Kia’s vehicle styling seems to be improving ever since the Forte made its first official debut in late 2009 and was subsequently followed by the Koup a year later, this time around, with its renderings initially hitting the interwebs and then its somewhat official pictures popping up, here it is (officially) under the spot-light of the 2012 LA Auto show – the next generation Forte (2014) shows us it’s C-segment ‘metal’.
Currently, the Kia K3 (as it’s known in South Korea) is being introducing with two 4-cylinder petrol engine variants coupled to a standard automatic transmission, which starts with the 1.8L that’s rated at 148bhp at 6,500rpm and 178Nm of torque at 4,700rpm. Next up would be the larger displacement, direct-injected 2.0L petrol mill that cranks out more 25bhp and provides an extra 29Nm of twist to lad you at a final figure of 173bhp at 6,500rpm and 207Nm at 4,700rpm.
As expected the Forte is feature-packed that includes leather seating, navigation/infotainment, DRLs (Day-light Running Lights) at the front and back, and even HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps. A choice of 15”, 16” and 17” alloy rims.
The all-new Forte is now longer by 1.2” , lower by 0.6” and wider by 0.2” than its predecessor. Wheelbase for the new Forte stands at 106.3” (2” wider than before). However, although there’s some changes to the overall dimensions of the new car, McPherson struts inhabit the front corners, while the torsion beam rear axle is still being used. Kia is also saying that the on-centre steering feel has been improved by utilizing larger bushings for the revised front suspension geometry.
The Forte now gets an electric power steering over its previous conventional hydraulic system and is able to vary in terms of required steering input with the inclusion of an optional Flex Steer – allowing the driver to select the desired steering feel via a steering-mounted button with Comfort, Normal and Sport selections.
The cabin is one that’s driver-centric having been canted 10 degrees towards the driver with the main focus being on ergonomics making primary and secondary controls within easy reach. This time round, the driver’s seat becomes a 10-way electronically adjustable one.
The 2014 Kia Forte or K3 will be made available sometime in the first quarter of 2013 and hopefully once it hits our shores, it still maintains its usual budget price that’s packed with premium features. Be even better if the price remained the same, but we know it’d be a pipe-dream all together so would the inclusion of Kia’s UVO system that allows you control certain aspects of the car, except driving it of course.
http://youtu.be/vZy8XMzLF0o
