Kia gives Forte sedan, Forte5 hatch handsome update

Kia is giving its Forte sedan and Forte5 hatchback models a facelift just two short years after the launch of the second-generation compact.

Inspired by the 2016 Optima, the new-look Forte and Forte5 get a redesigned front fascia that includes a new front bumper, tiger nose grille and headlights that sweep around the front fenders.

Kia has also given the sedan model a refresh under the hood, with the standard 1.8-litre four-cylinder ditched in favour of a 2.0-litre Atkinson Cylce four-cylinder.

The existing 2.0-litre gasoline direct injected four-cylinder is still standard on the sedan's top-of-the-line EX trim, as well as LX and EX Forte5 models.

The 2017 Forte5 SX is still powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, though it is now available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Also new on the Forte sedan is the S trim, which slots in between the base LX and the EX, and adds a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights.

The SX is no longer available in sedan guise.

Cloth seats still fill the interior of the LX trims on both cars and the S sedan, while EX models now include leather seating.

Forte5 SX models can now be had with an Orange Colour Pack, which features orange leather seat inserts and contrasting stitching on the seats and shifter.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available on both body styles, as are a host of new safety systems, including rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection.

More details are expected to be released closer to launch.