- 5-door Forte EX and SX hatchbacks join 2014 Forte lineup.
- SX features 201-horsepower turbocharged engine.
- Standard features include backup camera, Bluetooth & more.
Following the debut of Kia's all-new 2014 Forte sedan at the recent LA Auto Show, the automaker revealed the latest addition to the model's lineup in Chicago, the Forte 5-door.
The 2014 Kia Forte 5-door will be available later this year in two trim levels: EX and SX. The base EX is well equipped, with standard features like Kia's UVO infotainment system, a backup camera, Bluetooth and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The SX is the higher-performance version of the Forte 5-door. It features a more powerful turbocharged engine and a sportier exterior design.
The EX comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with direct fuel injection that produces 173-horsepower and 154 lb-ft torque. It's only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine in the SX also uses direct injection to produce 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft torque. The SX is offered with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Kia did not announce fuel economy estimates for either model.
The Forte 5-door EX is loaded with standard features. For convenience and safety, standard Bluetooth hands-free and a backup camera are included. Standard SiriusXM satellite radio and Kia's UVO system provide entertainment, while a leather-wrapped, tilt/telescope steering wheel with cruise control and audio functions give it an upscale feel. Power windows, fog lights, LED headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels round out the standard features on the EX.
The sporty Forte 5-door SX gets 18-inch alloys that complement its racier styling inside and out. Up front, the SX has a more aggressive front fascia with a carbon fiber-look lower valence and gloss black grille inserts. At the rear, the SX is stands out with LED taillights and chrome-tipped dual exhaust. Alloy pedals and carbon-look seat inserts continue the performance theme inside. Finally, larger front brakes give the quicker SX greater stopping power.
Kia says that goodies like navigation, a sunroof, heated seats and leather interior will be optional on both the 2014 Kia Forte 5-door EX and SX models, but the automaker has not yet announced pricing. More information will be available closer the Forte 5-door's launch date, which is currently scheduled for sometime this fall.
What it means to you: The all-new Forte 5-door SX is clearly the sportiest Forte, but even the base EX offers an impressive range of standard features. New-car shoppers who can wait until this fall should definitely consider the hatchback version of the popular Forte.
