and turned the KIA 5 door into the monstrosity you see in the background. The scoop doesn't have any real function. Its more of a giant hood ornament.

http://www.rides-mag.com/news/2012/1...-for-cyborg/#2

BlitZ