Kia Forte Hatchback will be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show [Video]

While the Forte Hatchback was designed in Seoul with the supervision of Kia's global chief of design, Peter Schreyer, it clearly had in mind the European tastes even if it is based in a model that for now isn't available in Europe, the Forte Sedan.

The car looks sportier, with the big headlights that includes DRL LEDs, a smaller version of the characteristic tiger nose grille, while on the back taillights also have LEDs and a double chrome exhaust tips.

It will be available with two engines choices. The weaker one will be the 2.0liter GDI producing 173hp @ 6500rpm and 209Nm (154lb/ft) of torque, while the other is the four cylinder 1.6liter turbocharged GDI with 201hp @ 6000rpm and 264Nm (195lb/ft). You can choose between a six speed manual or automatic transmission.

USA say hello to the new 2014 Kia Forte [Video]

 

The Kia Forte sedan is already known pretty much everywhere in the world. It is the K3 in Korea and the Cerato in Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and a few other countries, but has now arrived in the USA and in the Los Angeles Motor Show.

The new chassis under the also new body is longer (3cm or 1,2inch), wider (0,5cm or 0,2inch) and lower (0,3cm or 0,3inch) making it look more agressive, it also has a longer wheelbase (5,1cm or 2inch) making it more spacious for passengers.

The most important changes refer to ones made to the chassis, including McPherson strut front suspension and a coupled torsion beam rear axle, a new electric power steering that replaces the hydraulic system with an optional Flex Steer system that offers three settings, Comfort, Normal and Sport.

Powering the front wheels, with the help of a six speed manual or automatic gearbox, we have an 1,8liter engine producing 148hp @6,500rpm and 177Nm (131lb/ft) of torque @4,700rpm or a 2,0liter inline four cylinder GDI engine with 173hp @6,500rpm and 209Nm (154lb/ft) of torque @4,700rpm. The 2liter engine can only be choosen with the automatic transmission.

The new UVO infotainment system with eServices is standard with an optional navigation system. LED taillights are also optional.

Source: CarScoop