KIA Canada announces the pricing and specifications of the all new 2010 KIA Forte

On the heels of record March sales, KIA Canada Inc. today announced the pricing and specifications of the all-new 2010 KIA Forte compact sedan. The 2010 Forte was developed under the leadership of world acclaimed designer Peter Schreyer and represents the first step in KIA's exciting brand evolution.            

"With its sleek lines and powerful design cues the Forte Sedan is a stunning example of KIA's new design language," said Maria Soklis, Senior Director of Operations, at KIA Canada." "The Forte also embodies KIA's commitment to design vehicles that offer consumers outstanding quality and value." The 2010 KIA Forte will go on sale in Canada at the end of April 2009. The Forte LX will carry a starting price of $15,695, while the Forte LX will be available at $17,995. The Forte SX equipped with KIA's 2.4L engine, starts at $20,995.

Style in Motion

Sporting stylish and aggressive design cues, the new Forte firmly establishes itself as a strong contender in its segment. With a bold look set apart by crisp lines, swept-back headlamps and a sleek profile, Forte exudes a confident stance that conveys motion both while cruising the highway and parked in the driveway. Available in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX), Forte offers a sleek, sophisticated design. The sportier SX trim offers a more athletic profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires and sport tuned suspension.

Smooth and Comfortable Ride

With a wheelbase of 2650 mm, an overall length of 4530 mm, an overall width of 1775 mm and overall height of 1460 mm, Forte offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class with seating for up to five passengers. The KIA-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling on curvy roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout Forte to help ensure a comfortable ride with good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.            

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte utilizes an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling by providing the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. In keeping with the sporty essence of the SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension gives the chassis a firmer feel and responsiveness resulting in a sportier and more spirited ride. The SX model also features larger front brakes for improved stopping capabilities.

Attractive and Practical Interior

Forte boasts a class-leading(1) 2740 Litres of passenger volume, while driver and passengers have an impressive 1015 mm of headroom and 1100 mm of legroom in the front seats and 955 mm of headroom and 890 mm of legroom in the rear seats. Forte's trunk also offers an impressive 415 Litres of cargo space, one of the largest in its class, perfect for luggage for weekend getaways.            

Capitalizing on its spacious interior, Forte pampers its riders with a host of interior features, starting with comfortable, nicely appointed full cloth seats. A six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering column, voice-activated and hands-free Bluetooth function, audio remote control on steering wheel, Power windows/door locks/heated outside mirrors, and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver- and passenger-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle.            

EX models offer a number of additional standard luxurious touches such as: heated front seats, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise controls, windshield wiper deicer, telescopic steering wheel, outside mirror with integrated turn signal, 16-inch alloy wheels. SX model adds additional standard equipment such as power sunroof, leather-trimmed seats/steering wheel/gearshift knob, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, supervision instrument cluster, trip computer, fog lights, alloy sport pedals, and metallic interior trims.

Peppy Performance

Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower - more than the most powerful versions of the Toyota Corolla(1) or even the 2010 Mazda3.            

Two transmission options are offered for the 2010 Forte: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic (LX and EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.

Music that Moves

All Forte models are equipped with a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with steering wheel mounted audio controls, an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players. All Forte models also come standard with Bluetooth(R) connectivity enabling hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. For true audiophiles, the EX and SX packages also add a standard six speaker surround audio system while SX models are outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(2).

Standard KIA Motors Safety

All Forte models offer a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as active front headrests, dual front airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS). Forte EX and SX models in addition include standard safety equipment such as electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS).

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all KIA models, Forte is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers outstanding consumer protection. Included in this program are a 5-year or 100,000 km limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 100,000 km limited basic warranty, and a five-year or unlimited km anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/100,000 km roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Award Winning Product Line-Up

The Forte will compliment KIA's award winning line up which includes vehicles like the Rio and Spectra, just named to the Forbes.com "Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for the Buck" List. In addition to receiving this accolade, the Spectra is cited in the MSN Autos Editors' Pick List for "Top 10 Cars for Less Than $15,000" in the United States. The all new 2010 Soul, which debuted to 708 sales in March, gave a further boost KIA's product line as the proud recipient of a prestigious "red dot" Design Award. The Soul is the first Korean car ever to win this international product design award.

       (1) Based on information available for 2009MY models

       (2) Customers must renew SIRIUS subscription after trial period if they wish to retain service