The new sedan replaces the current Spectra (Cerato), Kia’s top-selling model in the U.S., and will eventually be offered as a coupe. A hatchback model will also be offered but this car has been ruled out for the North American market.
The Forte is expected to go on sale by the middle of next year in other markets and will be followed by the new coupe several months later. It will initially come with two compact petrol engines, a 1.6L four-cylinder unit with 124hp (92kW) and a more powerful 2.0L unit to be announced later. A 128hp (95kW) 1.6L turbodiesel will also be offered in some markets. Furthermore, a turbocharged performance model as previewed by the Koup concept could also make an appearance.
Inside, the Forte shows the upgraded interior design aesthetic that really took off with the C’eed, and what appear to be more premium materials, including soft-touch plastics and leather upholstery. While the Forte certainly doesn’t break any new ground in its interior design, it does show that Kia is intent on moving its vehicles up the ranks and changing perceptions about its quality. Upmarket features include satellite navigation, voice-recognition, active headrests and vehicle stability control.
Kia has spent more than $200 million and 29 months developing the new car, and is predicting worldwide sales to top 250,000 units annually.
2009 Kia Forte sedan
Reader Comments
Wed Jul 2 2008 8:07 AM
Chris says
wow... funny how it still looks like a civic, even in watered down production form. civic front, mitsu back.
kia,... still trying to impress by copying.
Wed Jul 2 2008 8:59 AM
mlevere1992 says
Everything but the sides from the Eruope Accord....
Wed Jul 2 2008 4:18 PM
Joeshmo says
why are you guys always negative against kia or hyundai
Similar design = business plan, and its working well lol
Thu Aug 21 2008 6:22 PM
Hedorah says
All is an Acura TSX.
Thu Aug 21 2008 6:55 PM
Gus says
It looks good. A good copy of various bits, but all around it looks good.
Funny how almost every car now has a starter button.
I'm sure it will be in every car eventually, but my friend still has trouble with his Corvette when his wife and him both get into the car at the same time, since the car doesn't know which settings to apply, his or hers.
And what if you lose the fob?
I'm waiting for the car that recognizes you by some other means, no key, no nothing.
Thu Aug 21 2008 8:01 PM
94 Taurus owner says
All I see is a Civic knockoff.
Thu Aug 21 2008 8:02 PM
94 Taurus owner says
*sigh* I'm going to miss the spectra.
Thu Aug 21 2008 9:44 PM
NoNameDenton says
Guess Kia is seriosu about becoming the sporty young brand of the two while Hyundai focuses more on luxury.
Thu Aug 21 2008 9:44 PM
NoNameDenton says
Guess what you guys, if you look close enough all cars now days look like other cars, so stop the oh it looks like this comments, find something original to say.
Fri Aug 22 2008 2:13 AM
putUrHandsUpqq says
It looks similar to honda civic because the guy who designed the
civic designed this...
Fri Aug 22 2008 2:40 AM
putUrHandsUpqq says
nevermind... he didn't
Fri Aug 22 2008 1:52 PM
james says
i think it's a step in the right direction for kia. i like their new suv also, much better than it used to be. good going kia!
Fri Aug 22 2008 3:59 PM
NoNameDenton says
Kia has made a lot of great strides, explains why they are now the 5th largest automaker, right behind Ford (4) and VW (3).
Fri Aug 22 2008 4:00 PM
cristian says
De we care really? I will never buy these ugly cars.
Fri Aug 22 2008 8:12 PM
NoNameDenton says
If they are so ugly, why is Hyundai-Kia selling so well? In your opinion it is ugly, other people have different views Mr. Generalizations.
Sat Aug 23 2008 6:24 AM
Quang-Anh Nguyen says
Absolutely, This is a son of 2008 ACCORD
Mon Aug 25 2008 2:59 AM
Tony says
No problem with this car. Kia (and Hyundai), which you couldn't have paid me to drive some 8 - 10 years ago, have improved so much you could actually see and feel it. Get behind an older Rio, then shut the door of the new Magentis/Optima for starters. Good effort. Look like something else? Doesn't almost everyone? At least Kia's copying the right bits in the right proportion. It's no Audi, but if it's competent enough, at least it isn't as bland as a Corolla. Engines could be a tad bigger especially with an automatic, but certainly adequate for most markets.
Mon Aug 25 2008 4:04 AM
amac says
This is a great looking little car. I don't think it looks like the bland Honda Civic AT ALL, this car has way more more character and flair. If this were and Acura, some of you label snobs would be drooling all over it. Acura should be so lucky because their vehicles are dreadful looking these days, the new TL makes me want to hurl. I realize that Kia is not in the same league as Honda/Acura, but based on looks alone, the one's a winner.
Thu Sep 4 2008 1:35 PM
Mert says
Karizma Karizma
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