Kia of USA puts on sale the upgraded 2016 Forte 5-door hatchback, so let’s have a look at what’s new and different from a year earlier.
The 2016 Kia Forte5 heads into the new model year with a continuation of the European style hatchback design, as well as excellent safety, technology, and performance offerings that are on a par with its 4-door sibling.
For the 2016 model year, Kia adds another trim level to the Forte 5-dr hatchback, giving it three- LX, EX, and SX –in total, as well as a pair of engine options.
The Forte5 LX and EX come equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine, while the range-topping Forte SX goes the sportier route with a 1.6-liter turbo GDI 4-cylinder under the hood.
That particular engine comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, with a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters available as an option.
2016 Forte5 LX
When you buy a Kia vehicle, you always get value for money, and that is the case with the Forte5.
The new LX trim level comes with standard features that include 16-inch alloy wheels, Rear Camera Display, keyless entry with remote trunk release, cruise control, SiriusXM satellite radio, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
It also has AC, power windows, and power heated outside mirrors to help make it one of the best value propositions in the segment.
2016 Forte 5 EX, SX
The EX and SX models ride on a McPherson strut front suspension, and come equipped with Flexsteer, allowing the driver to choose from Comfort, Normal, and Sport steering options with the push of a button.
There are even more standard features to be found in the EX trim, and those include 17-inch wheels, 4.3-inch Rear Camera Display, power folding outside mirrors, LED positioning lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Adding on the optional Premium Technology Package gets you leather seat trim, heated front seats, push-button start with Smart Key, power sunroof, navigation with HD radio, and LED taillights.
Kia USA has introduced a new Premium Tech Package for the 2016 model year, and it comes with heated steering wheel, 2-way power adjustable heated driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control with center console rear vents, and heated rear seats.
Standard equipment on the sporty SX trim includes 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, LED taillights, larger front brake rotors, dual exhaust, sport bumpers in front and back, push-button start with Smart Key, metal pedals, and UVO eServices Telematics.
Peter Schreyer, Kia’s global chief, oversaw the design of the Forte5, with the goal of creating a European inspired hatchback with a real sense of style and sophistication.
It seems as though they succeeded, because this is one car you won’t be able to help but notice on the road.
I much prefer the Look of the UK CEED (Forte US version} Why is it necessary to make a US & a UK version of basically the same car, There are far too many different versions of cars leading to unnecessary extra expense for consumers.