Back in September, we spied for the first time the mid-cycle facelift for the Kia Forte / K3 thanks to our friend SHM, and now we have caught thanks to our colleagues at AutoPost the Hatch version, also known as K3 GT (because there are not GT version for the sedan, like in the US). It is expected that it will receive a similar treatment as the recently released Stinger, with new headlights, taillights and larger infotainment system.
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What we know so far?
We recently tested the most powerful Kia Forte, the GT trim with its 204 hp engine and 7-speed DCT (you can check the review here) and Kia could be hurrying up to release a facelift of the K3 in order to compete against Avante/Elantra success in South Korea.
As on the original post, we shared the very first spy pictures of the Forte facelift, but it was pretty difficult to see something under the heavy camouflage (also the pics were not the best ones) we cannot say to much about what changes will have, but like with the i30 facelift, we can expect the arrival of new engines, like the 1.5 T-GDi or the new CVVD 1.6 Turbo and we also dream about a more powerful GT version.
We are sure Kia will also add its innovative IMT transmission, the ‘clutch-by-wire’ intelligent manual transmission which already has two variants, one with a clutch pedal and one without it.
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It is pretty difficult to see what’s under the heavy camouflage, but these new pictures allow us to see the first changes. The front has now a new headlights and a new grille too that still has red accents like the current GT version, but with a different design. There are also a new 17″ wheel design and the graphics of the rear taillights are also new.
The Forte should receive latest safety pack, as well as new IT system, from 8″ to 10,25 inch and digital cluster (the CEED which is parent of K3/Forte already had it).
We asked if Kia will make a big makeover like Hyundai did with Grandeur or Santa Fe or a more mild facelift like Kia recently did with Stonic or Stinger. After seeing this pictures, I think it will be more than what they have done with the Stonic.
What do you expect?
