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KIA Forte 5 Door Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2010
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: Hatchback
KIA Forte 5 Door photo gallery

Kia introduced the second generation of the Forte lineup in 2016 for the 2017 model year, and, along with the sedan, it also offered a fived-door version named Forte5.

Designed as an affordable vehicle, the Forte5 was made by Kia on the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra and the European Kia Ceed. Thus, the carmaker was able not only to provide a lower-priced vehicle but also a well-equipped one, which could have offered enough features for an economical transportation solution.

Its design followed the renewed version of the "Tiger nose" concept imagined by Peter Schreyer when he took over Kia's design department. It resembled a similar look as Forte5's bigger sibling, the Optima. The angular headlights swept back offered a sporty look for the hatchback. Moreover, the front bumper featured a broad lower grille flanked on the sides by the foglights.

Inside, the carmaker tried to provide the vehicle with everything a modern person needed in 2017. Thus, it installed as an option an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible infotainment system. Even though the latter was not available at the car's launch. Kia offered the Forte5 in three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX, the latter being the sportiest in the stable. It offered bolstered bucket seats at the front and a split-folding bench in the rear. Even though the trunk was not something to brag about, it had a decent size for regular, two-people use.

Under the hood, Kia installed a choice of two engines. One was the older 2.0-liter GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) unit, and the most potent version was the 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI. Both units were paired as standard to a six-speed manual, with an option for a six-speed automatic or a seven-speed (dual-clutch), respectively.

full description and technical specifications
KIA Forte 5 Door photo gallery

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.

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KIA Forte 5 Door photo gallery

Kia introduced the five-door version of the Forte at the 2010 New York Auto Show, trying to survive in a market deeply affected by the world financial crisis.

Those dark years of the motor industry saw prestigious automakers collapse and different alliances formed to prevail. Yet Kia didn't need that. Instead, it survived together with Hyundai, its parent company. In a way, the world financial crisis was an opportunity for the Korean carmaker since customers tried to buy cars with pennies. And Kia offered just that: many features and amenities for low money. In addition, the automaker managed to get rid of the older, not-so-popular nameplate Spectra and introduced the Forte. Its strategy worked.

The Forte was not only an affordable vehicle. First and foremost was also a good-looking one. Its sharp lines belonging to the new-edge design trend, made it look fresh. In addition, the chromed trim surrounding the grille sported the "Tiger nose" design signature introduced by Peter Schreyer on the facelifted cee'd in 2009. From its profile, the compact hatchback featured an unusual design on the D-pillars that allowed the carmaker to install a third window behind the rear doors.

Clearly, the interior was not garnished with the best quality materials on the market. Yet, these were decent, and customers forgave it since the cabin was well-designed. Fronting the driver, the instrument cluster featured a large speedometer in the middle flanked by the tachometer on the left and the fuel-level gauge on the right. Depending on the trim level and options, the car featured paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, which was unusual for such a budget-friendly vehicle.

Under the hood, the Forte received a range of two inline-four engines paired either with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

full description and technical specifications