Kia unveiled the all-new and much-improved 2019
Forte Sedan at Detroit Auto Show. The all-new Kia Forte is said to offer higher
levels of comfort than its predecessor, with visual enhancements inside and
out, as well as improved fuel efficiency and modern advanced driver assistance
technologies.
You'll notice that the
2019 Forte features a long hood and short deck, resulting in a Fastback-like
shape, similar to the Stinger. Kia also moved the cowl point back by 5 inches,
creating a more dynamic stance for the new model. The headlights don't actually
resemble those found on the Stinger, while the LED taillights kind of look like
those on the Sportage crossover - thanks to their overall shape and the
horizontal trim piece.
Since the Forte's overall length was increased by 81 cm to 4,640 mm, overall legroom and additional
trunk space also grew. Meanwhile, Kia increased the height by nearly 12.7 mm to 1,440 mm, while width expanded to 1,798 mm.
Inside, the Stinger-inspired dashboard features
circular vents, an 8" color touchscreen, soft-touch points and a
horizontal theme with clear lines and minimal buttons. The new Forte comes
standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can also read your SMS text
messages aloud through Bluetooth. Another useful feature is the available
wireless charging tray, compatible with certain Android devices as well as the
Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
What Kia calls a "surprising feature in this
segment" is the new Forte's 320-watt Harman Kardon premium sound system,
with its unique speaker hole pattern on the door panels and throughout the
cabin. As for active safety tech, in addition to Blind-Spot Collision Warning
and Lane Keeping Assist, the all-new Forte comes with Forward
Collision-Avoidance Assist and Smart Cruise Control.
Power comes from a second-generation 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine, boasting Atkinson Cycle technology and a cooled EGR
system, both designed to boost fuel efficiency. The new unit can be paired to
either a 6-speed manual or Kia's new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
While power and torque remains the same as on the 2018 Forte, meaning 147 HP
and 132 lb-ft, the new model is estimated to return up to 35 MPG (6.7 l/100km)
combined, a 3 MPG improvement over the current car.
The all-new 2019 Kia Forte will arrive in U.S.
showrooms later this year.
