Kia Rolls Out Its Forte Compact Sedan

The Kia Motor Company has long lived in the shadow of its Korean cousin, Hyundai Motors, playing second fiddle to an automaker who has been busy reinventing its own image. Kia, which has long stood for low-priced and average quality at best vehicles, is also in the midst of a makeover, having released its Soul urban expression vehicle earlier this Spring, a Scion-like car that has been well received by critics and buyers alike.

Competition For Toyota And Honda

Last week, Kia rolled out its second important introduction of the year, its Forte compact, a five passenger sedan that will thankfully replace the uninspiring Spectra. Based on the Koup concept, the Forte’s styling will help it compete against the two segment leaders — the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

And, judging by its looks alone, the Forte succeeds where all other Kia models have failed. Crisp styling, a well designed and appointed interior along with a competitive price will put the Forte on many buyer’s lists, something that the Spectra achieved thanks to major discounting. Kia says that the Forte is a clean break from the Spectra meaning that it is an all new model not just an all new name.

Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep

Courtesy of Kia Motors of America, the following photos will give you a better look at the compact sedan:

Replacing the Spectra, the 2010 Kia Forte offers bold styling which is based upon the Koup concept, a model that was well received at auto shows in 2008.

The tapered C Pillar is a styling cue typically found on more expensive, European sedans. The Forte sits on a 104 inch wheelbase and is 178 inches long by 70 inches wide.

The Kia Forte dashboard is nicely designed, with driver controls embedded on the steering wheel as well as on the center stack.

Comfortable bucket seats greet front passengers with the driver getting six-way adaptable seating. Leather trimmed and heated seats are available with the EX package.

Seating for three rear passengers is available, although just like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, two passenger seating is optimal.

Standard engine is a 2.0L I4 paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Optionally a 2.4L I4 engine is available, which is paired with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. An optional Fuel Economy Package on the EX model helps the Forte achieve 27/36 mpg, the highest ratings for this model.

For more information about the Kia Forte, please visit the Kia Motors website.