Kia’s compact sedan gets complete redesign
Kia hopes to take a bigger chunk of the compact sedan market with the all-new 2019 Forte that was revealed Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The new car is longer, wider and taller than the one before. That extra length translates into more legroom inside and more space in the trunk than the 2018 version.
Designers also pushed the point where the windshield meets the hood back by five inches to give the car a longer hood and a more powerful appearance.
In the back, designers added an LED bar across the rear to give the taillights a wide, connected appearance.
Engineers gave the car a stronger frame, which they say translates into a smoother, quieter ride inside.
That quieter interior helps to make room for a 320-watt Harman Kardon audio system. There are also available comforts like 10-way power seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available wireless charging spot for your smartphone.
Powering the car is a 147-horsepower engine with 132 pound-feet of torque. That two-liter four-cylinder engine is expected to only consume about 35 miles per gallon when paired with a continuously variable transmission. A six-speed manual transmission will also be available.
Prices for the new Forte will be announced closer to the when the car goes on sale later this year.
