2009 Kia Forte: Kia’s Strong Suit

Last week we showed you a couple of preview images of the upcoming Kia Forte.  Slated to replace the Spectra in the US and the Cerato in the Aussie market, the Forte—along with the US-market Kia Koup/Coupe—looks to be a solid turning point for Kia.

In terms of purchase availability, the Forte will be the first model to bear the new Kia face and design language first previewed by the Koup Concept some time ago.

Carrying a very sporty and deliberate look designed by first-gen Audi TT and Volkswagen New Beetle designer Peter Schreyer, the Forte will likely stand out as that point in history when Kias stopped looking like a mish-mash of lines and started looking more like a car people—any people, not just those on a modest budget—might actually seek to own.

The Forte will be offered with two fuel-efficient petrol engines.  The first off the rank will be the brand new 1.6ltr four-cylinder, followed by a more powerful 2.0ltr four.

The Forte will be officially unveiled on August 21.