2017 Kia Forte
Following its debut at the Detroit Motor
Show, the refreshed 2017 Kia Forte gains a new base engine and a host of new
driver-assistance systems.
Last year’s 1.8-litre is now replaced by
a 2.0-litre four-cylinder running on the Atkinson cycle with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft
at 4.500 rpm. The new engine will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as
standard, with Kia also offering the option of a second-generation six-speed
automatic unit as well. The latter is also offered in the 164 hp 2.0-litre GDI
version, offering improved fuel economy and smoother shifting.
Visually, the 2017 Kia Forte gains a new
front bumper and an extended ‘tiger-nose’ front grille to meet the headlights,
just like in the 2016 Optima. A set of newly designed taillights with optional
LEDs complete the outside revisions.
Kia will now offer three trims to choose
from, including a new sporty S trim to sit between the entry-level LX and the
EX range topper. The new S model gives you a sportier setup for the suspension,
16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler and a chrome
exhaust tip. Inside there is an exclusive black cloth upholstery with
contrasting stitching, as well as a leather steering wheel and shift knob.
A seven-inch touchscreen display is also
standard, featuring Kia’s telematics system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. S
and EX models come with Drive Mode Select as standard, offering a choice of
Normal, Eco or Sport modes to the driver. Kia has also added an array of safety
systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Lane
Change Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and
Rear-Cross Traffic Alert.
Pricing details for the updated Forte
will, according to Kia, be announced shortly .
