Kia’s Hatchback Gets Hotter with Bolder Exterior Design and Enhanced Content, Including Android Auto1 and Apple Car PlayTM2
Kia Motors America unveiled the 2017 Forte5 alongside its similarly refreshed sedan sibling at the North American International Auto Show. Along with visual enhancements to the front and rear, the new Forte5 also adds a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and newly available convenience and driver-assistance features previously introduced on the all-new Optima. Pricing for the 2017 Forte5 will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date in the first half of 2016.
While the new Forte5 maintains its European-inspired hatchback design, it appears bolder than ever for 2017. Like the sedan, the Forte5’s front clip is highlighted by a wider version of the signature “tiger nose” grille, similar to the one found on the all-new 2016 Optima. The grille connects redesigned headlights that sweep back around the front fenders, giving the new Forte5 more road presence than the outgoing model. Around back, revised taillights complete the exterior redesign, and higher trim levels go one step further with standard LED daytime running lights and taillights.
Three trim levels remain – LX, EX, and SX – and each one brings something new to the table for 2017. The entry-level LX is handsomely equipped with features such as projector beam headlights and remote keyless entry with trunk opener and is now available with Blind Spot Detection3 with Lane Change Assist and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, as these advanced driver-assistance systems are optional across the entire range. The EX sees the most changes as previous options – including LED taillights, leather seats, heated front seats, push-button start with Smart Key, and perimeter approach lighting with front-door pocket lighting – are now standard along with UVO eServices4.
Kia’s UVO infotainment system offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlayTM (late availability) compatibility, and is displayed on a 7-inch color touchscreen4. Both platforms allow drivers to stay connected by replicating key smartphone apps and functionality on the touchscreen, enabling them to send text messages, access music, or look up driving directions while behind the wheel. The sporty SX trim comes with all that and more, including 18-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear fascias with red accents, and dual exhaust tip finishers. Also new for the SX is an Orange Color Pack, which further signifies the SX’s sporty nature with orange leather seat inserts and contrasting stitching on the seats and shifter.
Underneath the hood, the 2017 Forte5 comes standard with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an available second-generation six-speed automatic transmission. Maintaining the sport theme in the SX is a zippy 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, which is now available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power ratings and fuel economy figures will be released closer to launch, while 2017 Koup details will be released at a later date.
Specifications
| | LX | EX | SX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||
| Type/layout | 2.0L I-4, DOHC gasoline direct injection (GDI) | 2.0L I-4, DOHC gasoline direct injection (GDI) | 1.6L I-4, turbocharged DOHC gasoline direct injection (GDI) |
| Engine material | Aluminum block and head | Aluminum block and head | Aluminum block and head |
| Valve System | DOHC D-CVVT 16V/V | DOHC D-CVVT 16V/V | DOHC D-CVVT 16V/V |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,999 cc | 1,999 cc | 1,591 cc |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 81 x 97 | 81 x 97 | 77 x 85 |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel System | GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) | GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) | GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) |
| Required Fuel | Unleaded | Unleaded | Unleaded |
| Cooling System | Water cooled circulation, centrifugal | Water cooled circulation, centrifugal | Water cooled circulation, centrifugal |
| Emission Control System | Gasoline Unleaded Fuel, SULEV : WCC+UCC(GDI), ULEV-II : CCC(GDI) | Gasoline Unleaded Fuel, SULEV : WCC+UCC(GDI), ULEV-II : CCC(GDI) | Gasoline Unleaded Fuel, ULEV-II : WCC+UCC(GDI) |
| Lubrication System | Mechanical gear type oil pump | Mechanical gear type oil pump | Mechanical gear type oil pump |
| Fuel tank capacity (gal.) | 13.2 gallons | 13.2 gallons | 13.2 gallons |
| Electrical System | |||
| Battery (AH) | 68AH | 68AH | 60AH |
| Alternator (Amps) | 90A | 90A | 110A |
| Starter | 1.2 KW | 1.2 KW | 0.9 KW |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Transmission Gear Ratios: 6-speed manual transmission | - | - | - |
| Transmission Gear Ratios: 6-speed automatic transmission | - | - | - |
| Layout/drive | Front engine / FWD | Front engine / FWD | Front engine / FWD |
| Exterior Dimensions | |||
| Wheelbase (in.) | 106.3 in. | 106.3 in. | 106.3 in. |
| Track (in.), (front/rear) | 61.1 in./61.6 in. (16" Steel) | 61.3 in./61.3 in. | 60.8 in./61.3 in. |
| Overhang (in.), (front/rear) | 34.6 in./30.3 in. | 34.6 in./30.3 in. | 34.6 in./30.3 in. |
| Min. ground clearance (in.) | 5.5 in. | 5.5 in. | 5.5 in. |
| Approach Angle (degree) | 15.2 | 15.2 | 15.2 |
| Departure Angle (degree) | 25.1 | 25.1 | 25.1 |
| Interior Dimensions | |||
| Seating capacity | 5 passenger | 5 passenger | 5 passenger |
| Leg room, front/rear (in.) | 42.2 in./ 35.9 in. | 42.2 in./ 35.9 in. | 42.2 in./ 35.9 in. |
| Head room, front/rear (in.) | 39.4 in./ 38.7 in. | 39.4 in./ 38.7 in. | 39.4 in./ 38.7 in. |
| Shoulder room, front/rear (in.) | 56.1 in./ 54.9 in. | 56.1 in./ 54.9 in. | 56.1 in./ 54.9 in. |
| Hip room, front/rear (in.) | 53.8 in./ 53.1 in. | 53.8 in./ 53.1 in. | 53.8 in./ 53.1 in. |
| Luggage capacity (cu. ft.) | 98.2 cu. ft. | 98.2 cu. ft. (without sunroof) / 96.8 cu. ft. (with sunroof) | 98.2 cu. ft. (without sunroof) / 96.8 cu. ft. (with sunroof) |
| Cargo capacity, rear seats up (cu. ft.) | 23.2 cu. ft. | 23.2 cu. ft. | 23.2 cu. ft. |
| Cargo capacity, rear seats folded (cu.ft.) | 56.4 cu. ft. | 56.4 cu. ft. | 56.4 cu. ft. |
| Chassis/Suspension | |||
| Front | McPherson Strut type | McPherson Strut type | McPherson Strut type |
| Rear | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) |
| Shock Absorber Type | Monotube (Mando) | Monotube (Mando) | Monotube (Mando) |
| Construction | Unibody | Unibody | Unibody |
| Steering | |||
| Type / Power source | Rack and Pinion / Electric motor | Rack and Pinion / Electric motor | Rack and Pinion / Electric motor |
| Turns, lock-to-lock | 2.96 | 2.96 | 2.85 |
| Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft.) | 34.8 | 34.8 | 34.8 |
| Steering ratio | 15.7:1 | 15.7:1 | 15.1:1 |
| Brakes | |||
| Type front/rear | Vented disc / Solid disc | Vented disc / solid disc | Vented disc / Solid disc |
| Size (in.) front/rear | 11.0 in. / 10.3 in. | 11.0 in. / 10.3 in. | 11.8 in. / 10.3 in. |
| Wheels/Tires | |||
| Wheel size (in.) | 6.5J x 16 | 6.5J x 17 | 7.5J x 18 |
| Tire size | P205/55R16 | P215/45R17 | P225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire | Tire Mending Kit (TMK) | Tire Mending Kit (TMK) | Tire Mending Kit (TMK) |
Features & Options
| Mechanical | LX | EX | SX |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | S | S | -- |
| 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | -- | -- | S |
| 6-speed Automatic Transmission | S | S | -- |
| 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission | -- | -- | O |
| 6-speed manual transmission | -- | -- | S |
| Active Eco System | S | S | O |
| Sportmatic | S | S | O |
| Sport-tuned suspension | -- | -- | S |
| Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters (DCT only) | -- | -- | O |
| Exterior | LX | EX | SX |
| 16" Steel wheels | S | -- | -- |
| 17" Alloy wheels | -- | S | -- |
| 18" Alloy wheels | -- | -- | S |
| Projector low-beam headlights | S | S | S |
| Auto-on/off headlights | O | S | S |
| Front LED daytime running lights | -- | S | S |
| Xenon HID headlights | -- | -- | O |
| Front fog lights | -- | S | S |
| Rear LED taillights | -- | S | S |
| Power outside mirrors | S | -- | -- |
| Power-folding outside mirrors | -- | S | S |
| Outside mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators | O | S | S |
| Heated outside mirrors | S | S | S |
| Puddle lamp (under outside mirrors) | -- | O | S |
| Variable intermittent windshield wipers | S | S | S |
| Rear wiper and hatch spoiler | S | S | S |
| Rear-window defroster | S | S | S |
| UV cut windshield glass | S | S | S |
| Solar control glass (doors, back window, front quarter 'delta') | S | S | S |
| Rear hatch spoiler | S | S | S |
| Power sunroof | -- | O | O |
| Single Chrome Exhaust tip finisher | S | S | -- |
| Dual exhaust tip finishers | -- | -- | S |
| Chrome door window belt line molding | -- | S | -- |
| Chrome outside door handle inserts | -- | S | -- |
| Gloss black exterior mirrors | -- | -- | S |
| Sport front and rear fascias with red accent | -- | -- | S |
| Perimeter approach lighting and front door pocket lighting | -- | S | S |
| Interior | LX | EX | SX |
| Tilt and telescopic steering column | S | S | S |
| Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors | S | S | S |
| Trip computer segment type LCD (trip distance, dte, average mpg, instant mpg) | S | -- | -- |
| Trip Computer Dot-matrix type LCD | -- | S | S |
| Supervision meter cluster with 4.2" TFT color LCD display (inside the meter cluster) | O | O | O |
| UVO3 eServices Infotainment System with Android Auto and Apple Carplay smartphone integration | -- | S | S |
| UVO eServices Infotainment System with Voice-command Navigation, SiriusXM Traffic, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration | -- | O | O |
| Tachometer | S | S | S |
| Dual 12V power outlets (front) | S | S | S |
| Dome light | S | S | S |
| Glove box light | S | S | S |
| Assist grips (x3) | S | S | S |
| Coat hook | S | S | S |
| Cargo light | S | S | S |
| Auto-dimming rear-view mirror | -- | O | O |
| AM/FM/CD/MP3 Audio Unit (Audio 3.0A) | S | -- | -- |
| AM/FM/CD/MP3 with 4.3 in. Rear-Camera Display (Audio 3.0B) | O | -- | -- |
| USB/auxiliary input jacks | S | S | S |
| SIRIUS® Satellite Radio | S | S | S |
| 4 speakers | S | -- | -- |
| 6 speakers | O | S | S |
| Bluetooth® wireless technology | S | S | S |
| FlexSteer™ | -- | S | S |
| Overhead map light with sunglass holder | S | S | S |
| Illuminated ignition keylock cylinder | S | S | S |
| Cargo cover | S | S | S |
| Cargo net hooks | S | S | S |
| Door handle pocket light (front doors) | -- | S | S |
| Navigation with HD Radio Technology | -- | O | O |
| Chrome parking brake button | -- | S | S |
| Metal pedals | -- | -- | S |
| Seating & Trim | LX | EX | SX |
| Knit and Woven cloth seat trim | S | -- | -- |
| Premium cloth seating | O | -- | -- |
| Leather seat trim | -- | S | S |
| Heated front seats | -- | S | S |
| Heated outboard rear seat cushions | -- | O | O |
| Ventilated front seats | -- | O | O |
| 6-way adjustable driver's seat | S | S | S |
| 2-way power adjustable driver's lumbar support | -- | O | O |
| 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with two memory presets | -- | O | O |
| 60/40 split-folding rear seats | S | S | S |
| Center console with armrest and storage area | S | S | S |
| Sliding armrest (vs. non-sliding on center console) | S | S | S |
| Rear center armrest and cup holders | S | S | S |
| Dual front cup holders | S | S | S |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob | -- | S | S |
| Soft touch front upper door panels | -- | S | S |
| Front passenger seat back map pocket | O | S | S |
| Orange Color Pack (CP2) | -- | -- | O |
| Comfort, Convenience & Technology | LX | EX | SX |
| Air conditioning | S | S | S |
| Dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear vents | -- | O | O |
| Rear seat heater ducts (under front seats) | S | S | S |
| Power door locks with two-turn entry system | S | S | S |
| Remote keyless entry with trunk opener | S | S | S |
| Push button start with Smart Key | -- | S | S |
| Power windows with driver's one-touch auto-down | S | -- | -- |
| Power windows with driver and front passenger's one-touch auto-up/down | O | S | S |
| Electric Power Steering (EPS) | S | S | S |
| Steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control buttons | O | S | S |
| 4.3 in. Rear-camera display | O | -- | -- |
| 7 in. Rear-camera display | -- | S | S |
| Auto-dimming rear-view mirror | -- | O | O |
| Outside temperature display | S | S | S |
| Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) | S | S | S |
| Safety & Security | LX | EX | SX |
| Dual front advanced airbags | S | S | S |
| Dual front seat-mounted side airbags | S | S | S |
| Full-length side curtain airbags | S | S | S |
| Front seat-belt pretensioners | S | S | S |
| Height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors | S | S | S |
| Anti-lock Brakes System (ABS) | S | S | S |
| Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | S | S | S |
| Brake-Assist System (BAS) | S | S | S |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | S | S | S |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | S | S | S |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | S | S | S |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | S | S | S |
| Front and rear 3-point seat belts | S | S | S |
| Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | S | S | S |
| Side-impact door beams | S | S | S |
| Front and rear crumple zones | S | S | S |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) | S | S | S |
| Rear child-safety door locks | S | S | S |
| 4-wheel disc brakes | S | S | S |
| Immobilizer | -- | O | S |
| Dynamic Driving Systems | LX | EX | SX |
| Drive Mode Select (Normal, Eco, Sport) | -- | S | S |
| Perimeter approach lighting | -- | S | S |
| Blind Spot Detection (BSD) | O | O | O |
| Lane Change Assist | O | O | O |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) | O | O | O |