Yesterday, we brought you the very first images of Kia's latest product earmarked for arrival in America. Full details are now available on the 2014 Forte 5-Door hatchback, as well as a set of live photos taken at the Chicago Auto Show.
This new hatchback model should be built on the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra GT five-door launched last year. The styling has more in common with the new Forte sedan than with any other European or American Kia model. Big headlights with LED accent lights are connected together by a thin "tiger nose" grille. The Forte also has LED taillights and double chrome exhaust tips.
But it's under the bonnet where things really get interesting. When the Forte 5-Door goes on sale this fall, it will be available with a 2.0-liter GDI engine in the EX model. This makes 173 hp and 154 lb-ft (209 Nm) of torque.
But the model shown in Chicago is the Forte SX model, which offers a more powerful 1.6-liter turbo GDI producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm).
“We received very positive feedback after the all-new Forte sedan made its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, and we expect the all-new Forte 5-door will build upon that success”, said Kia Motors America executive vice president of marketing Michael Sprague. “The combination of a useful hatchback for carrying cargo and the sportiness of the turbocharged SX trim make the all-new Forte 5-door a dual threat in the segment.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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