As we look at the future of the Kia lineup, all of
us on staff here at Jim Butler Kia of
St Louis realize how exciting it is to see visions materialize that were
once just a faraway idea or blip on the radar. Last week the folks on stuff at Autoblog.com
reported on some very juicy findings from Carbuzz: they had discovered an
executive order submitted by Kia to the California Air Resources Board that
appears to effectively leave a placeholder for a new Forte5.
The previous model was, in essence, the hatchback
version of the Forte sedan and was sold in the U.S. until the end of last year.
The version sporting the tailgate didn't make the jump to the new-generation Forte
sedan that went on sale during the latter part of 2018. After seeing this in
the “top secret” report, the question remains as to whether we can really
expect a new Forte5 to come our way, or if Kia's U.S. Division is simply in
preparation for its possible existence. The CARB filing actually does list four
2020 model-year trim levels: a Forte sedan minus smart cruise control that can
be had with Kia's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or a 6-speed manual, a Forte
sedan with SCC that comes with the DCT, a Forte5 with the DCT, and a Forte5
with the SCC and DCT.
All four of these cars will receive a 1.6-liter
4-cylinder, and at this time the only engine of that type within Kia's ranks is
a turbocharged GDI unit sporting 201 horsepower, and 195 lb-ft of torque, currently
situated in the Soul GT. The Detroit Auto Show was the scene of the Forte
sedan's last launching, where the Forte product manager claimed during an
interview with Motor Trend that “We're not done with Forte... we have more
exciting products that are coming that I can't yet speak of”.
It is already widely-known that there is a
production version of the Forte GT now on the way with the 1.6-liter, so that
effectively takes care of two of the vehicles situated on the list. At the time
the interview took place, Motor Trend definitely wondered if the
Kia exec was hinting at a return of the Forte5 hatchback, or in conjunction
with the Proceed concept unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Simply one
of the most amazing looking wagons to ever exit the gate, it appears even
sharper at some angles than the track-tuned and salacious Stinger GT. We know
that the Forte GT sedan is supposed to come with nicer and sportier bits like
LED headlights and 18-inch wheels in Michelin Super Sport Tires, and if there is
indeed a revamped Forte5 hatch soon to be on the way, all of our blog readers
right here will be the first to get the scoop!
