KIA ADDS HATCHBACK FORTE5
Kia Canada Inc. (KCI) unveiled the 2011 Forte5 in Ann Arbor, Michigan and arranged a walkthrough of its Hyundai Kia America Technical Center, Inc (HATCI). The Forte5 has a new radiator grille, fog lamps, mirror repeaters and alloy wheels. A 2.0 litre inline-four cylinder engine, offering 156 horsepower and 144 ft-lbs of torque, is the base engine available on LX and EX trims. The 2.4L I-4 engine, with 173hp and 168 ft-lbs of torque, is the base engine on SX trim; both engines are matched to either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

“The Forte5-door is another key ingredient to the design-led transformation that Kia Motors is currently in the midst of,” said Maria Soklis, COO, KCI. “The Forte5-door provides Canadians the practicality and utility that is expected from our already successful Forte line-up.”

The 2011 Forte5 is 190 millimetres shorter than the four-door Forte, and has 20 mm more rear headroom. Rear seats are 60/40 full flat folding; EX and SX models have a box under the luggage tray. Forte5 comes standard with six airbags (dual front, dual side impact and dual side curtain), active front headrests and electronic stability control (ESC). Other safety features include: traction control, panic brake assist, impact sensing and door unlock.

Base LX models have four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, power windows, doors and mirrors, radio with AUX and USB input, Bluetooth and steering wheel audio controls. EX trim adds upgraded radio, keyless entry, heated front seats, cruise control, LED mirror turn signals, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome door handles. SX trim includes 17” alloy wheels, front fog lights, satellite radio, leather seats, power sunroof and alloy sports pedals. The SX Luxury package adds push button start, navigation system, auto dimming rearview mirror and rearview camera.