Kia Forte

Kia Forte sedan premieres at Shanghai Motor Show

20 April 2009 - Kia Motors Corporation, along with its joint venture Donfeng Yueda Kia (DYK), has taken the wraps off its locally-produced Forte C-segment sedan (export model from Korea known as 'Cerato' in many markets) today at Auto Shanghai 2009, which runs through April 28 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

The Kia Forte for the Chinese market will be produced at DYK's plant located in Jiangsu province and has a crucial role to play in the brand's future fortunes in China.

Globally, the Forte four-door sedan will be joined by a two-door coupe model – Forte (Cerato) Koup, which was unveiled last week at the New York Motor Show and will go on sale in late 2009. Styled under the direction of Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the previously conservative appearance has been put aside and Forte embodies Kia's new design DNA in its most complete form so far.

For the Chinese market, Forte will be available with a choice of a 2-litre gasoline or locally produced 1.6-litre gasoline engine, with manual or automatic transmissions, in a selection of 10 exterior colours and two interior colours, with a broad choice of equipment/trim levels and a vast range of factory-fitted optional extras.

Forte is 30 mm longer, 40 mm wider and 10 mm lower than the previous model and features a wheelbase also extended by 40 mm. The track is increased by 62 mm front and 79 mm rear (up to 39 mm more than the body), pushing the wheels towards the vehicle's outer extremity for a bolder stance.