Automotive enthusiast come in a wider variety of flavors than automakers are sometimes willing to admit. You have the well-heeled supercar community, hot rod fans, off-roaders, van people, and so on and so forth, and what have you. The point is: there’s a diverse array of customers out there, and one segment that has been neglected of late are people who love an unassuming car with a surprising amount of pep.
We need more cars like the Volvo V70 R, Mercury Marauder, and especially the Chevrolet Cobalt SS.
While Kia isn’t giving enthusiasts who prefer flying under the radar at breakneck speed everything they ever wished for, its surprise announcement of the 2020 Forte GT was a solid start. Think of it as the modern and Korean equivalent of the Dodge Dart GTS 440 — or, perhaps more accurately, the Dart Swinger 340.
Kia borrowed the turbocharged 1.6-liter inline four (and a few other things) from the Hyundai Elantra Sport in order to provide a more exciting Forte. At 201 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque, performance gains over the standard model should be glaringly apparent. But it won’t start shredding tires until the Korean motor group shows its willingness to go mental. Kia’s train hasn’t arrived at Crazy Town just yet, but it seems to be making progress.
The 2020 Kia Forte GT is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Larger front disc brakes appear, along with beefier sway bars. The manufacturer promises the model will come equipped with a more-aggressive sounding dual exhaust system.
Like Hyundai’s Veloster N, the Forte GT gets red and black accenting to distinguish itself from lesser trims. There’s a new black grille with red highlights, heated gloss-black mirrors, sporting side sills, and a modestly black spoiler perched atop the decklid. It might not be totally incognito but it’s likely subtle enough to avoid attention from those not in the know of such things. A set of 18-inch wheels, also with some black and red detailing, with 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Summer rubber are optional extras.
This exterior color theme extends into the interior, leading to red stitching on the flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and optional sport seats. Upgraded alloy pedals help complete the look. The sporty Forte will be split between GT1 and GT2 trim levels — differentiating the car’s overall appearance and equipment. However, both will come with the brand’s Drive Wise safety tech, LED headlights, upgraded 320-watt Harman Kardon audio, wireless device charging, and a sunroof.
Those previously mentioned cosmetic upgrades (both inside and out) can also be affixed to models equipped with the base engine as part of the GT Line appearance package, though that would make you a huge poser, according most high schoolers.
Expect pricing and performance figures to be very close to the Hyundai Elantra Sport. And, since the Forte GT isn’t quite as good looking, the warmth of its reception will likely be dependent upon how much it can undercut the Hyundai’s MSRP and 0-to-60 time. Expect more details and a pricing breakdown closer to launch. Meanwhile, we’re going to keep hoping they somehow fit the Kia Stinger’s 2.0-liter turbo into the Rio.
[Images: Kia Motors]
So nice to have a little choice in this segment
One choice is missing – the Koup.
or kia ProCeed
Raise the suspension 3 inches, add black cladding around the wheel wells, and put the letter X somewhere in the name. It will sell like hot cakes.
They’ve done even more than that with the Sportage SX….
I’d love for the Forte and the Elantra Sport to both come in 250 hp versions.
That would be more in line with my idea of caliente.
“GT” is almost always just the mid-level sporty version.
If the Kia “GT” line performs well business-wide then I bet we’ll be getting “GTP” trims soon.
I see what you did there…
(Wife’s great uncle has a Grand Prix GTP coupe 3800 Supercharged, they deserve a little more respect than they generally get.)
I once seriously considered a Grand Prix GTP coupe with the 3800 SC but went for another MN-12 T-Bird.
They are quite nice one of the better GM cars of that era. Of course the hallowed church of 3800.
I saw one on the road the other day with a nice set aftermarket Fuchs looking wheel with black insets and brushed outer ring and it looked great.
3800 S/C Pontiacs were a 3rd pedal away from being American Maximas. Though the potency and effectiveness of big V6s and 6+ speed automatics are a better fit with their forebears.
While it would be nice, doubt we’ll be seeing that anytime soon.
Otoh, the Veloster N should see a significant boost in power w/ the upcoming 2.5T.
Don’t see how the Forte GT/SX? is any way a surprise; from the very start, a trim comparable to the Elantra Sport was expected.
Kia has no plans for the time being to step on the toes of Hyundai’s N-division.
Where’s the hatch version?
Hyundai Elantra GT Sport
It’s coming (kinda of a mix btwn the Ceed hatch and the ProCeed shooting brake).
I’m pretty sure the Forte 5-door SX had the 1.6T and 6-spd or DSG in the previous generation. They were on the Kia website but virtual unobtainium on the ground when I bought my Elantra GT 4 years ago.
They had a conventional 6AT which oddly enough was faster than the manual by a wide margin. Compared to the GTI/Mazda 3 they looked very strange and were nowhere near as nice inside.
I am due for a new carin 24 months. This rxactly the kind of car I will be looking for….but it must be under $25k
I am due for a new car in 24 months. This is exactly the kind of car I will be looking for….but it must be under $25k
Not a bad looking car. The interior is really sharp – kind of looks like the Stinger.
The interior is a massive upgrade over the previous gen Forte (the dash design was simply horrendous).
Very nice looking car.. actually went by a new 2 door Forte yesterday , and it was nice also , great rims, and rear lights look better than old one .. almost looked like a small Audi or bmw
Hopelessly inefficient.
This fact likely only scratches the surface of how “put on airs” has become Kia’s driving passion.
I’m grateful for 2 things with this car – 1. It wasn’t displayed in some horrid shade of gray. 2. It has 3 pedals. When I give up my GTI in the upcoming future, this is the kind of car I’ll be looking for.
I drive a 2014 Kia Forte Koup SX and it’s fun with the 201 hp turbo.