Next Generation Kia Forte To Be Introduced Under a New Name

Cycle and Carriage Kia will introduce the next generation Forte sedan in July with a new name - "Forte K3". It will replace the Cerato Forte which was Kia's bestseller in Singapore since its 2009 launch, with more than 6,000 units sold. The Cerato range is Kia's most successful seller globally, with more than 2.5 million global sales since its introduction in 2004, including 445,00 units in 2011 when it accounted for 17.9% of Kia's total worldwide sales. The new Forte K3 will feature a sleeker styling with 'dynamic muscularity' in a design that is longer, lower and wider than the current car, with an extended wheelbase. It will feature an all new body shell, upgraded equipment, a host of convenience and safety features, and a more spacious cabin with enhanced quality. Furthermore, it will have improved refinement with an upgraded powertrain line-up that delivers class-leading performance and fuel economy.

OneShift Editorial Team

17 Jun 2013

The new Forte K3 has cab-forward styling, a coupe-like roofline, distinctive concave door contours and a rising beltline with chrome molding extending into the C-pillar to project an aura of elegance. Careful attention to surface detailing and airflow-smoothing panels beneath the car have cut the sedan’s aerodynamic drag to Cd 0.27 (down from 0.29).

Compared with second-generation, new Forte K3 is 30 mm longer (4560 mm), 14.0, 15.0 or 16.5 mm lower (1435, 1445, or 1460 mm) depending on market and 5 mm wider (1780 mm), with the wheelbase extended by 50 mm (2700 mm) to become the longest in class – now the same as Kia’s Sorento SUV. Trunk capacity is increased to 421 liters (SAE) – the largest in class.

The interior design of new Forte K3 focuses on sportiness and adopts nature’s ebbs and flows as a pattern. The sweeping curve of the center stack is reinforced by carbon-look trim and for enhanced elegance, soft-touch materials are applied to the upper and center door trims, dashboard, and door armrests. Features standard on the Forte K3 include 10-way powered and ventilated driver’s seat with two memory settings, heated front seats, LED Daytime Running Lights, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, smart welcome lighting system, 4.2 inch full-color TFT-LCD supervision cluster, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), flex-steering, six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, multi-functional steering wheel incorporating control buttons for audio, cruise control, trip computer operation and Bluetooth hands-free system, paddle shifters, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, among others.

The new Forte K3 is powered by the popular lightweight 130 ps 1.6-liter Gamma engine (power up 4.8%), mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which enable the new Forte K3 to deliver a highly competitive combination of class-best power with modest fuel consumption and low emissions. It is able to accelerate to 100 kph in 11.6 seconds, reach a top speed of 195 kph and achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.8 L/100 km. With a carbon emission of 160g/km, the Forte K3 is eligible for a $5,000 CEVS rebate.

Credits: Oneshift News Team