2019 Kia Forte Breaks Cover With Stinger Design Cues And New Tech


Kia has just unveiled the all-new and much-improved 2019 Forte Sedan at this year's Detroit Auto Show.


The automaker recently launched a series of renderings that previewed the 2019 Forte, although while the new car does slightly resemble the Stinger, it doesn't quite look as dynamic as it did in those images.


Yet, the all-new Kia Forte is said to offer higher levels of comfort than its predecessor, with visual enhancements inside and out, as well as improved fuel efficiency and modern advanced driver assistance technologies.


"The compact sedan segment is highly competitive, but with all the improvements the new Forte brings to market for the 2019 model year, it is more than prepared to take on the toughest the segment has to offer," said Kia U.S. VP, Orth Hedrick. "As one of our top-selling models, the all-new Forte follows some large footsteps, but enhancements in styling, packaging and content make it even more attractive to drivers seeking a compact sedan that can accommodate their versatile lifestyle."


In the styling department, you'll notice that the 2019 Forte features a long hood and short deck, resulting in a Fastback-like shape, similar to the Stinger. Kia also moved the cowl point back by 5 inches, creating a more dynamic stance for the new model. The headlights don't actually resemble those found on the Stinger, while the LED taillights kind of look like those on the Sportage crossover - thanks to their overall shape and the horizontal trim piece.


Since the Forte's overall length was increased by 3.2 inches (81 cm) to 182.7 inches (4,640 mm), overall legroom and additional trunk space also grew. Meanwhile, Kia increased the height by nearly half an inch (12.7 mm) to 56.7 inches (1,440 mm), while width expanded to 70.8 inches (1,798 mm).


Inside, the Stinger-inspired dashboard features circular vents, an 8" color touchscreen, soft-touch points and a horizontal theme with clear lines and minimal buttons. The new Forte comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can also read your SMS text messages aloud through Bluetooth. Another useful feature is the available wireless charging tray, compatible with certain Android devices as well as the Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X.


What Kia calls a "surprising feature in this segment" is the new Forte's 320-watt Harman Kardon premium sound system, with its unique speaker hole pattern on the door panels and throughout the cabin. As for active safety tech, in addition to Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Lane Keeping Assist, the all-new Forte comes with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Smart Cruise Control.


Power comes from a second-generation 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, boasting Atkinson Cycle technology and a cooled EGR system, both designed to boost fuel efficiency. The new unit can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or Kia's new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). While power and torque remains the same as on the 2018 Forte, meaning 147 HP and 132 lb-ft, the new model is estimated to return up to 35 MPG (6.7 l/100km) combined, a 3 MPG improvement over the current car.


The all-new 2019 Kia Forte will arrive in U.S. showrooms later this year.

Carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more