2011 Forte5-Door extends Kia’s design-led transformation and aggressive
new product launch

• Forte 5 door enhances Kia Canada's best-selling vehicle line by adding utility and practicality
• Forte 5 door line-up includes refined and efficient six-speed powertrain offerings

ANN ARBOR, MI, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. officially launches a valued addition to the best-selling Forte compact sedan and bold Forte Koup lineup with the debut of the all-new 2011 Forte5-Door.

"The Forte5-Door is another key ingredient to the design-led transformation that Kia Motors is currently in the midst of" said Maria Soklis, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kia Canada Inc. "The Forte5-Door provides Canadians the practicality and utility that is expected from our already successful Forte line-up".

Forte5-Door builds on the popular Forte compact sedan and bold Forte Koup by employing another practical yet modern iteration of the platform. Forte five-door carries with it all the amenities of the Forte line and introduces lower valence designc, available paddle shifters, push-button start ignition and voice recognition navigation in addition to the ostensible fifth door for a distinct appearance and intentional practicality. Forte5-Door is available with an efficient 2.0-liter engine or a sporty 2.4-liter engine both featuring a six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic transmission.

Design
The Forte5-Door retains almost all styling cues from the successful Forte sedan. In 2011, both the sedan and 5 door share a common look of the front view noting the familiar Kia signature grille. The sporty hatchback exudes styling of European tastes and enhanced practicality. The wedge like character of the side profile displays a sense of speed while the available chrome door handles and outside mirror integrated turn signals signifies luxury in the compact segment.  The Forte5-Door completely differentiates the rear view from the Forte sedan. The rear of the vehicle includes a two-tone bumper on the SX package complemented by an integrated chrome exhaust tip as well as wrap around, multi-layer composite rear tail lamps. Available outside mirror LED turn signals and unique 16" and 17" alloy wheels also complement the look of the Forte5-Door.

The sweep of the Forte5-Door door's bold lines continues inside, creating a modern cabin where form and function blend seamlessly.  Interior features include optional mono-tone black perforated leather interior standard on the SX for an upscale image, metal and chrome interior finishes on instrument knobs to provide a high quality finish, audio controls and temperature controls ergonomically positioned at a hands reach and front centre armrest with storage.

World Class Powertrain
The 2011 Forte5-Door door has two engine offerings including the 2.0-litre Theta II and the venerable 2.4-litre Theta II engine also known as the 'World Engine' in some markets. These powerful, yet fuel efficient all-aluminum engines has been durability tested up to 24 million combined kilometers. The engines feature a light-weight ladder-frame block, special hollow dual overhead cams, continuously variable valve timing modules attached to both intake and exhaust cams which increases horsepower, torque and enhances fuel efficiency while reducing emissions output. In addition, durable proprietary 'silent' timing chains, and a multi-stage composite variable intake manifold enhances power output across the power band. The engines also contain strong sinter-forged connecting rods and a stainless steel tube exhaust manifold.

The Forte5-Door door LX starts at $16,695 and comes standard with the 2.0-litre coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional. Horsepower for the 2.0-litre engine is rated at 156 hp with the torque rated at 144 lb. ft. The 2.4-litre engine is standard on the SX trim level and features a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional. Outstanding fuel economy is also achieved for the Forte 5 door SX rated (with manual transmission) at 9.2 L/100Km for city driving and 6.2 L/100Km for highway driving. In addition, the Eco-minder, located in the instrument cluster, indicates when the Forte5 is driving at its optimal fuel efficiency (automatic transmission only).

Engineering
A meticulously engineered chassis and power rack & pinion steering work in harmony, blending dynamic handling and ride comfort.  The front suspension is an independent McPherson strut application while the rear suspension is a semi-independent coupled torsion beam with gas shock absorbers and coil springs.

Safety
Safety comes naturally to the Kia Forte5-Door. There is the standard protection of six airbags, dual advance front, dual side seat mounted and dual full length curtain airbags. This is complemented by the sure-footed stopping power of four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and a rigid body structure that helps channel crash energy away from the driver and passengers.  Other safety features include anti-whiplash active front headrests, electronic stability control, traction control, panic brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, impact sensing door unlock, front seat belt pretensioners and rear child safety door locks.

Pricing and Content
The Forte5-Door door line-up comes in 11 trim variations ranging in MSRP from $16,995 to $26,195.

LX - Starting at $16,695
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include: 6 airbags (advanced dual front, dual front side and dual curtain) anti-whiplash front headrests, 4-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), power windows and locks, power heated outside mirrors, four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with AUX and USB inputs, voice activated Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, 15" steel wheels with wheel covers, front and rear mud guards.

EX - Starting at $19,195
2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, 156hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to LX): 16" alloy wheels, , telescopic steering wheel, 6 speakers audio, keyless entry with panic feature, manual air conditioning, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, cruise control, outside mirror with integrated LED turn signal, exterior chrome door handles. Optional sunroof available.

SX - Starting at $22,495
2.4L, 4-cylinder engine, 173hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic
Standard features include (in addition to EX): 17" alloy wheels, front fog lights, Sirius satellite radio, trip computer, automatic climate control, leather seats, leather wrapped gear shift knob, leather wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, supervision instrument cluster, metallic interior accents, alloy sport pedals, automatic light control. SX Luxury adds: Push button ignition start, navigation

Additional available exterior and interior features on the Forte5-Door SX Luxury include:

• Auto dimming rear view mirror with Homelink
• Voice activated In-dash Navigation system
• Rear-view camera integrated display into navigation screen

Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Forte5-Door is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a five-year or 100,000-km limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 100,000-km limited comprehensive warranty, and a five-year unlimited-km anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/100,000-km roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

The Forte5-Door represent Kia`s new design strategy.  They have enhanced the value of Kia`s current line-up, which has already shown strong appeal, and have propelled Kia into the top tier of design led brands. With the successful launch of the Soul, Forte Sedan, Forte KOUP, Sorento, Sportage and now Forte5-Door door, Kia is leading the way by creating a new generation of vehicles that offer premium styling combined with exceptional value.

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 168 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 136 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

For further information:

Kia Canada Inc. Media Contact:
Jack Sulymka
Public Relations Manager
(O): 905.755.6266
(C): 905.301.6207
e-mail: [email protected]