The 2012 Kia Forte 5-Door
Key Features

The crisp lines of the roof, rear side panels, C-pillar, tailgate, rear bumper, light clusters and two tone spoiler all convey motion, while cruising down the highway or parked in your driveway.

At the front, bold styling incorporates the distinctive tiger nose Kia family grill, a lower air-intake grille and fog lamps. The door mirrors have LED turn signals incorporated, and re-styled Double Five Spoke 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels are available.

The rear combination lamps, which have etching-processed lenses, are split across the tailgate shut line and a sporty rear diffuser allows the exhaust tailpipe to be displayed.

Moving up to the SX trim, pricing begins at $19,600. The SX trim offers a more athletic profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires.

The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving the Forte taut, responsive handling, a smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned, Kia-developed suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling on S-turn laden roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout Forte to help ensure a comfortable ride with low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.

Forte's front-wheel-drive unibody structure employs an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling by providing the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. In keeping with the energetic essence of the SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension gives the chassis a firmer feel and responsiveness resulting in a sportier and more spirited ride. The SX model also features larger front brakes for improved stopping capabilities.

Driver and passengers have an impressive 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 38.3 inches of headroom and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Forte's cargo area also offers 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for luggage, weekend getaways, around-town grocery shopping and more!

Starting with a crisp, high-visibility center stack and a driver-oriented three-gauge instrument cluster exuding a stylish red glow. The Forte continues to pamper its riders with a host of interior features, starting with comfortable, nicely appointed full cloth seats with a heated leather option. A six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering column, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver and passenger conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle.

With standard Bluetooth keeping distractions to minimum you can also plug in you iPod or other .mp3 player into the Auxiliary audio input or USB input as well.

Power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, map lamps, steering wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth phone controls and cruise controls. The door mounted tweeters keep the sound crisp at all levels. Dual front and rear cup holders help keep spills to a minimum. Floor mats are a standard option included with all trim levels.

The Forte 5-door Hatchback SX and EX models also offer an optional Technology Package which includes navigation, fully automatic temperature control, push button start, fog lamps, auto headlamps and chrome color exterior door handles.

The Forte 5-door Hatchback SX also has an optional Leather Package which includes leather seat trim, heated front seats.

The SX model brings even more standard features, including a unique black interior with sport cloth fabric adorned with red stitching, a telescoping steering column, Supervision™ gauge cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal-finish trim and pedals. The Forte 5-door Hatchback SX and EX models also offers the optional power sliding and tilting moonroof.

The 2.0 engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy.

The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower - more powerful and with better fuel economy than the Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla XRS.

An optional six-speed manual transmission or a standard electronically controlled six-speed Sportmatic® Automatic transmission with overdrive. Expierience the fun of sporty driving using the rally inspired shifter paddles to row through the gears like a true professional.

The 2.4-liter engine turns out a notable 22/32 mpg when paired with the six-speed manual and 23/31 with the six-speed automatic.

Starting with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. Also standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players as well as Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, which enables hands-free operation for all compatible cell phones.

Forte's advanced audio system also includes Speed Dependent Volume Control (SDVC), which automatically increases the volume at higher speeds for better listening enjoyment, and Power Bass, which automatically enhances the bass response and tone.

Included in this program is a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.