2011 Kia Forte news, pictures, and information

2011 KIA FORTE AND ALL-NEW FORTE 5-DOOR

Forte offers an exceptional level of standard safety equipment, wîth features such as front active headrests, dual advanced front airbags5, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, side impact door beams, front and rear crumple zones, four-wheel disc brakes wîth an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and a Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Lively Performance and Power

The Forte family's LX and EX trims are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing a spirited 156 horsepower6 and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also wîth CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower.

New for 2011, Forte now offers six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission options. Forte LX comes standard wîth the six-speed manual while EX and SX trim levels offer a standard six-speed automatic transmission wîth Sportmatic™ clutchless shifting (optional on the LX trim). This six-speed automatic transmission is a proprietary design for Kia Motors that was engineered and built specifically for Kia vehicles.

Offering impressive fuel economy, the 2.0-liter engine offers a competitive 25/34 mpg (city/highway) when mated to either the manual or automatic transmissions, while the 2.4-liter engine turns out a notable 22/32 mpg8 when coupled wîth the manual transmission and 23/32 mpg8 (sedan) or 23/31 mpg8 (5-door) wîth the automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The optional Fuel Economy Package, available on the EX sedan model wîth the 2.0-liter powerplant, includes the six-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering (MDPS), 'smart' alternator, new low-rolling resistance silica tires and aerodynamic enhancements. These improvements result in 27/37 mpg and an impressive combined fuel economy of 30 mpg8.

The EX and SX Technology Packages, available on both sedan and 5-door models, includes navigation, fully automatic temperature control, push button start, fog lamps (EX package only), automatic headlamps and chrome exterior door handles. The available SX Leather Package offers additional luxurious enhancements, including leather seat trim, heated front seats and an electro-chromic rear view mirror.

Jamming Sound System

Forte sedan and Forte 5-door come wîth an impressive combination of standard convenience features, starting wîth a standard four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted wîth SIRIÚS Satellite Radio capabilities wîth three months complimentary service. Also standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and ÚSB port for connecting personal MP3 players as well as Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity wîth §teering wheel-mounted controls, which enables hands-free operation for all compatible cell phones. For true audiophiles, the EX and SX trims add a standard six-speaker sound audio system. Forte's advanced audio system also includes Speed Dependent Volume Control (SDVC), which automatically increases the volume at higher speeds for better listening enjoyment, and Power Bass, which automatically enhances the bass response and tone.

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all Kia models, Forte and Forte 5-door are covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important §egmènts at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in Ú.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as ÚVO powered by Microsoft®9 in-car hands-free entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the Ú.S. later this year). The launches of the 2011 Sorento CÚV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia's first Ú.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CÚV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup.

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CÚV, Sportage compact CÚV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.