A compact four door, the new 2010 Kia Forte Sedan has been announced with prices starting from $14,200 for the base LX trim, including the $695 delivery premium. But other than the LX, the mid-level Forte EX is going to be priced North of $16,490 while the top shelf SX version (sportiest of them all) begins from $17,890.

Of course most of you would be tempted to get the new Kia Forte Sedan SX model as it’s powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, that outputs 173 hp. As for the other two versions, the LX and the EX, they’re but running on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 156 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque.

Looking good, but we’ll let you decide if it’s a good deal or not.

Kia took the cover off of its maiden twin-door coupe passenger car at the New York International Auto Show. Dubbed Forte Koup it’s going to be available in a couple of trim levels, namely the EX and the SX. The EX is the standard version powered by a 2.0-litre 156hp engine that comes with a Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission and 16-inch alloy wheels. The tuned-up SX version comes loaded with a 2.4-litre 173hp engine and offers a mileage of 22mpg in city mode and 32mpg under highway mode.

The exterior of the Kia Forte Koup though, is common with the wrap-around headlights, the aggressive air intakes, dual tailpipes and a rear diffuser making it quite a treat. With integrated safety and stability features and add-on goodies such Bluetooth connectivity, iPod and USB auxiliary inputs, a standard six-speaker audio system and steering-wheel mounted audio controls, the Koup already has attracted plenty of attention.

At the Chicago Auto Show this week, Kia Motors America took the wraps off of their 2010 Kia Forte. Somehow sophisticated and with daring new lines, the design embraces the new path the Korean automaker is following. And to be honest, it’s nothing short of cool. Available in three versions (LX, EX and SX) you could expect a USB port for your iPhone/iPod, Bluetooth connectivity for your smartphone, a SIRIUS Satellite Radio system for loud bass, steering wheel controls or 17-inch alloy wheels. The first two models LX and EX are using a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that outputs a good 155hp while the sportier SX is propelled by a 2.4-litre engine that outputs 173 hp. Doesn’t sound bad at all, is it? [via WCF]

It’s obvious that the South Koreans from Kia are doing their best to make it the right way. After the great success with Kia Ceed, the guys are going to release a new model dubbed the 2009 Kia Forte.

Main focus is on fuel efficiency considering the high gas (oil) prices, but I’ll have to be honest though it’s not for the racetrack, they really did a good job with the design. As for what’s under the hood, the 124 hp 1.6 liter engine will be offered as standard while the 2.0L versions will come later.

Kia also has great expectations. They estimated (more like .. wish) to sell some 30,000 units this year and up to 250,000 units in 2010. The biggest factor to these figures are the prices which start at ~$11,300 and top up at $18,300. Main competitors for the 2009 Kia Forte are Hyundai Avante, the Renault SM3 or the GM Daewoo Lacetti.

It should go on sale this week.

via AutoUnleashed