Kia has offered the Forte5, a hatchback version of its regular Forte, since 2011. A more powerful SX trim has always been available, but the model is now sportier than ever and if you’re in the market for a 5-door that can deliver invigorating performance on a budget, you’d best make plans to drive the all-new 2020 Kia Forte5.
The new Forte5 offers a perfect fusion of sleek design, sporty performance and practical functionality.
Hitting Canadian streets in the fall of 2019, the 2020 Forte5 offers dynamic and fun performance in a sporty, head-turning hatchback design. The car’s most exciting feature is its optional GT performance upgrade which lets drivers experience the exhilaration of being sucked into their seat thanks to an optional 1.6L Turbo GDI paired to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission – which will pack a punch and offer some serious “oomph!”
The Forte5 will be powered by a choice of two four-cylinder engines, a 2.0-litre normally aspirated unit and a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo. Two transmissions will be available: a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, or Kia’s new Intelligent Variable Transmission (think CVT).
Kia Canada reps didn’t confirm the power output of each engine but the 2.0-litre puts out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. of torque in the Forte sedan, while the 1.6-litre turbo produces 201 / 195 in the outgoing Forte5. Those figures aren’t likely to change much (if at all) in the new Forte5.
Those opting for the 1.6-litre turbo will get additional performance kit, including a rear multi-link suspension with a specially tuned spring and damper package, 18-inch alloy wheels, 16-inch front disc brakes, dual exhaust finishers, D-shaped steering wheel, paddle shifters and more.
A wide array of safety kit also comes standard on all models, including blind spot collision warning, lane keeping assist, driver-attention warning, forward collision-avoidance assist and smart cruise control.
“We’re confident that this new Kia Forte5 delivers on what Canadians want – a dynamic and sporty Hatchback that is great to look at, fun to drive, safe and connects to their unique lives,” said Kopke, “Kia continues to put design, performance and technology at the forefront of all our vehicles and this new Forte5 is another great example of why Canadians should be looking to us during their purchase journey.”
Exterior
Sport stylized 18” alloy wheels
Rear diffuser with integrated Dual Exhaust
Black high glossy exterior trim elements including, radiator grille with red accents, lower air intake, side-view mirrors, and lower side sill garnish
Interior
D-cut steering wheel with paddle shifters
Front GT embossed Sports Seats and alloy sport pedals
Performance
Choice of Gamma 1.6L Turbo GDI paired to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission or 2.0L MPI engine paired to Kia’s new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Rear multi-link suspension with tuned springs and dampers
Safety
Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Driver-Attention Warning
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
So click the TEST DRIVE button below to be among the first in Canada to drive and receive a thorough tour of the all-new 2020 Kia Forte5.
