2010 Kia Forte Sees Daylight at Chicago

Following the recently-launched Soul and the almost-in-mass-production Soul'ster, Kia rolled out a new model at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show codenamed Forte (pronounced for-tay). The compact sedan is expected to go on sale in North American in early summer of 2009, offering an impressive lineup of standard features plus, similar to many other newly-unveiled models, fuel efficient engines.

First of all, the car comes with three trim levels, LX, EX and SX, each of them sporting 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 premium tires and rear spoiler. Offering enough space for up to five passengers, Kia praises (obviously!) Forte for handling, ride quality and engine performance.

The EX and SX add a number of standard features, as it follows: power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, map lamps, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls and dual front and rear cup holders. A large sunroof plus leather-trimmed seats are available as options, Kia wrote in a press statement.

Both Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine unit that produces 156 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. The SX incorporates a 2.4-liter powerplant which produces as much as 173 hp, “more than the most powerful version of the Toyota Corolla or even the 2010 Mazda3,” the South Korean manufacturer mentioned, claiming this model is more powerful than two of its main rivals.

There are are several transmission variants available: a standard five-speed manual unit and an optional four-speed automatic unit for LX and EX models. In addition, the SX edition comes with a six-speed manual transmission while a five-speed automatic with Sportmatic comes as optional.

Pricing details are yet to be announced.