#CAS09 Kia isn't shy about using self-effacing humor. At its 2009 Chicago Auto Show press conference, it openly admitted that the current Spectra doesn't attract many buyers on looks alone. "It's all about value, we know that," said Tom Loveless, VP of Sales.
Of course that didn't stop Tom from pitching style as a selling point with the new 2010 Kia Forte, the Spectra's slightly less generic-looking replacement.
Kia was also quick to point out something the Spectra never had much of either: power. The Forte's optional 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes it one of the most powerful cars in its class, and even the base 2.0-liter engine delivers a decent 156 hp.
No pricing was announced, but Loveless said the Forte will maintain the Spectra's position as one of the more affordable sedans in the segment. So yeah, they're not betting the house on styling just yet. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
Inside Line News: 2010 Kia Forte
bbechtel16 says:
02:18 PM, 02/12/09
Is it just me or does it look like a Civic with the spaceship factor dialed back?
firstwagon says:
02:50 PM, 02/12/09
I see a bit of Civic, a bit of Mazda3 and even a bit of Jetta in there.
Not bad looking but not a very original design.
I have a hunch they will still have to use price as a way to get people in the drivers seat.
jederino says:
03:05 PM, 02/12/09
Looks respectable! If it had a sporting reputation, it would be admired. It's more attractive than the nissan sentra, sharper than the corolla, while less polarizing than the civic.
altimadude00 says:
04:12 PM, 02/12/09
"Is it just me or does it look like a Civic with the spaceship factor dialed back?"
I think that's a good thing. Push ads for it and they have a winner!
carlisimo says:
06:01 PM, 02/12/09
Hey, these photos make it look less like a Civic than the others I've seen. It looks more like it's own car now, and a pretty good looking one.
But I don't think it's a good idea to change the car's name every generation.
dougtheeng says:
06:45 AM, 02/13/09
I think its the best looking small car Kia has produced. I especially like the white/black one.
hondacura4 says:
07:41 AM, 02/13/09
The on paper hp looks to be great but Kia didnt mention anything about one of the most important reasons people purchase compacts, fuel economy. I feel that a balance between available power and great fuel economy should be priority here.
redliner says:
08:35 AM, 02/13/09
Thumbs up kia! I like the white one.
The instant i saw this car i thought, 'this is what a civic would look like if Volvo had designed it.'
crowb says:
08:44 AM, 02/13/09
What does it weigh though?
iskch says:
09:55 AM, 02/13/09
Kia & Hyundai are getting real about fun cars. Hey Kia! How about a Rio hatchback with the 2.0L N.A engine, sport suspension, L.S.D, Recaro seats, C.R 5 speed?
dg0472 says:
11:33 AM, 02/16/09
hondacura, they did give a few numbers. It was in the press stuff. 25/34 with the 2.0L with the 4AT; 26/36 with the 2.0L with the 5AT. No figures yet for the 2.4L or with a manual.