2014 KIA Forte 5-door SX debuts with a Turbo at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show

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This is the new 2014 KIA Forte 5-door – Nice no?

The 2014 KIA Forts 5-door SX is lower, longer, wider and sexier than the previous Forte. This is a more elegant, sophisticated design that maintains some similarity with the previous model with a massive dash of European attitude.  More importantly, KIA finally gives the Forte a proper power-plant with a 201 horsepower, turbo!

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“The Forte 5-door SX is the most powerful Forte built by Kia to date, utilizing a 1.6-liter GDI turbocharged four-cylinder that help improve performance.  Power is seamlessly transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.  The GDI powerplant produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,750-4,500 rpm.  The advanced powertrain features double overhead cams with dual continuously variable valve timing to help improve efficiency and performance.

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The Forte 5-door EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter GDI powerplant producing 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm.  During durability testing, the engines are run 300 continuous hours at redline under full load then for an additional 20 hours at 10 percent above redline under full load.” – –  KIA media

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Try as I might, I couldn’t find a single thing to complain about when I saw the debut of the 2014 KIA Forte 5-door SX. It WILL be fast, it IS striking to look at and it has the utility of a hatchback. I love hatchbacks, especially when they are this good looking. That good looking character translates to the interior. It is simple, attractive and looks like it avoids the temptation of screwing with the IP unlike other automakers.

5446_1_2“Inside, the Forte 5-door features premium materials and soft touch points. Large, easy-to-read white-on-black gauges nestle deeply into the instrument cluster.  Chrome accents around the HVAC controls and optional push-button start, along with carbon fiber-like textures on the dash and seats, add a sporty touch.  A grippy leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are further evidence of the Forte 5-door’s performance aspirations. Class-exclusive available features such as front and rear heated outboard seats, an air-cooled driver’s seat and driver-selectable electric steering further set the Forte 5-door apart from its competition.” – – KIA Media

 

 

No word on pricing yet (I suspect the base price will be close to the current model’s $18,300 price-tag), but expect to see the 2014 KIA Forte 5-door in dealerships before summer.

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