The Tiger Nose Strikes Again! Kia Forte Spied Before NAIAS Debut [Spy Shots]

Can’t Mistake That Nose! A TFLcar viewer spotted the new Kia Forte out testing in California.

There’s always one unmistakable feature that makes a Kia unmistakable on the road, and that would be the “tiger nose” front end. Even under camouflage, you can’t mistake that nose! TFLcar reader Jez sent in some new spy shots of the 2019 Kia Forte out testing on California Highway 14, just north of Los Angeles. From the looks of that front end, Kia’s giving the new Forte a more upright European treatment, bringing its design closer to its cousin, the Cee’d. You’re supposed to say that like “seed”, or if you want to sound like Jeremy Clarkson, “cee ‘apostrophe’ dee”.

Kia gave the current generation Forte a facelift for the 2017 model year, but its time for a completely new model. From the looks of these spy shots, the Kia is getting a Stinger-esque treatment that will likely carry over into the interior.

From the side profile, the model sports a new style of LED tail lamps that appear squared off compared to the current model. The side profile isn’t a complete revolution, but there are a couple subtle changes. The door mirrors have moved forward a bit, and Kia have given a more angular aesthetic to the rear quarter windows. Add in a thicker C-pillar than before, and it’s clear they were going for more athletic appearance with this new Forte.

Countdown to the 2019 Kia Forte Reveal in Detroit

Kia’s all set to reveal the new Forte to the world next Monday, the 15th, at the North American International Auto Show. Before that, however, they did release some renderings (above) showing off the concept behind the new model. With its vertically-inclined grille design and European style headlights, it’s clear that Kia intended a sporty, youthful vigor for this car. That makes sense, given the benchmark set by the new Stinger, which aims to take Kia in a new direction, both in terms of styling and sporting dynamics.

TFLcar will have more information for you on the Kia Forte soon, so stay tuned! If you have any spy shots of your own you’d like to send us, please submit them to info@tflcar.com. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more Detroit updates and videos on your favorite new models.