Carrying over in the 2015 model year, the award-winning Forte continues to raise value to new levels of sophistication with improved ride quality, reduced NVH and greater interior roominess. Available in LX and EX variants, the 2015 Forte offers a choice of an efficient 1.8-liter engine or a more powerful 2.0-liter engine.
[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:9px;”]The standard LX 1.8-liter powerplant produces 145-horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque delivered through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic gearbox. The EX comes standard with a 2.0-liter GDi engine that produces 173-horsepower and a robust 154 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic. Both engines – enhanced for 2015 to provide greater fuel economy – route power through the front wheels.
The 2015 Forte rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension, and FlexSteer, standard on the EX trim, puts the driver in control with settings for Comfort, Normal and Sport, which vary steering effort at the touch of a steering wheel-mounted button. In addition, the strong and muscular Forte is supported by more structural reinforcements, which reduce cabin noise.
Both trims offer customers a long list of standard and optional features, many of which are not seen in the compact sedan segment. The LX model comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth wireless technology. Power windows, air conditioning and power heated outside mirrors are among the many features that make the Forte a leader in its segment. The optional Popular Package adds cruise control, keyless entry with remote trunk release and a sliding front armrest. In addition to the Popular Package, other options include: 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices Telematics and a Rear Camera Display.
The EX trim adds extra comfort and convenience features. Kia’s next-generation UVO eServices Telematics can now be integrated with Rear Camera Display and 17-inch alloy wheels. Additional standard EX features include remote keyless entry with trunk opener, Rear Camera Display, a sliding center armrest and a cooling glove box. Features found in the optional Premium Package include heated front and rear seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with air-cooled ventilation, leather seat trim, power sunroof, push button start with Smart Key and a heated steering wheel. The Technology Package adds navigation, HID headlights, LED tail lights and dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear seat ventilation.
In keeping with the rest of the Forte family, the Forte Koup and Forte5 comes with the EX’s 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine and the SX’s powerful 1.6-liter GDI turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The SX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an available 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and offers an array of amenities and technology.
The Koup EX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth wireless technology, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, FlexSteer, tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows and LED positioning headlights with fog lights. The Koup SX offers standard 18-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices with Rear Camera Display,dual chrome exhaust tips, and LED tail lights. Forte Koup SX also features an aggressive front fascia with larger bumper and grille openings, black gloss grille inserts, larger front brakes and alloy sport pedals. The lower front fascia and rear valance also include carbon fiber-look trim.
Both EX and SX trim levels offer optional HID headlights, navigation system with HD Radio, sunroof, heated steering wheel, power lumbar, heated front seats and ventilated driver’s seat, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, SmartKey with push-button start, electric chromatic rearview mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control.
