Range Rover

Kia is on the move lately, and the Korean company packed its New York auto show presentation with the U.S. debut of the Sportage crossover, the unveiling of the all-new Optima, and the introduction of this car, the Forte five-door hatchback.

Not just a new body style, the Forte five-door also forecasts some changes that are coming for the entire Forte family. The hatch’s new grille and fascia design will migrate to the Forte sedan and coupe for 2011, as will the push-button start and available paddle shifters. More important, those paddle shifters will direct a new six-speed automatic transmission, so both the manual and automatic will be six-speeds for 2011. Like the rest of the Forte family, the five-door offers both 2.0- and 2.4-liter inline-fours.

Details are scarce but two engines are available in the form of a 2.0-litre and a 2.4-litre. Power figures were not supplied. Transmission choices are a new 6-speed manual and an automatic.





Press Release

KIA MOTORS UNVEILS FOUR NEW RIDES AT NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

All-New Midsize Sedan, Compact Five-Door and Two CUVs Debut in the Big Apple

NEW YORK, April 1, 2010 - Building on momentum established in 2009 with three new products, record U.S. market share and the opening of Kia Motors' first automotive assembly plant on U.S. soil1, Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled four all-new vehicles during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show: the 2011 Optima midsize sedan, Forte five-door compact, and the Sportage and Sorento SX compact CUVs. Following the successful launches of the Soul, Forte and Forte Koup, Kia Motors' slate of New York introductions continue the brand's design-led transformation and each combine new and compelling design traits with the latest technology and convenience features while delivering efficient and fun-to-drive performance characteristics.

Forte five-door builds on the popular Forte compact sedan and bold Forte Koup by employing another practical yet modern iteration of the platform. Lower and firmly set on its haunches, Forte five-door carries with it all the amenities of the Forte line and introduces a new front grille, alloy wheels, lower valence design, center console, paddle shifters, push-button start and navigation in addition to the ostensible fifth door for a distinct appearance and intentional practicality. Forte five-door is available with two efficient engines - 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter - and a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission.