Kia revealed a few design renderings of the 2019 Kia Forte ahead of its debut at the fast-approaching North American International Auto Show. While highly reminiscent of the second generation of the Korean compact, the third-gen model offers a sexed-up profile and more sophisticated looks.
The headlights taper upward, set into creased bodywork, while large air inlets evoke a sense of sportiness. Kia says that’s intentional; it wanted the new Forte to borrow some of the spirit of the Stinger fastback sedan. For the most part, it seems to have done that gracefully.
“Creases in the hood lend to the Forte’s muscular appearance and distinctive design traits on the front fascia, including a fresh approach to Kia’s signature tiger nose grille and an aggressive lower valance enhance its road presence,” the automaker explained. “The front clip is flanked by a more dynamic headlamp design and layout.”
Things are similar around the rear. While most compact cars — especially those from Asian countries — seem to be totally devoid of tail-end styling, Kia has taken a giant leap in the right direction with its new model. The old Forte’s ass was as unremarkable as the rest of the pack, but the 2019 model shows more attention, with separate reverse and turn signal indicators located beneath the taillights. However, there is something distinctly Malibu-like about it.
The interior follows an open concept — a style popular with both upscale autos and home remodeling programs. While it appears clean and spacious, we’re always a little sensitive about missing buttons. The mockup, while incomplete, shows a quartet of knobs. Two of those are likely designated for the HVAC system, while the others are probably a tuner and volume dial. Kia says there will be buttons below the tablet-like infotainment screen, but the number will be kept to a minimum.
The minimalist look is always nice, but we’re hoping the Korean company isn’t expecting us to utilize a touchscreen for simple tasks. We prefer keeping our eyes on the road whenever possible. We’ll know for sure on January 15th, when the Forte makes its official debut in Detroit.
[Images: Kia Motors]
The whole thing’s kinda a bit Jaguar XE, in’nit?
http://s3.india.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/jaguar.jpg
Imagine if it also borrowed the Stinger’s RWD layout. Modern Datsun 510, anyone?
I’d substitute Opel Manta, but that would be sweet, and obviously ain’t gonna happen.
Yeah, but we can dream.
I think every Kia should be RWD, save for the Soul and the Niro. Set themselves apart with more than just a tiger nose grille.
I always thought the Ascona looked a little trimmer but yeah, that’ll be the day…
I always thought the Ascona looked a little trimmer but yeah, that’ll be the day…
That’d be cool, but it’d also have a tiny back seat.
There’s a reason why compacts all went to FWD.
This (the front fascia) shares a lot with the Pro_cee’d shooting brake concept and the spy shots of the new cee’d (which gives credence to the rumors that the Forte/Cerato and cee’d were converging).
Woudn’t be bad as a RWD, but what’s actually more befitting a RWD layout is the Kia Novo concept.
Maybe Kia is saving that for a compact RWD sedan to slot underneath the Stinger?
Could easily use the G70’s platform, but the chances of something like that happening are slim (if Kia is to do another RWD model, it’s likely to be premium crossover).
It’s a two-door Fusion with a Batman bat on the front.
Its a sedan, not a two door.
I don’t understand why Kia is showing this cartoon when the real thing will appear 4 days from now.
Same complaint with the Kia Niro EV. Some sources say it will be available by mid-year, yet Kia shows a crazy concept vehicle they certainly won’t be building.
I agree, it’s so silly. The wheels are taller than the windows! In the end, it will be a cheap compact, that will sell on price and not much else. Only aspirational for the young college graduate looking to ditch their hand-me-down Corolla.
Yeah I came here to post that just because there’s a cool looking cartoon picture, doesn’t mean the car is even going to look decent.
If the car looks dead on that image, then I’ll buy you a round of drinks.
Looks great, too bad it will be 189hp and fwd. At least it will look better than a corolla or civic.
189 hp would make that car one of the quickest non hot-hatch compacts.
189 ain’t nothing in a small car. This could run away from my first Trans Am.
The roofline reminds me of the Gen2 Intrepid, although with a shorter trunk. The interior looks to be a little too de-buttoned for my taste.
Sadly, no more Koup.
Kia wants to be Mazda
Except with sales.
At least upgrading the infotainment system will be easy. All I have to do is pull that tablet off and glue in another one. =P
This is one of the worst cabin design trends I have ever seen.
But low dash.
Actually don’t mind that set-up if done right.
Either way, that dash is a major upgrade over the current one in the Forte (which is simply atrocious).
I won’t disagree about the current dash, but there is something about the protruding infotainment screen motif that looks and feels aesthetically cheap to me. Like the design element was phoned in by someone that couldn’t be bothered to do any work, even in a Mercedes. I just can’t get past it. Every car I see with it is out. It’s a deal-breaker.
I don’t think it looks good, but I could probably get used to it. The screen in my current car is down low, which looks better but isn’t as visible and is easily blocked by my right arm. I certainly wouldn’t want the dash to be super high just to encompass that screen.
Not bad, not bad at all.