2010 Kia Forte

2010 Kia Forte
2010 Kia Forte
Kia shows some style with the 2010 Forte, the Spectra replacement unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. As its name indicates, Kia is turning up the volume on its model lineup with the eye-catching all-new compact sedan. 

With an overall length of 178.3 inches, the Kia Forte is 1.1 inches longer than the compact Spectra, Kia's best-selling sedan. Forte will be available in LX, EX, and SX trim. Powering LX and EX versions is a 156-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mated to a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Uplevel SX models come equipped with a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic.

CG Says...
Kia hasn't exactly been known as a leader in the evocative styling department, but Forte and the upcoming funky Soul subcompact could change that. While Spectra is a solid choice in the compact segment, its relatively humdrum, dated design puts it behind the competition. This fresh look, coupled with Kia's standout 10-year/100,000-mile warranty and usually value-oriented price tag, could make Forte a hit.
Similar to GM's Xtra Fuel Economy package, Forte's optional Fuel Economy Package, available on 2.0-liter models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission, features low-rolling-resistance tires and other minor tweaks for a city/highway EPA fuel economy rating of 27/36 mpg. 

Standard on all Fortes are side curtain airbags, dual 12-volt power outlets, Sirius satellite radio with a three-month subscription, a USB port for MP3 connectivity, an auxiliary input jack, and a Bluetooth wireless cell-phone link. 

The sport-themed SX adds a sport-tuned suspension, red-stitched seats, bigger front brakes, and larger, 17-inch wheels. Though pricing was not announced, Kia promised that Forte will "deliver the exceptional value that Kia is famous for." The 2010 Kia Forte sedan goes on sale this summer; look for the debut of a coupe sibling shortly after. 

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