2015 Forte Offers European-inspired Design and Premium Features
05/28/2014
Kia
Carrying over in the 2015 model year, the award-winning Forte continues to raise value to new levels of sophistication with improved ride quality, reduced NVH and greater interior roominess.
Available in LX and EX variants, the 2015 Forte offers a choice of an efficient 1.8-liter engine or a more powerful 2.0-liter engine. The standard LX 1.8-liter powerplant produces 145-horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque delivered through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic gearbox. The EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter engine that produces 173-horsepower and a robust 154 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic. Both engines - enhanced for 2015 to provide greater fuel economy - route power through the front wheels.
The 2015 Forte rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension, and FlexSteer, standard on the EX trim, puts the driver in control with settings for Comfort, Normal and Sport, which vary steering effort at the touch of a steering wheel-mounted button1. In addition, the strong and muscular Forte is supported by more structural reinforcements, which reduce cabin noise.
Both trims offer customers a long list of standard and optional features, many of which are not seen in the compact sedan segment. The LX model comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, SiriusXM(R) Satellite Radio2, Bluetooth(R) wireless technology3. Power windows, air conditioning and power heated outside mirrors are among the many features that make the Forte a leader in its segment. The optional Popular Package adds cruise control, keyless entry with remote trunk release and a sliding front armrest. In addition to the Popular Package, other options include: 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices Telematics and a Rear Camera Display4.
The EX trim adds extra comfort and convenience features. Kia's next-generation UVO eServices Telematics5 can now be integrated with Rear Camera Display and 17-inch alloy wheels. Additional standard EX features include remote keyless entry with trunk opener, Rear Camera Display, a sliding center armrest and a cooling glove box. Features found in the optional Premium Package include heated front and rear seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with air-cooled ventilation, leather seat trim, power sunroof, push button start with Smart Key and a heated steering wheel. The Technology Package adds navigation, HID headlights, LED tail lights and dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear seat ventilation.
Influenced by European sport-sedan styling, the Forte's modern and stylish look was penned at Kia's U.S.-based design center in Irvine, Calif. The Forte represents the heart of KMA's small-car line-up, slotted between the Rio sub-compact sedan and the best-selling Optima midsize sedan, the Forte easily accommodates five passengers and their belongings in the spacious and striking cabin.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and surpassed the 500,000 annual sales mark for the second consecutive year in 2013 following the launch of seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K900** flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States. Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs.