Chicago: Kia debuts Forte 5-door with available 201-HP turbo engine

[Haltech]

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Kia



The US-bound 2014 Kia Forte first showed up in sedan form back at the LA Auto Show last year, but Kia unveiled the hatchback version of the car today at the Chicago Auto Show. Unlike the current Forte 5-door the 2014 will feature styling that is distinct from its sedan counterpart, but the big news is it will also get a few extra ponies under the hood.

Since the Forte 5-door will only be offered in EX and SX trim, the sedan's 1.8-liter inline-four is not offered on this model. The base engine in the EX is the 2.0-liter direct-injected four, producing 173 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. Those looking for more power should check out the Forte SX, which uses the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine currently found in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. This engine produces 201 hp and 195 lb-ft, and it can be paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission; the latter of which is optional and comes with paddle shifters.

Aside from the obvious styling changes required for the added cargo area, the 2014 Kia Forte 5-door gets numerous design elements to set it apart from the sedan. The face of the new hatchback will get a much smaller tiger-nose grille than the sedan, but it will get a larger lower intake, which we can't help but compare to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. Kia also gave the Forte 5-door dual exhaust outlets and LED taillights, and the SX model will get stylish 18-inch wheels. Inside, the 5-door design allows the Forte to increase its cargo volume to 23.2 cubic feet, and the cabin can also be equipped with features such as heated front seats, ventilated driver's seat, navigation, leather seating and dual-zone climate control.

While the sedan is expected to go on sale during the within the month, the Forte 5-door won't be in showrooms until the third quarter of this year. Scroll down for the official press release for the 2014 Kia Forte 5-door.Continue reading Kia debuts Forte 5-door with available 201-HP turbo engine

Kia debuts Forte 5-door with available 201-HP turbo engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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