Kia has officially released the details of the all-new 2009 Kia Forte, which will eventually replace the Kia Spectra in the US.
The 2009 Kia Forte is powered by a 124 horsepower 1.6L engine. Kia plans on offering a 2.0L 4-cyl and a diesel engine in the near future.
From the official pics the Kia Forte is going to feature a USB and AUX ports for your iPods, a start/stop push button, Bluetooth and heated seats. It's far better than the current Spectra we have here in the US. Let's hope it gets here soon...
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Kia Motors Releases New Forte Compact Sedan
SEOUL, Aug 21 - Kia Motors Corp., South Korea’s No. 2 carmaker, unveiled its new Forte compact sedan Thursday, hoping that the fuel-efficient car will help boost sales amid higher fuel prices.
The new model, which goes on sale next week, is the latest entrant to the country’s 1.6-liter vehicle segment and marks the automaker’s newest model after another 1.6-liter version of Cerato was released in November, 2003.
The Forte, equipped with a gasoline or diesel engine, will compete with the Avante by Hyundai Motor Co. (KSE:005380), the SM3 by Renault Samsung Motors Co. and the Lacetti by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co.
The new Kia model generates 124 horsepower, and the company plans to add a 2-liter engine later.
The price for the Forte ranges from 11.9 million won (US$11,300) to 19.6 million won, depending on accessories and engine types, it said.
The automaker, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Co. (KSE:, said it aims to sell 50,000 units domestically and 170,000 units overseas next year. For this year, Kia Motors targets the sale of 30,000 units. Annual sales for the model will rise to 250,000 annually from 2010, it said.
Kia Motors revamped its lineup to boost sales by redesigning its minicar Morning, mid-sized sedan Lotze and new Mohave sport-utility vehicle. It also plans to add a small crossover vehicle, known as Soul, later this year.
Kia Motors last month raised its domestic sales target to 364,000 units this year from 327,000, fueled by strong sales of its Morning mini-car.
Comments (21)
Now compare this 2009 Kia with the 2011 Cruze.....
Game over!
This looks like a car and makes the Cruze a Frankenstein.
Posted by lowest iq | August 22, 2008 8:44 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:44
The front looks like a Civic... Hmmm....
Posted by spatch | August 22, 2008 8:52 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:52
Actually, to me, the cruze might be a little nicer, but at least Kia is looking into a diesel option, its what the people want, and it will sell. From the front it looks like and old Saab or Saturn, from the rear, a Civic, and the inside is bland, except for wtf is on the seats... how embarrasing
Posted by BigO | August 22, 2008 8:54 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 08:54
Nice clean look. No offensive styling.
Its a bit underpowered for a 4 door sedan. 124hp with 4 people might take 3 miles to get up to speed. Probably reach your destination just before you make it to interstate cruising speed.
Hope that 2.0l can generate at least 175hp.
Posted by doh | August 22, 2008 9:10 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 09:10
I think the red lines drawn on the seat are simply a diagram of the heating system.
For the car, I must say I like it's straightforward, simple and pure lines.
Posted by Gabriel | August 22, 2008 9:15 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 09:15
I think the red lines drawn on the seat are simply a diagram of the heating system.
For the car, I must say I like it's straightforward, simple and pure lines.
Posted by Gabriel | August 22, 2008 9:17 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 09:17
You're right Gab, picture 10 clearly shows the seats without those lines, picture 11 is showing off the heating elements.
Posted by GoDieselKia | August 22, 2008 9:24 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 09:24
@Big0,
You are right, your pen name says it all. You are a Big Zero!
How about putting two and two,err wait, one + one together before making an ass of yourself....
The only thing that is embarassing, is your comments...
Posted by Andrew | August 22, 2008 9:31 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 09:31
BTW, I have no opinions about the car itself, only opinions about the people who have opinions about the cars.
Posted by Andrew | August 22, 2008 9:41 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 09:41
This is a huge step forward from the hideous Spectra. I'd actually consider buying this, although with 125HP, probably not.
Posted by gm0n3y | August 22, 2008 11:32 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 11:32
Wow, Andrew is an absolute nutjob, clearly, my comment about the lines was sarcasm, and considering I am actually in the automotive industry, I might know something a bit about that. And I go around making an ass of myself, huh... wow
Posted by BigO | August 22, 2008 11:44 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 11:44
Wow, Andrew is an absolute nutjob, clearly, my comment about the lines was sarcasm, and considering I am actually in the automotive industry, I might know something a bit about that. And I go around making an ass of myself, huh... wow
Posted by BigO | August 22, 2008 11:45 AM
Posted on August 22, 2008 11:45
When are these people ever going to come up with a truly uniquely designed vehicle? This style totally says Honda Accord.
Posted by WhyBuyKorean? | August 22, 2008 12:36 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 12:36
I like the way the car looks. It looks good for an econocar.
Posted by Optimummind | August 22, 2008 1:48 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 13:48
Econocar is a good way to put it in a way... its hardly designed for power, speed, or even luxury for that matter. But it should get assumingly good mileage with the 1.6 litre, and even still with a 2.0 litre, and surely very good mileage with a diesel. Lets hope foreign car companies all start bringing in diesels to force the Big 3 to bring some in theirselves. I am a Big 3 supporter, but I am not blind to the fact they are digging their own graves by not following in the footsteps of foreign car makers in areas such as design and economy.
Posted by BigO | August 22, 2008 2:12 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 14:12
If they design a wagon version of this car I would be very interested. I like my '05 Matrix for the most part, but this car here with the diesel powerplant and in a wagon form would be the perfect fit for me....since I can't afford an Audi A4 Avant lol.
Posted by Aktunka | August 22, 2008 2:27 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 14:27
Gee Hyundai lets not try to be original. This looks like a damn Civic.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | August 22, 2008 6:08 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 18:08
Overall, nice, inoffensive lines. (a bit like the new Impreza sedan in profile, Honda Civic front fascia) This car will neither inspire or offend (IMO) but looks well made for its intended purpose; efficient commuter car. Ironically, the 1.6L puts out approx. the same HP numbers as the current Spectra 2.0. engine.
Posted by longdxcommuter | August 22, 2008 7:47 PM
Posted on August 22, 2008 19:47
"Gee Hyundai lets not try to be original. This looks like a damn Civic."
They really don't have to be. "Designing" cars that resemble other cars has paid off for them very well the past 8 years or so. I'd guess that they may have even vaulted past Nissan here in the states. If not, it'll happen very soon.
Now that Hyundai has cleared a bunch of quality and durablity issues, a good car that looks like a Honda and sells for less is only gonna boost sales. Do you really think the market that Hyundai targeted and capured really noticed that they looked like an Accord, Taurus, or Civic ? And obviously not every Hyndai/Kia model resembles popular cars.
Posted by Trooper Bri | August 23, 2008 8:43 AM
Posted on August 23, 2008 08:43
So what your saying is Hyundai is happy being the value brand and that's all they ever will be by all these copied designs. Well if you like being a cheap knock off of an original product more power to you.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | August 23, 2008 4:18 PM
Posted on August 23, 2008 16:18
Ya, I'm with SteelCity, you get what you pay for, and quality over, well, I guess, inexpensive.
Posted by BigO | August 23, 2008 5:18 PM
Posted on August 23, 2008 17:18