Preview: 2014 Kia Forte

Review by Justin Pritchard, photos courtesy Kia

Photo Gallery:
2014 Kia Forte

Kia’s been busily updating their popular Forte model range for the 2014 model year, and the resulting vehicle is hitting dealer lots soon. After bowing on this year’s auto show circuit and starring in a Super Bowl commercial alongside a former Miss USA, the new Forte underwent several finishing touches and is now readying for launch.

The Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Sentra are all square in the new Forte’s sights, and the model’s remarkable look, which is California-designed and inspired by models like the Kia Optima and Sportage, was noted by the crowds it gathered at the auto shows.

“The all-new Forte significantly raises the bar, offering upscale amenities and eye-catching appeal,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America. “When you combine exclusive available features like a ventilated driver’s seat and UVO eServices in a car with such an attractive design, it’s very clear the all-new Forte sets a new standard for the compact segment.”

The new Forte is truly all new, now riding a new chassis, offering new features and new power plants.

2014 Kia Forte. Click image to enlarge

Available feature content will include next-generation UVO connectivity, which makes it easy to access multimedia on the move via voice command. The underlying functionality of this Microsoft-powered system exists in numerous other vehicles under different names, most notably, Ford Sync. Look for redundant steering-wheel mounted controls in most grade levels.

A back-up camera, segment-exclusive ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel will all be available, too. Ditto keyless access with push-button start, automatic climate control and xenon HID headlights. Additionally, Kia’s ‘Flex Steer’ system can be specified, allowing drivers to fine-tune the steering feel of their Forte in real time between three distinctive modes.

So yeah – this is a ride that will truly raise the bar on the level of luxury and technology available in its highly competitive segment. There’s even an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system that shuts the engine down a la hybrid when the vehicle is stopped.

Power will come from one of two four-cylinder engines. The first is a 1.8L unit that provides 148 horsepower, while a 2.0L engine with GDI (gasoline direct injection) makes 173. The latter engine is available only with a six-speed automatic, while the standard, port-injected 1.8L powerplant can be had with either automatic or manual boxes. Both engines are made of lightweight aluminum and use weight-saving composite intake manifolds to keep things trim. Both also feature variable valve timing, dual overhead cams, and numerous implements for reduced noise and harshness.

2014 Kia Forte. Click image to enlarge

Two inches longer than the outgoing model, the new Forte has been retuned for enhanced ride and handling characteristics to correspond with other changes in the lineup. Lower and wider than the last-generation car, engineers recalibrated the bushings and front suspension system for better on-centre steering feel and increased comfort and responsiveness.

There’s a unique, flexible and sporty new five-door Forte model coming, too.

“We received very positive feedback after the all-new Forte sedan made its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, and we expect the all-new Forte 5-door will build upon that success” Sprague added. “The combination of a useful hatchback for carrying cargo and the sportiness of the turbocharged SX trim make the all-new Forte 5-door a dual threat in the segment.”

Taking a sportier approach than the Forte sedan, two trim levels will be offered: EX and SX. The EX will use the same up-level 2L powerplant as the sedan, though the 1.8L engine won’t be fitted. The high-performance 5-door SX model will pack a 1.6L turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder from the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, making 201 horsepower and nearly as much torque – which is good enough to make it the most powerful Forte yet. This engine features a unique dual-scroll turbocharger design and advanced turbo controls to turn in a flat power curve and near-nil levels of turbo lag. The Forte 5-door SX also features a wheel and tire upgrade for a more engaging driving experience.

That’s backed up by dual chrome exhaust tips, a more aggressive fascia, gloss grille inserts, larger brakes, sport pedals and various carbon-fibre-look accents inside and out.

Manual or automatic transmissions will be available on the sporty Forte SX, and Kia says cargo space will exceed 650 L (23 cu. ft.).

Created in the Kia design studio in Seoul and overseen by Kia’s global chief of design, Peter Schreyer, the Forte 5-door’s hatchback profile, large wheels and aggressive posture give it a distinctly European appearance with high-performance intentions. It’s geared towards a shopper after elevated levels of flexibility, utility and driving pleasure.

Look for both of the 2014 Forte models on sale later this year, with pricing announced nearer their on-sale dates. The 5-door model will be a late-introduction unit, set to arrive late summer or early fall.

Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)