KIA Forte 5 Door 2013-2016 Photos, engines & full specs

Kia introduced the first generation of the Forte lineup in 2008 in Korea and unveiled it as a five-door hatchback at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

The Korean carmaker built the 5-door Forte on the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra and the European Kia cee'd and received a facelift at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. It might not have the best materials in the industry or the latest technology inside, but it was built to last on low running costs.

When compared to its previous generation, the 2013 Kia Forte was bolder, roomier, and better equipped. It had a European-influenced design with longer headlights. The two trim levels available offered enough features for a family and in the rear, thanks to its bigger wheelbase. Moreover, to enhance the car's profile, the sculptured door panels featured an ascending curved line. At the back, the raked-forward rear windscreen was flanked by two wide, triangular-shaped C-pillars. Like the rest of its stablemates, it was available with LED taillights.

In the instrument cluster, there was a 4.2" TFT screen offered as an option, and the sat-nav system was available. Like other Kia models, the Forte joined the trend with the electric power steering instead of the hydraulic type. Its two bucket seats at the front sported bolstered areas, but not too high to provide a sporty feeling. In the back, the carmaker installed a split-folding bench for three adults.

For the base model, with the 1.8-liter, a 6-speed manual was fitted as standard and an optional 6-speed automatic was available. The 2.0-liter engine, in the EX trim level, was paired with a 6-speed automatic only.