The 2010 Forte sedan released in South Korea, Korean-spec Forte model gets new engine, minor technical and equipment enhancements! 

Kia announced it has released a 2010 model year Forte compact sedan at it’s home Korean market. As of now, the Forte has only been available with 1.6L four-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines (South Korean market), but from now on, the customers will also be able to choose from a more potent 2.0L gasoline engine, generating 156 horsepower and 19.8 Nm of torque.

The 2.0L Theta engine features a Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, enabling the engine to provide greater performance and fuel economy. According to Kia’s statement, it’s new gasoline engine provides a class leading performance and fuel economy numbers!

When equipped with 4-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0L engine achieves 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg when highway driving (NOTE: 4-speed automatic is the only automatic transmission available in South Korean market, while in the States, Forte will also be available with 5-speed automatic).

In addition to the all-new, 2.0L four-cylinder engine, the 2010 Forte also benefits from suspension and steering enhancements resulting in improved driving and ride dynamics.

The 2010 model year KDM Forte also receives a host of equipment and trimming upgrades, as well as some technical enhancements. Interior of the 2010 Forte now more techno-look with steering wheel, doors and dashboard receiving metallic interior accents. The 2010 Forte equipment upgrades include a start-stop push button and a backup camera connected to the rear view mirror.

Price for the 2010 Korean-spec Kia Forte, equipped with the 2.0L Theta engine, starts at 17.49 million Won and rises to 18.89 million Won for the more generously equipped models. Base Forte model, equipped with 1.6L engine and 4-speed automatic tranny costs around 13 million Won. [Source: Kia Korea]

Kia Motors Korea commenced the sales of Forte sedan at it’s domestic market shortly after the Soul crossover went on sale. It was October when Forte officially went on sale and it immediately became the most popular Kia sedan in the South Korean. This year, Forte has been Kia’s second best selling model in Korea, with sales averaging at around 4.000 units per month.

In the first four months of the 2009, Kia sold more than 15.500 Fortes around South Korea. The model has been Kia’s second best selling car at home only lagging behind the hot-selling Picanto minicar with 32.518 units sold so far. Minor tweaks and upgrades implemented to the 2010 Kia Forte should be enough to help Kia keep these numbers at similar levels through out the whole year.