Model Preview
One year after the debut of the third-generation Kia Forte, we’re expecting some important changes for its second year. At the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Kia took the wraps off the 2020 Forte GT. The new model brings in two important elements: added performance and enhanced driving characteristics.
Two new trims are in the offing: GT Line and GT. The GT Line consists chiefly of cosmetic upgrades, including a sporty gloss black grille with red accents. The gloss black treatment extends to the outside mirrors, which include LED turn signals and heating elements. The rear spoiler also reflects that change.
Inside, the GT Line features alloy sport pedals and a flat-bottom steering wheel with white contrasting stitching. Black seats, exclusive to the model, feature color stitching. The front seats have performance side bolsters for improved support, which is ideal when participating in enthusiastic maneuvers.
The GT Line along with the FE, LXS and EX models all come with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. As for the Forte GT, it builds on the GT Line’s design elements and adds a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The enhanced engine has an output of 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque compared to the 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque of the standard engine.
Significantly, where the standard engine comes with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, the Forte GT has either the manual gearbox or the quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Further, the GT brings in a fully independent front suspension, larger front disc brakes and sway bars, improved handling and cornering, enhanced steering and stability, and a better ride. This model rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Summer tires.
The new Forte borrows design elements from the performance Kia Stinger sedan. It also gains a pair of performance packages, GT1 and GT2, that offer further differentiation. Indeed, the latter brings in SOFINO GT sport seating and a 10-way power driver’s seat.
The 2020 Kia Forte will continue with a suite of Kia Drive Wise technologies, including forward collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and driver attention warning. The GT1 package adds blind spot collision warning and lane change assist, while the GT2 package builds on all this with rear cross-traffic collision warning and smart cruise control.
Pricing & Release Date
Kia has not announced a release date for the 2020 Forte, including the GT Line and GT. A summer 2019 release date is possible.
As for pricing, the GT Line should cost about $25,000 or just above the price of a well-equipped 2019 Forte EX. With its many performance enhancements, the Kia Forte GT may approach $30,000.
Among the Forte GT competitors are the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si, and the Hyundai Veloster.
Photos
Pictured: 2020 Forte GT
