2014 Kia Forte Preview: 2012 LA Auto Show

When the 2010 Kia Forte debuted, it introduced a new design language for the brand under the direction of Peter Schreyer, an ex-Audi guy with plenty of talent. The Forte debuted Kia’s “tiger-nose” grille motif, and for an inexpensive compact car it looked more upscale than most of its competitors. The problem was that the interior reflected the Forte’s price point, and the engineering wasn’t quite up to competitive snuff.

That changes with the beautifully redesigned 2014 Kia Forte, which we think is going to rob plenty of sales from every other compact car in the segment, including the Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta and, yes, the Kia’s corporate sibling, the Hyundai Elantra. The new Forte rolls into showrooms in the spring of 2013.

2014 Kia Forte Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

• Redesigned inside and out
• Longer, lower, and wider
• Upgraded interior materials
• New 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine
• New 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
• Electric steering with optional Flex Steer technology
• Available UVO eServices technology
• Optional heated rear seats
• Optional heated steering wheel
• Optional ventilated 10-way power driver’s seat
• Optional passive keyless entry with push-button ignition
• Optional HID headlights and LED taillights

2014 Kia Forte Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Kia says the new 2014 Forte’s styling is “European design-inspired,” which is perhaps to say that Schreyer, who resides in Germany, signed off on this econobox’s sexy new look. Seriously, compare this gorgeous little sedan with any small car on the market, whether it wears a mainstream badge or a luxury marque. Whatever Peter is earning, Kia needs to pay him more.

But Schreyer is just the guy in charge. This Forte was designed in California, which means the team at Kia HQ deserves credit – and more moolah. Longer, lower, and wider than the handsome little sedan it replaces, the new 2014 Kia Forte is equipped with LED running lights and, as an option for EX models, LED taillights and attractive 17-inch aluminum wheels.

2014 Kia Forte Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Kia offers 2014 Forte buyers a choice between two engines. The standard Forte LX is equipped with a new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 131 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a 6-speed automatic optional. Option the Forte LX with the Eco Package, and the car is equipped with Kia Idle Stop & Go (ISG) technology, which shuts the engine off while idling in traffic or at an intersection to conserve fuel.

The 2014 Forte EX is equipped with a direct-injected 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. It comes only with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Electric steering is new for 2014, and is offered with optional Flex Steer technology on the EX model. With Flex Steer, the driver can choose between Normal, Comfort, and Sport steering tuning.

If we can find something to gripe about with regard to the new Forte’s mechanicals, it’s the torsion beam rear axle suspension. Given the price premium the new Forte’s styling could certainly command, it would seem that an independent rear suspension would have been a worthy investment. Especially since the fun-to-drive Ford Focus and mega-selling Honda Civic offer one.

2014 Kia Forte Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

The least expensive 2014 Kia Forte LX isn’t terribly appealing, mainly due to its skinny little 15-inch wheels. Better to find one equipped with the Popular Package, which adds 16-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, and a front sliding armrest to the LX model’s standard air conditioning, power windows, heated power side mirrors, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Forte LX can also be upgraded with an Eco Package including the ISG technology and a dual-zone automatic control system.

The 2014 Forte EX is equipped with the LX model’s Popular Package, and adds a new UVO infotainment system with eServices technology and a reversing camera. A Premium Package adds leather seats that are heated in front and in back, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power ventilated driver’s seat. Additionally, the Premium Package includes a power sunroof, a SmartKey passive entry system, and attractive 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Forte EX is also offered with a Technology Package that includes HID headlights, LED taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an LCD information display in the gauge cluster.

2014 Kia Forte Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

If you read this entire preview without skipping ahead to the end, you already know what we think of the 2014 Kia Forte. This car is a game-changer in the compact class, potentially betrayed only by its cheap rear suspension design.