Ann Arbor, Michigan – Introduced in 2009, the compact model brought in to replace the Spectra has nevertheless taken off. More contemporary and better equipped than its predecessor, at the end of the first quarter of 2010, over 10,000 Canadians had already snapped one up, a record compared to the Spectra’s sales numbers.
Initially served up as a traditional three-part sedan and a sexier little coupe dubbed Koup, considering the popularity of the compact car segment in Canada (responsible for a full quarter of automobile sales in the country), the Korean automaker decided to expand the range and offer a third, more practical variant. It’s an elegant hatchback sedan whose wide stance and reduced height are reminiscent of the Audi A3. And to emphasize its main distinguishing factor, the model, named “cee’d” in Europe and Asia, was renamed Forte5 for the North American market.
The new contender in the arena of the Mazda3 Sport ant Toyota Matrix, unveiled to the Canadian automotive press first (historically a rare occurrence in North America), shares most of the sedan’s body characteristics, from the grille (topped with bigger fog lights for 2011) all the way to the rear doors. Naturally, the rear fascia and its ultra short overhang are exclusive to the Forte5, as is the deflector perched on top of the hatch, which all versions of the model share.
The designations are the same as the sedan’s, namely LX, EX and SX (following the same hierarchy), as is the choice of powertrains. The first two variants are powered by a 156-hp, 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder mill, while the swankier third model has inherited the potent 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine generating 173 hp.
New 6-speed autobox
Whatever the engine, it is coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the buyer can swap it for a new sequential autobox shared by all three Fortes and also featuring six speeds. It replaces the 5-speed automatic in the 2010 catalogue. It’s smoother and helps reduce fuel consumption by allowing the engine to run at an optimal speed longer. Another non-negligible advantage is that it reduces cabin noise.
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| The Forte5 rounds out the trio of compact cars in Kia’s 2011 range. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
Initially served up as a traditional three-part sedan and a sexier little coupe dubbed Koup, considering the popularity of the compact car segment in Canada (responsible for a full quarter of automobile sales in the country), the Korean automaker decided to expand the range and offer a third, more practical variant. It’s an elegant hatchback sedan whose wide stance and reduced height are reminiscent of the Audi A3. And to emphasize its main distinguishing factor, the model, named “cee’d” in Europe and Asia, was renamed Forte5 for the North American market.
The new contender in the arena of the Mazda3 Sport ant Toyota Matrix, unveiled to the Canadian automotive press first (historically a rare occurrence in North America), shares most of the sedan’s body characteristics, from the grille (topped with bigger fog lights for 2011) all the way to the rear doors. Naturally, the rear fascia and its ultra short overhang are exclusive to the Forte5, as is the deflector perched on top of the hatch, which all versions of the model share.
The designations are the same as the sedan’s, namely LX, EX and SX (following the same hierarchy), as is the choice of powertrains. The first two variants are powered by a 156-hp, 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder mill, while the swankier third model has inherited the potent 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine generating 173 hp.
New 6-speed autobox
Whatever the engine, it is coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the buyer can swap it for a new sequential autobox shared by all three Fortes and also featuring six speeds. It replaces the 5-speed automatic in the 2010 catalogue. It’s smoother and helps reduce fuel consumption by allowing the engine to run at an optimal speed longer. Another non-negligible advantage is that it reduces cabin noise.
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| Like the Forte sedan and Forte Koup coupe, the Forte5 can be equipped with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |