With performance inspired, aggressive and sleek styling, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the 2010 Kia Forte Koup production vehicle during a press conference at the 2009 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Joining the Forte family in the KMA lineup, the company’s first-ever two-door coupe embodies the brand’s current bold design direction first seen on the concept version of the Soul urban passenger vehicle in 2006.
With performance inspired, aggressive and sleek styling, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the 2010 Kia Forte Koup production vehicle during a press conference at the 2009 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Joining the Forte family in the KMA lineup, the company’s first-ever two-door coupe embodies the brand’s current bold design direction first seen on the concept version of the Soul urban passenger vehicle in 2006.

Kia Forte Is The New Spectra

The 2010 Kia Forte, a replacement for the dull Spectra, is one the first salvos in Kia's battle to enhance its image. Perhaps the 173 HP, six-speed manual-equipped SX will find its target.


Similar to the already debuted Korean 2009 Kia Forte, the new Forte was supposed to be the new Spectra. We're guessing the company decided to move away from the name, which didn't have much of a positive reputation in this country.


Available in LX, SX or EX trim, the Forte has a leg up on its predecessor in both the style and features departments. Both the LX and EX versions get a 2.0-liter DOHC fourbanger good for 156 HP and 144 lb-ft of torque featuring CVVT. The sporty SX gets a 2.4-liter inline-four delivering 173 HP, which they claim is more powerful than the most powerful versions of the Toyota Corolla and 2010 Mazda3. Ahem, 2010 Mazdaspeed3. Boasting aside, it's a lot of power for a small Kia. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the Kia Spectra has some sleeper potential.




The list of options is fairly high for a small car, including standard Bluetooth and an audio input jack and USB port for iPod connectivity. Move up to the EX or SX packages and a six-speed system with steering wheel controls is also available. Full details in the press release below.

Overview

Designed as a replacement to the Spectra, Kia's Forte debuted in 2009 as a 2010 model. With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 178.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, Forte offers one of the roomiest cabins in its class, according to Kia. The car has a total of 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, with 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.8 inches of headroom and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats.
Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte utilizes an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. A number of chassis and body refinements promise to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.




The car is available in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. EX and SX models offer a number of additional standard features, such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats.



Forte EX and SX models also include standard cruise control with an optional sunroof and leather-trimmed seats. Also standard on SX models is a telescoping steering column as well as sport cloth seats with red stitching.



Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which delivers 173 horsepower. Two transmission options are offered for the 2010 Forte: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic manual shifting.



The optional Fuel Economy Package, available with the 2.0-liter powerplant, includes the five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering and low-rolling resistance tires with aero enhancements. These improvements result in fuel economy of 36 mpg on the highway.



Forte comes with a standard four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. Standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players. Standard Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. The EX and SX packages also add a standard six speaker surround audio system and steering wheel controls.



Pricing for the Forte sedan starts from $13,695 with the base LX model. The mid-level EX sells for $15,795, with the range-topping SX model stickering from $17,195. Pricing does not include a $695 destination charge.



As noted, the Forte replaces the aging Spectra sedan. The Spectra is Kia's top selling model, and was first introduced in 2000, originally sold only as a hatchback. It's not known if a hatch version of the new Forte will be produced, or if the model lines will diverge.

An experience beyond words

AN EXPERIENCE BEYOND WORDS.


When we decided to build our first two-door coupe, we didn’t hold anything back. The result is the 2010 Kia Forte Koup. The Forte Koup brings the shape and design cues of the groundbreaking Koup concept to life in Canada’s newest and most exciting compact sport coupe. With a low wedge-like profile and bold styling, it turns heads faster than any law should allow. It’s also infused with the power to surprise, so you’ll find the Forte Koup is packed with performance, comfort and convenience features that you probably thought you’d have to pay extra for. Surprise!

Driving Impressions

The 2010 Kia Forte isn't exactly a driver's car in LX or EX guise. There's lots of body roll during enthusiastic cornering, and the steering is rather numb. However, the SX model's sport-tuned suspension makes for a night-and-day difference. It's still not as sharp as something like a Honda Civic Si, but the SX's overall driving dynamics put it at the head of the economy class.


In any trim, the ride is comfortable enough, and with the exception of intrusive road noise on some surfaces, the Forte is a confident highway cruiser. The four-speed automatic's tall gearing means you've barely crested 3,000 rpm in 2nd gear at 45 mph -- good for your gas budget, but decidedly unhelpful if you need to pass anyone while traveling at that speed. On the plus side, the the five-speed automatic is a capable unit, particularly when mated to the SX's 2.4-liter engine. The SX's manual shifter, however, is as vague and rubbery as they come.

Interior Design and Special Features

Interior Design and Special Features




The new Kia Forte's dashboard design doesn't raise the bar aesthetically -- frankly, it's pretty boring -- but it includes easy-to-read gauges, a clean layout and generally intuitive audio and climate controls. Standard Bluetooth connectivity across the lineup is also a nice touch. Materials quality is good enough to satisfy expectations in this segment. Unfortunately, the telescoping steering column is only available on the SX, meaning taller drivers might have a hard time getting comfortable in the LX and EX.



Rear legroom is good for this class, though the Koup's rear quarters are predictably tighter, and they lack the sedan's center armrest. Trunk space is plentiful, measuring an impressive 14.7 cubic feet in the sedan and 12.6 in the coupe.

Safety

Standard Forte safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2010 Kia Forte LX and EX get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 156 hp and 144 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. Ordering the EX sedan's Fuel Economy package changes out the four-speed auto for a more efficient five-speed automatic. The SX has a larger 2.4-liter four that generates 173 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque; it gets a standard six-speed manual transmission or the same optional five-speed automatic as the EX.

For most Forte models, fuel economy is above average for the small car segment. The LX and EX (with either transmission) have a 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined EPA estimate. Opting for the Fuel Economy package bumps the EX's figures to 27/36/30 mpg. The more powerful Forte SX has a less impressive 22/32/26 mpg rating with the six-speed manual and 23/31/26 with the five-speed automatic

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options




The 2010 Kia Forte is a four-door compact car available in LX, EX and SX trims; The two-door "Koup" is available in EX or SX trim only.



Standard equipment on the base LX includes 15-inch steel wheels, a six-way-adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering column, Bluetooth connectivity and a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with USB and auxiliary audio jacks. The EX adds air-conditioning, full power accessories, a six-speaker layout for the sound system, cruise control and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat with (on the sedan only) a center armrest and adjustable rear headrests. The EX Koup adds 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, sport front seats and a sportier exhaust note.



The SX trim tacks on a larger 2.4-liter engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, wider tires, foglights, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an enhanced gauge cluster, a trip computer, unique cloth upholstery and metallic interior trim. On top of these items and the EX Koup's extras, the SX Koup gets unique 17-inch alloys and a sportier version of the SX sedan's suspension, along with illuminated red speaker surrounds that can be configured to blink in time to the beat.



Options on the LX include air-conditioning and the split-folding rear seat, but power accessories are unavailable. The EX has an expanded range of options, including a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels (sedan only) and leather upholstery with heated front seats. A Fuel Economy package for the EX sedan adds a five-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering, low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic enhancements. SX options are limited to the sunroof and heated leather seats. Notably, the SX's standard tilt-and-telescoping steering column cannot be specified on the LX and EX trims, which offer tilt only.

Penned by a former Audi designer, the 2010 Kia Forte's sleek exterior signals that it's no longer business as usual in Kia's compact sedan department. The Forte's predecessor, the Spectra, was known for its cut-rate pricing and little else, but the new car announces its presence with authority thanks to crisp overall lines and unusual details like an upswept kink at the A-pillar. There are also derivative elements -- the nose is distinctly Civic-like, for example -- but the Forte is undoubtedly one of the best-looking small cars on the market. The question is whether the car itself is as good as the wrapper it comes in.




As it turns out, this Kia is actually a very competitive car, from its 156-horsepower base engine to its impressive fuel economy. The interior is pleasant, too, with plenty of standard features on most trim levels and decent-quality materials. As with the old Spectra, you get a lot for your money (including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty), but this time around you're not going to feel as if you're driving a red-tag special. There's even a sharp-looking two-door "Koup" version that heaps an extra helping of two-door style onto the sedan's underpinnings.



As with any car, of course, things aren't perfect with the Forte. For one thing, the base 2.0-liter engine's four-speed automatic transmission -- the powertrain arrangement we expect most Forte buyers will be opting for -- is saddled with extraordinarily tall gearing. This helps fuel economy, of course, but it also means that you may not be able to summon those 156 horses when you need them. Additionally, the Forte's handling is uninspiring in the LX and EX trims -- we strongly recommend the SX model, as its more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension make a big difference in the overall character of the car.

All things considered, the 2010 Kia Forte makes a strong case for itself as a legitimate alternative to established all-stars like the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Scion tC and Toyota Corolla. From fuel economy to backseat space, this Kia is remarkably solid -- and in SX trim, it's also one of the most enjoyable economy cars to drive. There can be little doubt that the 2010 Forte marks Kia's arrival as a serious player in this hotly contested segment.

Kia Forte: The Car Of The Futurist

We've already shown you the surprisingly attractive 2009 Kia Forte and now, thanks to Kia-World, we have a treasure-trove of pictures as well as some more information on the Spectra replacement. According the all-things-Kia site, the new Forte will come with small gas and diesel engine options when it debuts in Korea, with a 2.0-liter engine to follow, likely for the US market. Speaking of the US market, Kia plans to export 200,000 units abroad in 2009 and we assume a lot of those are set to head this way. How will they fight off the Chevy Cruze and other comers?

Aiming for the buyer that wants a lot of features for a little scratch, the Forte will come with high-end tidbits including a Bluetooth smart key, a voice-recognition-enabled nav system, side and curtain airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control and active headrests. Couple that with the sharp exterior and you've got a vehicle that could expand the brand's market share. That being said, we don't really understand how this is a "futurist" vehicle and not a "futuristic" vehicle. [Kia-World]

Recent Consumer Reviews

Vehicle




2010 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)



Review



I got my kia when they first hit the Parkersburg lot, and I have loved it! I live in WV and we have had a lot snow this year and my forte goes great! The traction control has been a big help on icy conditions and all the extra features just add to the wonderfulness that is my forte. It is a bit rough over bumps, but thats most small cars I've driven.



Favorite Features



bluetooth, traction control, shiftable automatic, dash and console design, great gas mileage



Suggested Improvements



outside temp gauge to match the compass,the headrest adjusts to uncomfortable positions

Vehicle




2010 Kia Forte Koup SX 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5A)



Review



Great little coupe, lol. Handles well, drives well and has plenty of get up and go when you want it, very leisurely when cruising around the block or on the interstate. I think 0-60 times are incorrect...I hit 85mph before entering the interstate on a standard on ramp. Very nice sounding stereo, love the simplicity of the interior.



Favorite Features



Acceleration, stereo, bluetooth, comfort, trunk size, mpg. I also love the turn indicators built into the mirrors and the headlights are very bright at night, with very clear visibility even in heavy rain.



Suggested Improvements



Make the ride just a tad softer. Other than that, I really have no complaints!



Was this review helpful
Vehicle




2010 Kia Forte SX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)



Review



I know I'm in the honeymoon period right now seeing as I've only had the car for 3 days, but I'm really impressed with my purchase. Kia definitely surprised me with the Forte. I never thought I'd buy a Kia but I couldn't be happier at the moment. The SX with leather is definitely the best trim to go. I got it in Spicy Red, which comes with red stitching on the leather, heated seats. I love the auto shutoff on the headlights/fog lights. The steering wheel controls are very well planned out and the steering wheel itself looks great. The back seat and the trunk have significantly more room than other comparable compact sedans like the Focus, Corolla, and Civic.Engine has alot of peppiness to it



Favorite Features



Exterior looks; leather heated seats with red stitching; homelink w/ compass; doors unlock when you shutoff the car; auto shutoff on the headlamps/fog lamps; back seat leg room; trunk room; side mirror turn signals; engine's peppiness; trip computer and speedometer display are great



Suggested Improvements



Increase gas mileage; add an external thermometer; reconfigure the bluetooth to not always peep so load when you try to call someone---almost hurts my ears everytime; add ambient lighting; add the speaker lights option like what the Kia Soul has; add a push button start; add remote powerstart


Best Car I have bought




Written by: newcarbuyer on 01/23/2010



Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating



Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10

Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10

Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 10





Vehicle



2010 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)



Review



Between me and my wife we have bought about 6 new cars in the last 25 years. We have owned Ford, Mitsubishi's, Toyotas, Nissans and finally Kias. I have owned the Kia Forte for the past 6 months. It is the best car I have bought. My enthusiasm for the car hasn't diminished in the past 6 months. I like the firm suspension that the Forte was intentionally designed with unlike the VERY soft ride of Toyota and GM. Quality, pickup and gas mileage is great. I do not know how they got the highest horsepower with the greatest mileage in its class for a gas driven car. The engineering of the car is solid and the interior is nice and the car lines are good. I would highly reccemend this car.



Favorite Features



Solid suspension and handles well, Nice feature set (ABS, ESC, Aux Audio In, USB port & Bluetooth), Nice interior (doesn't look or feel cheap), nice exterior lines.



Suggested Improvements



sunvisor removes too easy from sunvisor holder. Door detent should be stronger (light wind closes the door). Bluetooth Cell phone connections loads phone every time you restart the car Bluetooth should have memory and maintain the phonebook

Founded 1944


Headquarters Seoul, South Korea

Number of locations Main Plant Locations: Hwaseong Plant, Hwaseong, South Korea; Sohari Plant, Gwangmyeong, South Korea; West Point Plant, Georgia, USA; Kwang-Ju Plant, Gwangju, South Korea; Seosan Plant, Seosan, South Korea; Slovakian Plant, Žilina, Slovakia

Area served International

Key people Byung-Mo Ahn: Group President and CEO Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia

Industry Automobile manufacturer

Products Automobiles; over 1,000,000 sold last year.

Employees 57,000 (as of July 10, 2009)

Parent Hyundai Kia Automotive Group (40%)

Website kia.com

KIA Forte

The Kia Forte is a compact car manufactured by Kia Motors. In 2009, it replaced the Spectra in North America. In its first year, the Forte was Kia's top-selling car, with the company selling more than 300,000 units in the first year of launching.

First generation
The Forte shares the same platform as the Kia cee'd.[citation needed]

Kia KOUP
The Kia KOUP was a concept vehicle for the Kia Forte. It included panoramic-view glass roof, carbon fiber chin spoiler, lamp lenses, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser; Brembo brakes, Supervision instrument panel, eight speakers, Bluetooth-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD), 2.0-liter Theta II twin scroll turbocharged direct injection engine rated 290hp, Continuous Damping Control, six standard airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 245/40ZR19 tires, adaptive front lighting and cruise control.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 New York International Auto Show.[1][2]

Forte sedan
The Forte sedan was designed by Kia chief design officer Peter Schreyer, former lead designer for Audi.[3][4] It is based on the Kia KOUP Concept, a two-door coupe, and was designed in Kia's California design studio.[5][6]

US model was unveiled in 2009 Chicago Auto Show.[7][8]

Korean model went on sale in 2008-08-22.[9]

Kia Forte Koup
Main article: Kia Forte Koup
The 2010 model year vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 New York Motor Show. The production vehicle includes choice of 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine or 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine.[10

Affiliations and subsidiaries

Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the American sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. In August 2009, Kia was the 8th-best selling automotive brand in the United States, outselling makes like Chrysler and Mazda.

In November 2009, Kia started production at the first U.S. Kia Motors plant, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point, Georgia, U.S.A.. The facility is building the 2011 Kia Sorento crossover vehicle.

Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe (KME) is the European sales and marketing division of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC). In 2007 KME moved from its previous location at Hauptstrasse 185, Eschborn, Frankfurt to a new purpose built facility adjacent to the Messe in Frankfurt city centre.

From 1995 to 1999 Kia produced left and right hand drive versions of the Sportage SUV at the Karmann factory in Germany. From 1999 until production of the model ceased in 2003, all Sportage production reverted to South Korea.

Kia began importing cars to Europe in early 1991, initially selling just the Pride mini-car. It initially proved popular with buyers but sales fell towards the end of the decade and the end of production was finally announced in May 2000, with its successor — the Rio — not going on sale for another year.

The European range expanded in 1994 when Kia began importing the larger Mentor, a range of medium sized hatchbacks and sedan which were marketed as cheap and well-equipped alternatives to the likes of the Ford Escort and Vauxhall/Opel Astra. A facelift in 1999 saw the Mentor name retained for the saloon, but the hatchback was renamed Shuma. These models remained on sale until 2004, when the newer Cerato was launched and gave Kia one of its first serious competitors for mainstream brands.

The Sportage SUV range has been popular across Europe, but since 2002 Kia has gained more sales in this market thanks to the launch of the larger Sorento.

Kia did not enter Europe's large family car market until the launch of its Credos four-door sedan in 1999. This car was similar in size to the Ford Mondeo, but on its launch was actually cheaper to buy than the smaller Focus. It had a spacious interior, large boot, competitive asking price and high equipment levels, but it had little more appeal to sway buyers away from established European brands like Ford Motor Company, Vauxhall/Opel, Renault and Peugeot. Its successor, the Magentis, launched in 2001, was still nowhere near as popular as Kia might have hoped it would be.

Kia entered the MPV market in 1999 with the Sedona. On its launch, it was the cheapest full-size people carrier on sale in the United Kingdom.

2004 saw the commencement of European imports for the Kia Picanto city car. It has proved very popular with budget buyers in most of Europe.

As of 2007, Kia has been importing cars to Europe for 16 years. On its arrival, just one model was being sold. The range has gradually expanded over that time so the marque has a competitor in just about every sector except for the luxury and sports market. Sales of its products have so far failed to match those of established European brands, but current sales records have been impressive for a marque which only arrived in Europe at the start of the previous decade.

History

According to Kia Motors, the name "Kia" derives from the Sino-Korean words ki ("to come out") and a (which stands for Asia), it is roughly translated as "arise or come up out of Asia" or "rising out of Asia".[1][2]

South Korea's oldest car company, Kia was founded in 1944 as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycles. In 1952, Kia changed its name from Kyungsung Precision Industry,[3] and later built motorcycles (starting in 1957), trucks (1962) and cars (1974). Starting in 1986, in partnership with Ford, Kia produced several Mazda derived vehicles for both domestic sales in South Korea into other countries. These models include the Pride (based on the Mazda 121) and Avella, which were sold in North America and Australasia as the Ford Festiva and Ford Aspire.

In 1992, Kia Motors America was incorporated in the United States. The first Kia-branded vehicles in the United States were sold from four dealerships in Portland, Oregon in February 1994. Since then, Kia expanded methodically one region at a time. Dealers in 1994 sold the Sephia, and a few years later the United States line expanded with the addition of the Sportage.

However, Kia's bankruptcy in 1997, part of the Asian financial crisis, resulted in 51% of the company being acquired in 1998 by South Korean rival Hyundai Motor Company, outbidding Ford Motor Company which had owned an interest in Kia Motors since 1986.[4] Subsequently, however, Hyundai has divested some of its ownership of Kia Motors[5], and currently Hyundai Motor Company owns less than 40% of the company.

Kia Motors

Kia Motors (Korean: 기아자동차) is South Korea's second largest automobile manufacturer. With its headquarters in Seoul, it is owned by the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. Its CEO is Chung Eui-sun. The American arm is Kia Motors America. On October 20, 2006, Kia Motors America formally hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia, at an initial cost of over $1 billion. Since 2005, Kia has started to focus on the European market and is currently one of the UK's fastest growing car companies and had various other successes in the European market.