Kia Forte
Encyclopedia
The Kia Forte is a compact car
manufactured by Kia Motors
since mid-2008 to replace the Cerato
, available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback variants. It is not available in Europe
, where the similar sized Kia Cee'd
is offered (except for Russia
and Ukraine
, where the Cee'd and the Forte are both available).
In some markets, such as Australia
and Brazil
, the Forte is marketed as the Kia Cerato replacing its predecessor of the same name
. In Singapore, the name Kia Cerato Forte is used, while Naza
of Malaysia has assembled the vehicle since 2009, selling it there under the name Naza Forte.
Kia has stated that the Forte was specifically designed to target younger buyers attracted to sharper auto designs.
in the form of the "Kia Koup" on March 20, 2008 at the New York International Auto Show
. The concept sported a twin screw turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter Theta II inline-four engine. The production Forte Koup is badged as the "Kia Cerato Koup" in Australasia, is called the "Kia Shuma" in China, and "Kia Koup" in Chile.
design studio. The Korean model went on sale on August 22, 2008. The US model was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show
.
Forte at the Seoul Motor Show
for the South Korean market. Taking its underpinnings from the Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid, the car is powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is powered with a 85 kW 1.6-litre LPG engine
coupled with a 15 kW electric motor and a lithium-polymer battery pack, making it the first production car to use lithium-polymer batteries.
In Malaysia, the Forte is assembled by the joint-venture company Naza
-Kia and is called the "Naza Forte". It is offered with the 1.6-liter Gamma and 2.0-liter Theta II engine variants, with six-speed automatic transmissions.
counterpart, with the coupe and saloon available together. The Forte is not available in other European countries, due to the relatively low popularity of small family saloons there. Despite the LPI Hybrid being launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Forte is still not offered in European countries outside Russia and Ukraine.
, with an optional four-speed automatic or a five-speed automatic with the Fuel Economy Package. For the 2011 model year, Forte is available with an optional six-speed automatic, with the four- and five-speed automatics being discontinued.
The LX is the base model. It comes standard with electronic stability control
(ESC), and seat- and side-mounted airbags. The standard stereo includes four speakers, AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player, and Sirius XM Radio. An iPod
-compatible USB input jack and an auxiliary port for an external music device and steering wheel mounted audio controls are also integrated with the sound system. Bluetooth
handsfree technology is also standard. The second-tier EX adds air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, a six-speaker radio, a key fob with keyless entry, and turn signal indicators on the side mirrors. The SX has the 2.4-liter engine with a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. The SX also adds alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever, a tilting and telescoping steering column, sport-cloth seats, and a metallic finish to the interior. Later production models have soft-touch panels on the armrest and door, as well as on the dashboard. For 2011, the EX and SX sedans are automatic-only, while the base sedan and all models of the Koup and Forte5 continue to offer the choice of manual or automatic.
An optional Fuel Economy Package adds low resistance silica tires, a more efficient alternator, a five-speed automatic transmission
, and aerodynamic enhancements to increase fuel efficiency. With the Fuel Economy Package, the Forte EX has a 27 miles per US gallon fuel consumption in city driving and 36 miles per US gallon in highway according to United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). Automatic transmission models include an "Eco" display on the instrument panel that tells the driver when better than expected fuel efficiency is reached, hoping to influence driving habits toward more efficient operation.
For the Forte Koup, an optional leather package is available on both EX and SX trims. When combined with the EX trim, leather is utilized for the upholstery, steering wheel and shift lever; heated front seats and a sunroof are also included with the package. When paired with the SX trim, it includes only heated leather seats and the sunroof, as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever are already fitted as standard.
The Forte sold in Canada has similar specifications and equipment as the US-market model. Some differences include the addition of power windows, door locks and power heated exterior mirrors on the base LX trim, a telescopic steering wheel on the EX trim, and a standard sunroof and automatic climate control system on the SX trim. The EX and SX also have a chrome-trimmed rear garnish and door handles.
Compact car
A compact car , or small family car , is a classification of cars which are larger than a supermini but smaller than or equal to a mid-size car...
manufactured by Kia Motors
Kia Motors
Kia Motors , headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 1.4 million vehicles in 2010...
since mid-2008 to replace the Cerato
Kia Cerato
The Kia Cerato is a compact car produced by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors since 2003. In 2008, the Cerato was replaced by the Kia Forte, however, the "Cerato" name continued on in some markets.- First generation :...
, available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback variants. It is not available in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, where the similar sized Kia Cee'd
Kia cee'd
The Kia Cee'd is a front wheel drive small family car released in the European market by the Korean manufacturer Kia Motors in December 2006—superseding the Kia Spectra—and available as a five-door hatchback, three-door hatchback , and five-door estate with a choice of up to four...
is offered (except for Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
and Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
, where the Cee'd and the Forte are both available).
In some markets, such as Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, the Forte is marketed as the Kia Cerato replacing its predecessor of the same name
Kia Cerato
The Kia Cerato is a compact car produced by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors since 2003. In 2008, the Cerato was replaced by the Kia Forte, however, the "Cerato" name continued on in some markets.- First generation :...
. In Singapore, the name Kia Cerato Forte is used, while Naza
Naza
Naza Group of Companies is a Malaysian business conglomerate associated with motor trading, automotive franchises and property development, which began operations in 1974...
of Malaysia has assembled the vehicle since 2009, selling it there under the name Naza Forte.
History of development
The Forte shares the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra (HD), though employing a torsion-beam rear suspension in place of the Elantra's multilink design.Kia has stated that the Forte was specifically designed to target younger buyers attracted to sharper auto designs.
Coupe (Koup)
The two-door coupe "Forte Koup" was originally unveiled as a concept carConcept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
in the form of the "Kia Koup" on March 20, 2008 at the New York International Auto Show
New York International Auto Show
The New York International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in New York City in late March or early April. It is usually held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It usually opens on or just before Easter weekend and closes on the first Sunday after Easter...
. The concept sported a twin screw turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter Theta II inline-four engine. The production Forte Koup is badged as the "Kia Cerato Koup" in Australasia, is called the "Kia Shuma" in China, and "Kia Koup" in Chile.
Sedan
The Forte sedan was designed in Kia's California design studio by Tom Kearns and his team. The Forte two-door ("Koup") was previewed as the "Kia Koup" Concept, and was also designed in Kia's CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
design studio. The Korean model went on sale on August 22, 2008. The US model was unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show
Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Placeconvention complex. It is among the largest auto shows in North America....
.
Hatchback
The new Forte hatchback five-door debuted at the 2010 New York International Auto Show 2010.Powertrain
| Engine type | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L Gamma I4 (gasoline) | 1,591 cc | 126 hp | 15.9 kgf.m | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic (6-speed automatic + paddle-shift as of 2011 model) |
| 1.6 L Gamma I4 (LPG hybrid) | 1,591 cc | Continuously variable Continuously variable transmission A continuously variable transmission is a transmission that can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios... automatic |
||
| 1.6 L CRDi VGT I4 (t/c Turbocharger A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance... diesel) |
1,582 cc | 128 PS | 26.5 kgf.m | 4-speed automatic |
| 2.0 L Theta II I4 (gasoline) | 1,998 cc | 156 PS | 19.8 kgf.m | 5-speed manual, 4- and 6-speed automatic |
| 2.4 L Theta II I4 (gasoline) | 2,359 cc | 173 PS | 227 N.m | 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic |
LPI Hybrid
In 2009, Kia unveiled the mild hybridMild Hybrid
Mild hybrids are essentially conventional fossil-fuel vehicles equipped with a large electric machine allowing the engine to be turned off whenever the car is coasting, braking, or stopped, yet restart quickly...
Forte at the Seoul Motor Show
Seoul Motor Show
The Seoul Motor Show is a biennial auto show held at KINTEX , Goyang, Gyeonggi-do. Hosted by the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association , It is recognized as an international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.-2007:The 6th Seoul Motor Show runs from April...
for the South Korean market. Taking its underpinnings from the Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid, the car is powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is powered with a 85 kW 1.6-litre LPG engine
Autogas
Autogas is the common name for liquefied petroleum gas when it is used as a fuel in internal combustion engines in vehicles as well as in stationary applications such as generators. It is a mixture of propane and butane....
coupled with a 15 kW electric motor and a lithium-polymer battery pack, making it the first production car to use lithium-polymer batteries.
Asia
For the Chinese market, Kia has offered the "Forte Furuidi" since 2009. The Furuidi was unveiled at the Nanjing International Expo Centre, and is available with the 1.6- Gamma and 2.0-liter Theta engines. "Furuidi" means luck and auspiciousness in the Chinese language—and has a pronunciation similar to its English name "Forte".In Malaysia, the Forte is assembled by the joint-venture company Naza
Naza
Naza Group of Companies is a Malaysian business conglomerate associated with motor trading, automotive franchises and property development, which began operations in 1974...
-Kia and is called the "Naza Forte". It is offered with the 1.6-liter Gamma and 2.0-liter Theta II engine variants, with six-speed automatic transmissions.
Europe
In Russia and Ukraine, the Cerato (Forte) is available as Cee'd's notchbackNotchback
Notchback is a styling term describing a car body style, a variation of three-box styling where the third distinct volume or "box" is less pronounced — especially where the rear deck is short or where the rear window is upright...
counterpart, with the coupe and saloon available together. The Forte is not available in other European countries, due to the relatively low popularity of small family saloons there. Despite the LPI Hybrid being launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Forte is still not offered in European countries outside Russia and Ukraine.
North America
In the United States, the LX and EX include a 2.0-liter CVVT engine and a standard five-speed manual transmissionManual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
, with an optional four-speed automatic or a five-speed automatic with the Fuel Economy Package. For the 2011 model year, Forte is available with an optional six-speed automatic, with the four- and five-speed automatics being discontinued.
The LX is the base model. It comes standard with electronic stability control
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
(ESC), and seat- and side-mounted airbags. The standard stereo includes four speakers, AM/FM radio, CD/MP3 player, and Sirius XM Radio. An iPod
IPod
iPod is a line of portable media players created and marketed by Apple Inc. The product line-up currently consists of the hard drive-based iPod Classic, the touchscreen iPod Touch, the compact iPod Nano, and the ultra-compact iPod Shuffle...
-compatible USB input jack and an auxiliary port for an external music device and steering wheel mounted audio controls are also integrated with the sound system. Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
handsfree technology is also standard. The second-tier EX adds air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, a six-speaker radio, a key fob with keyless entry, and turn signal indicators on the side mirrors. The SX has the 2.4-liter engine with a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. The SX also adds alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever, a tilting and telescoping steering column, sport-cloth seats, and a metallic finish to the interior. Later production models have soft-touch panels on the armrest and door, as well as on the dashboard. For 2011, the EX and SX sedans are automatic-only, while the base sedan and all models of the Koup and Forte5 continue to offer the choice of manual or automatic.
An optional Fuel Economy Package adds low resistance silica tires, a more efficient alternator, a five-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, and aerodynamic enhancements to increase fuel efficiency. With the Fuel Economy Package, the Forte EX has a 27 miles per US gallon fuel consumption in city driving and 36 miles per US gallon in highway according to United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
(EPA). Automatic transmission models include an "Eco" display on the instrument panel that tells the driver when better than expected fuel efficiency is reached, hoping to influence driving habits toward more efficient operation.
For the Forte Koup, an optional leather package is available on both EX and SX trims. When combined with the EX trim, leather is utilized for the upholstery, steering wheel and shift lever; heated front seats and a sunroof are also included with the package. When paired with the SX trim, it includes only heated leather seats and the sunroof, as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever are already fitted as standard.
The Forte sold in Canada has similar specifications and equipment as the US-market model. Some differences include the addition of power windows, door locks and power heated exterior mirrors on the base LX trim, a telescopic steering wheel on the EX trim, and a standard sunroof and automatic climate control system on the SX trim. The EX and SX also have a chrome-trimmed rear garnish and door handles.