2017 Kia Forte Sedan Boasts More Changes Under The Hood

Kia has refreshed its Forte lineup, both the Forte sedan and the Forte5 hatchback, which it is now showing off at the Detroit Auto Show. Like its hatchback sibling, the 2017 Forte is also given a sleeker design inspired by Kia's new 2016 Optima. However, they say that looks can be deceiving and that is very much true here, with the 2017 Forte hiding far more changes and new features than the eye can see, as well as a new trim option to satisfy sportier drivers.

Like the 2017 Forte5, the 2017 Forte's signature tiger nose grille has been widened to touch the headlight edges. In turn, the headlight themselves reach back to the front fender. This gives the upcoming Forte a more "fluid" appearance, uniting the Optima and Forte lines in design language.

Kia switched out the 1.8 liter inline-4 cylinder engine of last year's model with the new 2.0 liter Atkinson I-4. The change also comes with a six-speed manual transmission or, if available, a second generation six-speed automatic transmission. The higher end EX model, however, gets a 2.0 liter GDI I-4, also with a six-speed transmission, but this time automatic.

For the first time, the Forte will be available in three trims, with a sporty S option added to the stable. The LX trim remains the entry-level offer, which already comes with cloth materials for the seats.

The S trim adds a contrasting white stitching to the black cloth seats. It also gets a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime runing lights, rear spoiler, and chrome exhaust tips.

The EX trim, of course, get the best feature, like leather seats and heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, push button start with Smart Key, perimieter approach lighting, and front door pocket lighting, just to name a very few.

Both S and EX trims come with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and Kia's UVO3 telematics. In practice, this means compatibility with Android Auto and, later, Apple CarPlay, bringing the mobile experience right on the car's dash.

The 2017 Kia Forte will have the distinction of being the first vehicle to be built at Kia's second North American plant in Monterrey, Mexico. Production will start sometime in the first half of this year, with no details yet on an estimated launch date.