Kia has announced the third generation Forte Saloon at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the American version of Cerato, which was presented earlier this year. The 2014 Forte is expected to hit the US market in the beginning of the next year. It is slightly bigger and lower than the previous model and will be offered in LX and EX variants with 1.8 liter or 2.0 liter engines.

"The all-new Forte significantly raises the bar, offering upscale amenities and eye-catching appeal," commented Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.

"When you combine exclusive available features like a ventilated driver's seat and UVO eServices in a car with such an attractive design, it's very clear the all-new Forte sets a new standard for the compact segment.", he added.

The entry-level LX will be equipped with a 1.8 liter MPI four-cylinder petrol with 150HP (110 kW) at 6,500RPM and 177Nm (131 lb-ft) of torque at 4,700RPM. The new Forte is FWD and the power is sent to them through a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. The car rolls 15" wheels with 195/65 R15 tires and 16" alloys with 205/55 R16 available as an option.

The second trim level – EX is coming with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder GDI petrol with 175HP (129 kW) at 6,500RPM and 208Nm (154 lb-ft) of torque at 4,700RPM. The model is coming with 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard and a set of 16" alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 or optional 17" alloys with 215/45 R17.

The options list include 4.2" color LCD, power windows and mirrors, central locking, Bluetooth and some chrome accents. The options list also includes leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, power sunroof and HID head lights.

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Source: Kia