2017 Kia Forte5 Hatchback Gets Sportier Look, More Digital Content
At NAIAS 2016, alongside the Telluride concept SUV, Kia has unveiled this year's two new Forte models. While the 2017 Forte refreshes the car maker's sedan, both inside and out, the 2017 Forte5 give the hatchback a new look and some new tech to boot. Kia has endowed the upcoming Forte5 with design details found in the all new 2016 Optima, which adds a sleeker and bolder design to its distinctly European personality. Inside, Kia has also added a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, opening up new worlds of digital content.
Like the 2016 Optima, the 2017 Forte5's tiger nose grille, a signature element in Kia's cars, has been widened. To seemingly compensate for taking up more front space, the redesigned headlights now sweep all the way back to the front fenders.
For power, the 2017 Forte5 has a standard 2.0 liter GDI four-cylinder engine, partnered with a six-speed manual transmission or, at the option of the buyer, a second gen six-speed automatic transmission. The seven-speed dual-cluch transmission is an option for the SX trim, which also comes with a 1.6 liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine.
As before, Kia is offering three trims for the 2017 Forte5. At the most basic is the entry-level LX, which already comes with projector beam headlights and remote keyless entry with trunk opener. New driver assistance technologies, which are optional across the entire range, include Lane Change Assist
The EX trim gets, among many other things, LED tailights, heated front seats, push-button start with Smart Key, perimeter approach lighting with front-door pocket lighting, and perhaps most importantly, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. This latter feature allows users to mirror their smartphones on the car's 7-inch touchscreen for remotely controling their music, messages, and calls.
The sporty SX, of course, gets all those and more, like the new engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission mentioned earlier, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tip finishers, and front and rear fascias with red accents. There is also an Orange Color Pack option for this trim that adds orange leather seat inserts to emphasize the sporty character of the car.
Pricing for the 2017 Forte5 will be revealed once the car gets close to its availability in the first half of this year.