Kia News: Here's The Next Kia Forte

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

July 29, 2012

Kia has released some actual pictures of the next Forte, due out sometime in early 2013. As some early sketches showed, the new Forte is a mix of Optima and Sportage design cues.

Kia says the next Forte is longer, lower and wider than the current model, and its longer wheelbase will provide more interior room. As to how much more interior space, Kia isn't saying.

Kia also says the new Forte will come with a revised engine lineup that promises "class-leading fuel economy."

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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Kia Cerato (Forte) sedan becomes longer, lower and wider

- Sleeker profile, plus futuristic and dynamic styling

- Extended wheelbase delivers increased cabin space

(SEOUL) July 29, 2012 – The all-new version of Kia's global best-selling model, the Cerato compact sedan (also known as Forte in some countries), is scheduled to go on sale during the first quarter of 2013 at Kia dealerships in many overseas markets.

Longer, lower and wider than the current car, with an extended wheelbase, the next generation Cerato will be manufactured with an all-new bodyshell structure.

Featuring futuristic and dynamic styling, the all-new Cerato features a sleeker profile, LED front and rear lamps and a chrome-finished beltline.

All-new Cerato, to be called 'K3' in Kia's home market of South Korea, will also boast improved quality, upgraded equipment, a more spacious cabin and a revised engine line-up that delivers class-leading fuel economy.

After going on sale in Korea later this year, the all-new Cerato sedan will appear at Kia dealerships in many overseas markets during the first quarter of 2013.

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[ocnblu]

Oh. Meh. It's a Kia version of the current Elantra sedan. And a predictable let-down from the renderings posted earlier.

[daves87rs]

Not bad, looks long though....

[bobo]

Ok looking, missing some of the over styling of the Elantra. The lower side sculpting reminds me of the last BMW Z4.

[daves87rs]

Ok looking, missing some of the over styling of the Elantra. The lower side sculpting reminds me of the last BMW Z4.

True...

[regfootball]

a more palatable version of the Elantra. Well done.... I think this is another foot in the door for the non Americans to erode more of GM and Ford's share...

[G. David Felt]

At least this is better looking than the current 2012 ugly Civic.

[regfootball]

to be honest, if this is decent and low priced, i could consider this before a Cruze or focus...... the Elantra is just a bit overstyled in comparison.

[Robert Hall]

It's pleasant enough looking as far as compact FWD appliances go. I wonder if their will be a new Koup?

[G. David Felt]

Not sure why but these pics since I first posted this morning just kept scratching my brain and so after spending some more time looking at them, I think I know why.

I know it has the Fake Double Kidney look of the BMW grill kinda, but these 3 pictures seem to shout out to me Buick Knock Off. Especially the 3/4 side pic or very first pic as it has that same waterfall look of the Buick.

Edited July 30, 2012 by dfelt

[regfootball]

you could make this a hatchback and not have to change the rear end shape a bit.