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Kia says NBA partnership helping awareness more than expected

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Kia

Blake Griffin posterizes the 2011 Kia Optima - Click above to watch video after the jump

Kia has become an active presence in both the National Basketball Association and Grand-Am Challenge racing series. Participation in both requires a fair amount of investment for the automaker, but so far, Kia says this marketing gamble is paying off handsomely.

In 2010, Kia sold 356,268 vehicles to U.S. consumers. That's a record for the automaker, and it tops efforts by more established brands Mazda, Volkswagen and Subaru. Kia is optimistic that 2011 could be even better thanks to the increased brand exposure coming as a result of its NBA tie-ins.

Viewership of this NBA season is up, which means Kia's messaging is reaching a greater number of fans. That messaging got a massive surge during All-Star Weekend when Los Angeles Clippers forward used a 2011 Optima as a prop in the slam-dunk contest. Millions of people watched Blake Griffin soar over the hood of the strategically placed sedan, and many continue to view clips of the dunk on YouTube. (You can do the same, by clicking past the jump).

Beyond the NBA and the Optima, Kia has outfitted its Forte Koup for racing duty. Running in the Grand-Am Challenge Series, the Forte has been hitting the track for two solid years now. This year, the team was able to make it on to the podium.

It's two very different markets, but the Kia lineup is getting exposure to a very large audience. Traffic to both its website and dealerships is up, and Kia has been so buoyed by its Grand-Am involvement that it is also understood to be considering going racing with the Optima.

[Source: WardsAuto | Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]

Continue reading Kia says NBA partnership helping awareness more than expected

Kia says NBA partnership helping awareness more than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia axes plan for EcoDynamics branding in U.S.

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Kia, Diesel

Kia Forte EcoDynamics LPI Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Kia Motors unveiled its EcoDynamics sub-brand at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the company claimed its new badge would begin to appear on U.S.-bound models soon. In fact, Kia promised that its eco-friendly moniker would be attached to several models sold worldwide. Now, Orth Hedrick, director-product planning at Kia Motors America, tells Ward's Auto that the company has nixed plans to introduce the EcoDynamics name in the U.S. Hedrick cited cost issues as the primary reason for the company's reversal, stating:

The issue is it's yet another brand. And given the fact we're trying to allocate our resources to other areas that make the most sense, does it make sense to introduce another brand out there?

The U.S. automotive market, in its still-depressed state, simply cannot support additional brands. The Detroit Three have pared down by axing Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Mercury, so Kia's move to drop EcoDynamics fits the trend. Jim Hume of Phire Branding Co. says Kia's decision makes sense. Hume told Ward's:

My guess is that they realized the concept of EcoDynamics created not only another brand, but also created the need to educate consumers - an expensive proposition. In this particular case the delineation is tricky. Kia setting apart Earth-friendly vehicles via a sub-brand may have taken away from any Earth-friendly story in Kia-branded vehicles. It is better to highlight everything Kia is doing under one strong brand umbrella.

Though the EcoDynamics badge will not adorn Kia's U.S.-bound models, the fuel-saving innovations and other elements that were to be featured under the new sub-brand are already appearing on some Kia models headed to dealerships across the nation.

Gallery: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Kia axes plan for EcoDynamics branding in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Kia may lose names, use numbers for future models

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Kia

Would a Kia Forte by any other name smell as sweet, if the name were K3 and those judging the smell were American buyers? That's the question Kia executive are mulling as they decide whether to switch to alphanumeric model designations in the U.S. Some of the company's cars that go by names in other markets wear letter-number identifiers in South Korea, such as the Optima, known in South Korea as the K5. Others, such as the Soul and Sportage, retain their proper names in South Korea.

According to Automotive News, Kia's vice chairman, Chung Eui-sun, believes that alphanumeric names can strengthen a brand as long as buyers don't get confused, but he also notes that Americans may prefer proper names. Kia would probably do well to study Acura's long road from "Legend" and "Integra" to its current system, and Infiniti's period of trial-and-error with its alphanumeric concoctions.

From where we sit, we think that Kia should think long and hard about the equity continuing to build in solid offerings like its Soul and new Sorento, and if they're going to go alphanumeric, they ought to do it sooner rather than later to avoid adding to the confusion. If it were us, we'd leave well enough alone - the automotive landscape is rapidly devolving into an alphanumeric soup and we're not in favor of another automaker reaching into the Scrabble tilebag. How about you? Have your say in 'Comments.'

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Report: Kia may lose names, use numbers for future models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Kia Motors first-quarter profit quadruples

Zach Bowman — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Kia, Earnings/Financials

This whole recession thing has been good to Kia. Buyers have skidded away from high-riding luxury barges faster than cockroaches from a kitchen light and right into the loving arms of the Korean automaker's well-equipped, smartly priced, and newly competent products. As a result, the company has reportedly seen its net profits quadruple in the first three months of this year. Kia managed to rake in a total of $358 million dollars from January to March, compared to $88.2 million during the same period in 2009.

Much of the boost came from the fact that the company's global sales have exploded this year thanks in part to the new Sorento, Forte and Forte Koup. Kia moved 474,635 vehicles during the first-quarter of 2010 - more than 65 percent more than during the first-quarter of 2009.

[Source: Associated Press | Image: Jung Yeon-Je/Getty]

Report: Kia Motors first-quarter profit quadruples originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Forte awarded IIHS 'Top Safety Pick'

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:18:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Safety, Kia

2010 Kia Forte sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Much like parent company Hyundai, Kia has been working hard to revive its brand image. New products like the Soul and Forte have been relatively well received so far, and with new stunners like the 2011 Sportage and Optima on the way, Kia should benefit from a healthy boost in sales. But strip away the sleek new designs and clever interior packaging, and you'll find that Kia's core value of crafting extremely safe vehicles is still holding strong, especially now that the 2010 Forte sedan has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Forte received ratings of "Good" (the highest achievable) in front, side, rear and rollover impact crash tests - something that safety-minded buyers will surely appreciate. What's more, this gives the Forte more ammo to compete head on with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, its two main competitors, which have also been dubbed as Top Safety Picks by IIHS. Curiously, only the sedan was mentioned in the IIHS study, so we can't say if this prestigious honor carries over to the two-door ~~coupe~~ Koup. Hit the jump to read the full IIHS press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Kia Forte awarded IIHS 'Top Safety Pick'

Kia Forte awarded IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Kia adds five-door hatch to Forte lineup

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Kia

2011 Kia Forte five-door - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since Americans seem to be finally latching onto the concept of the compact five-door hatchback, Kia is jumping into the fight with a new variant of the Forte. The five-door Forte debuts with a slightly revised front fascia (something that will make its way onto all Forte models) to go with its new more useful backside.

Under the hood the Forte five-door retains the same port-injected 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter inline-four engines found in the sedan and Koup. Those engines remain paired with six-speed transmissions of the manual or automatic flavors. Inside, a new center console can be equipped with a navigation system for the first time, push-button start is available and the automatic versions get paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Look for the Forte five-door to hit Kia dealers in the coming months.

Gallery: New York 2010: Kia Forte Five-Door

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading New York 2010: Kia adds five-door hatch to Forte lineup

New York 2010: Kia adds five-door hatch to Forte lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canadian Kia customers get new dealer-installed Forte Koup "R" performance package

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Kia, Canada, Design/Style

Kia Forte Koup with "R" package - Click above for high-res image gallery

In our initial review of the Kia Forte Koup, we were very impressed with the car's overall style and levels of standard equipment, but we wished that the car were a bit more potent on the street. One remedy for that is the "R" package of dealer-installed accessories that Canadian customers can now spec on either the SX or EX model.

Sadly, the R treatment doesn't aim to churn out any more power from the Forte Koup's four-cylinder mill, but it does add things like a performance exhaust, AIM drop-in performance air filter, stiffer springs and a strut tower brace. This healthy bit of tuning should help to make the Forte a bit more involving on twisty roads and the added appearance kit (front skirts, side sills and rear spoiler) and the obligatory badge package gives it a much more aggressive look. Those 18-inch Europa wheels wrapped in Yokohama S-Drive rubber are pretty spiffy, too.

Canadian Forte Koup buyers should be able to add the R package to their cars starting in mid-May, and the optional bits will be available a la carte from any Kia dealership in the country, so ~~kurrent~~ current Kia Koup owners who want to upgrade will be covered, too. Will all or part of the package make it to the States? We hope so. However, no confirmation could be given from Kia's American or Canadian public relations department at this time. A tip of the hat to Chuck!

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup R Package

[Source: Kia]

Canadian Kia customers get new dealer-installed Forte Koup "R" performance package originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Kia, Rumormill

2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

As General Motors' Saturn brand ushers its owners toward orphan-make status, at least one company is swooping in to pick at the bones of its carcass. Kia has been doing well lately, unlike nearly everyone else, its sales actually grew this year. The brand has been adding dealers by picking up ex-Saturn stores and looks to continue building market share in the East, as well as in selected large cities on the West Coast. Kia's VP of sales, Tom Loveless tells Automotive News there has been no concerted plan to go after Saturn dealers, they just happen to be in the markets Kia wants to expand into, and that some ex-Hummer and Chrysler dealers have joined, as well.

More interesting than tales of dealer signage changes is what may be coming product-wise. The Soul and Forte have been getting attention, and more new stuff is on the way as the 2011 Sorento drops in January. The Optima and Sportage both get the re-do treatment for 2011, and a hybrid lands in 2012. To counter the geek-chic of battery power, word is the sharp-looking Forte Koup might get an iron lung hung off its engine, making it the brand's first turbocharged car. Loveless seems open to the idea, calling it "a natural extension, if it makes financial sense." Word.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Kia Forte Koup may get brand's first-ever turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Etc., Kia

2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a brief press release and a trophy handoff at the LA Auto Show, car pricing authority NADAguides.com has heaped the first of what we could be many accolades upon the stylish and affordable 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup by naming the duo their Car of the Year for 2009. Citing the pair's "best in class" features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said these Kia compacts were standout vehicles in a pretty impressive field. Other contenders for the crown included such significant and praiseworthy vehicles as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster.

In our own review of the Kia Forte, we praised its styling, build, layout and performance, and especially its budget-minded pricing, so we see where NADA is coming from. Sometimes, we have to scratch our heads a bit when one of these sorts of awards are announced, but in this case, we certainly think the cars are deserving.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX

[Source: NADAguides.com]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Forte Koup going racing in 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Kia

Kia Forte Koup Grand-Am racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time in its history in the U.S. market, Kia is going racing in 2010. Kia announced today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas that it has partnered with the Kinetic Group to build and compete with a pair of new Forte Koups in the 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series. The Koups will be driven by Andy Lally and Nic Jönsson in the Street Tuner class of the Koni Challenge. Kia says it chose the Kinetic Group for its experience working in NASCAR, ALMS, IndyCar and, of course, the Koni Challenge.

The front-wheel-drive Kias are based on the production Forte Koup and will be running against the likes of the Mazda MX-5, Honda Civic Si and MINI Cooper. The Kias will make their debut January 8-10 at the Grand-Am test days at Daytona and then really hit the track in anger at the end of the month for the season opener as part of the Daytona 24 Hours weekend. Will the little two-door from South Korea have the racing chops to hang with other, more experienced production-based racers? Time will tell, but it's great to see Kia hop into motorsports with both feet and choose a series where its actual cars have the potential to shine.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup Grand-Am Koni Challenge

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia Forte Koup going racing in 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series

Kia Forte Koup going racing in 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Kia Forte continues string of hits from South Korea

Dan Roth — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Kia, New Car Reviews

2010 Kia Forte SX - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not that there was much wrong with the Forte's predecessor. In fact, the last time we drove a Kia Spectra, we walked away wondering if anything more might be overkill. The Spectra was good but tended to blend in with a crowd, and Kia's not into playing the role of wallflower anymore. In contrast, the Forte boldly saunters into the middle of the dance floor, comfortable in the hot glow of the pin spot, with the confidence of Tony Manero after a trip to the tailor.

Clearly, the Kia Forte looks remarkably better than the econobox it replaces and attracts the right kind of attention to the brand. Everywhere it goes, the Forte is a surprising conversation piece, though many aren't sure exactly what it is. With Kia's value pricing, you also get a lot for your dollar. So does it have the hat trick of style, value and performance? When the key to this black Forte SX tester was pressed into the palm of our hand, we were ready to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX

Continue reading Review: 2010 Kia Forte continues string of hits from South Korea

Review: 2010 Kia Forte continues string of hits from South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia prices 2010 Forte Koup at $16,595*

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Budget, Kia

2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in July, Kia announced that its two-door Forte would begin hitting dealerships across the United States later this summer. Well, that time is now, and the Korean automaker has just announced pricing on its fashionable ~~coupe~~ Koup. Pricing for the 2010 Forte Koupe will begin at $16,595, to which you can immediately add $695 for destination.

For those paying attention, that's puts the Koup a not-insignificant $2,900 over the base cost of the Forte sedan, which we found to be a credible entry into the popular compact car segment currently dominated by the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Add another grand if you'd like an automatic transmission (with just four forward ratios on the EX, sadly).

Stepping up to the SX model will cost you $17,695 to start with a manual transmission or $18,695 with a five-speed auto (plus destination) and will put a 173-hp 2.4 liter four cylinder underhood. A leather interior will add $1,000 to any trim level and a sunroof goes for $600. Click here to build your own - we added every option to our Koup and came up with an asking price of $21,505, which runs right in line with the car's intended competition.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

Kia prices 2010 Forte Koup at $16,595* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CONFIRMED: 2010 Kia Forte Koup will go on sale late summer

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Kia

2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

After strapping ourselves behind the wheel of Kia's new Forte sedan for our initial drive, we came away thinking that the new Korean was a stylish, reasonable alternative to the scads of Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas populating America's roadways. Now it's time for Kia to follow the handsome sedan up with its first-ever two-door ~~coupe~~ Koup, which the automaker has now confirmed is slated to hit a dealership near you later this summer.

Underneath the attractive (if derivative) sheetmetal will be seating for five thanks in part to the same 104.3-inch wheelbase that underpins the sedan. The Koup does sit lower than the four-door, though, and Kia says the ride and handling has been retuned for a sportier feel and features beefier L-shaped lower arms propping up the expected McPherson struts in front. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels and speed-sensitive power steering come standard and an uplevel SX trim stiffens things up even further.

Powering the Koup is the same set of engine options as the sedan, meaning that the base and LX models get a 2.0-liter with 156 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque mated up with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the top-level SX gets a 2.4-liter mill with 173 horsepower and 168 lb-ft torque that can be ordered with either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. EPA fuel mileage estimates range from 25/34 with the base engine to 23/31 with the larger engine and automatic transmission.

All Koup models include all the expected safety gear plus standard Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Sirius, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, a driver's seat height adjuster and tilt steering. Options include a sunroof and heated leather seats. Want to know more? Click past the break for the full press release.

Gallery: New York: Kia Forte Koup

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

Continue reading CONFIRMED: 2010 Kia Forte Koup will go on sale late summer

CONFIRMED: 2010 Kia Forte Koup will go on sale late summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: First Kia Koup commercial hits the interwebs

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Kia

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Kia came strong with some good looking hardware when it introduced the production Koup in New York. The Koup is a stylish, fun-looking two-door that will likely draw the attention of the much coveted younger car buyer demographic. To seed the minds of said youngins, Kia is embarking on the prerequisite pre-launch ad blitz that starts with a single commercial.

Beyond the jump is the first commercial offering to tout the wares of the all-new Kia Koup. While the car may look ready for action, we're not quite so sure about this 30 second spot. The theme? Two. As in two doors. We kinda thought that calling the Forte-variant the Koup was more than enough of a hint for customers that it was, in fact, a coupe. On the bright side, the Koup looks as good in moving pictures as it does on the New York Auto Show. Hit the jump to judge from yourself, and let us know what you think of the ad in the comments. Thanks for the tip, Christian!

Gallery: New York: Kia Forte Koup

[Source: Paultan]

Continue reading VIDEO: First Kia Koup commercial hits the interwebs

VIDEO: First Kia Koup commercial hits the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte a compelling new compact sedan option

Drew Phillips — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Kia, First Drives

2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's one thing we can say about Kia, it's that it keeps making progress. In the 15 years the brand has been selling cars in the United States, South Korea's second largest auto manufacturer has increased its market share every single year. The future looks bright as well, with new vehicles like the Soul receiving rave reviews and a new billion dollar production facility set to open this year. Hoping to build on that success, Kia has launched its new 2010 Forte, replacing the Spectra that failed to stand out among cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda3. With a new name, a new face, upgraded powertrains and aspirations to exceed consumer expectations about the brand, can the Forte help Kia finally make its mark in the compact sedan segment? Read on to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte a compelling new compact sedan option

First Drive: 2010 Kia Forte a compelling new compact sedan option originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Kia Forte Sedan priced from $14,390*

John Neff — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Kia

2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following the ill-timed Borrego and ultra chic Soul is the new 2010 Kia Forte Sedan. This compact four-door, soon to be joined by a Koup, will replace the Spectra in Kia's line up and wind up being only a couple hundred dollars more expensive. Kia announced today that the 2010 Forte Sedan will start at $14,200 in base LX trim, which includes a delivery charge of $695. The mid-level Forte EX will start at $16,490 and the top shelf SX model will begin at $17,890.

The SX model will be the sportiest trim level and has a sport tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and larger front brakes along with a black interior trimmed in red stitching. What really gets the Forte SX going is its 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at a healthy 173 horsepower; it's paired with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The LX and EX make do with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 156 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque that's paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Our choice would clearly be the SX, and we wouldn't necessarily be penalized at the pump with its 22 city/32 highway mpg rating. LX and EX models with the smaller 2.0-liter engine achieve a slightly better rating of 25/34 mpg, while a special Fuel Economy Package can be ordered on the EX model that includes Motor Drive Power Steering, a "smart alternator", silica tires and special aero enhancements to achieve 27/36 mpg.

Check out Kia's official press release after the jump for more info.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Forte

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2010 Kia Forte Sedan priced from $14,390*

2010 Kia Forte Sedan priced from $14,390* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: Kia goes 2-door, debuts Forte Koup

Drew Phillips — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Kia

Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following the introduction of its all-new Forte compact sedan at the Chicago Auto Show in February, Kia unveiled the 2-door variant here at the New York Auto Show today. The car takes not only the name, but also plenty of styling cues from the KOUP Concept that make it distinctively different from its sedan brother. Up front the Koup receives a more aggressive design, featuring a bespoke front end with a larger lower intake and more vertical side intakes. At the rear are wider and thinner taillights with a larger rear fascia and dual exhaust tips.

Powertrains are identical to the sedan; the base EX model gets Kia's 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 156 horsepower and 144 lb-ft torque while the SX features a 2.4-liter four-banger with 173 horsepower and 168 lb-ft torque. Transmission options are a standard 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic on the EX, and a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic on the SX. Inside the Forte Koup features standard sport seats, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry and cruise control, and a leather package is an option on both models. Follow the jump for full details in the press release and check out plenty of high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: New York: Kia Forte Koup

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup

Continue reading New York: Kia goes 2-door, debuts Forte Koup

New York: Kia goes 2-door, debuts Forte Koup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia introduces production Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Kia, South Korea

Kia Forte LPI hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has just introduced its first mass production hybrid model based on the new Forte compact sedan in its home market of South Korea. The Forte LPI hybrid uses a smaller 20-hp version of the hybrid system that Hyundai showed at the LA Auto Show last November. That system uses a pancake motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission for electric drive and boost as well as regenerative braking. A separate, integrated starter generator handles auto start-stop duties.

The Forte hybrid uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (propane) and is the first production vehicle to use a lithium polymer battery. The new battery was developed by LG Chem and will also be used in the Sonata Hybrid when it debuts next year. Along with the hybrid Forte, Kia rolled out new eco-Dynamics branding for its more efficient vehicles including hybrids.

While it's unlikely we'll ever see an LPG-equipped car from Kia in the U.S. market, it does seem likely that a Forte hybrid with a gas engine will arrive at some point. We've contacted Kia for comment on that but have yet to get a response. Thanks to Mike for the tip!

Gallery: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid

[Source: Kia-World]

Kia introduces production Forte LPI Hybrid in South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Up close and personal with Kia's promising Forte Coupe

Alex Nunez — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Kia

Head over to Kia World for a new gallery of Kia Forte Coupe spy pics

Kia World has scored a new set of spy photos depicting a camoed-up Kia Forte Coupe in South Korea. The car, previewed by the impressive KOUP concept unveiled last spring in the Big Apple, is reportedly set to go on sale in several markets over the summer. It looks to be extremely faithful to last year's show car, right down to the wheel design.

While U.S. plans for the Forte Coupe have not been announced, Kia World spoke to some dealers who say that we should expect to see the car Stateside come December. If that's accurate information, we imagine that the production Coupe will be on hand at the Javits Center when the New York Auto Show gets underway next month. Look for a lineup of four-cylinder engines underhood, with the possibility that the direct-injected 1.6L turbo from the Hyundai ix-onic concept will be among them. Color us interested either way. Head over to Kia World to see their full gallery of new spy photos.

[Source: Kia World]

Spy Shots: Up close and personal with Kia's promising Forte Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Kia Forte rolls into Chi-town

Drew Phillips — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Kia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Kia Forte

We got our first look at the 2010 Kia Forte earlier this morning, and we are pleased to say that it looks even better in person as it does in photos. The replacement for the Spectra retains many of the design elements first seen on the Koup Concept, and we're glad it does. The complex lines of the side profile and particularly where the A-pillar meets the hood make it quite attractive. Even Kia admitted that the Spectra was a fairly forgettable car, but we're guessing that the Forte will be making waves in the small sedan segment. In addition to the standard 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, Forte owners will get a 2.4L inline-4 with 173 horsepower and up to 25/34 mpg in SX trim, while the LX and EX offer a 2.0L inline-4 with 156 horsepower and 26/36 mpg. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect it to be highly competitive within its class. More details on the car can be found in the press release after the jump, and we highly encourage checking out our high-res gallery of live shots that show off the car's angles.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2010 Kia Forte

Gallery: 2010 Kia Forte

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Kia Forte rolls into Chi-town

Chicago 2009: Kia Forte rolls into Chi-town originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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