Kia Forte
The Age
Saturday July 12, 2008
THIS is not just the model that will replace Kia's small car, the Cerato, late this year or early next year. It is also an example of the styling direction being pursued by the Korean producer of what has, until recently, been a string of cheap 'n' cheerful models.
Following the lead of its sister company Hyundai, Kia has upped the ante in recent months with the arrival of the value-packed Rondo seven-seater. If appearances are anything to go by, the Forte heralds another big step forward.With its Honda Accord-like headlights, scalloped doors reminiscent of the just-released Ford Falcon, Audi-esque rear and a new corporate grille design, the Forte is an amalgam of up-to-the-minute design ideas.The smart interior features dark colours and textures with sporty barrel-like gauges and a centre stack reminiscent of Hyundai's small hatch, the i30.A 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine is expected to power the four-door Forte with a choice of automatic or manual transmissions. A rumoured two-door coupe fitted with a turbocharged four could follow. -- STEVE COLQUHOUN
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