Life giveth and life taketh away, ensuring that all is fair. Apparently this is also true for Korean automaker Kia, who has just revealed their new 2014 Forte, or known as the K3 in Korean markets and Cerato in some others.
In terms of design, it is visually pleasing as the model adopts the brand's latest design DNA inside out, while incorporating new technologies such as parking assistance system, LED headlamps and the next-generation 'telematics' service UVO that allows drivers to control their cars via smartphones etc.
Yet, it appears the focus on design took away their thoughts on the naming convention of the car, resulting in a total of 3 names in different markets. Perhaps, people from different markets may not know they are in fact talking about the same model.
Putting that minor issue aside, at 4,560mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,435mm tall, the new model K3 is 30mm longer, 5mm wider and 25mm lower than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has also extended by 51mm to 2,700mm, providing additional legroom for the passengers.
In Korea, the K3 will be offered with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 138bhp and 167Nm of peak torque, for a fuel economy of 14km/L.
Kia did not specify which engines will be offered on the Cerato and Forte models when they go on sale early next year.
The four-door sedan model will be followed by five-door hatchback and two-door coupe variants. Kia aims to sell around 410,000 units of the K3/Forte/Cerato series worldwide in its first year and then hit closer to 500,000 units in 2014.
In terms of design, it is visually pleasing as the model adopts the brand's latest design DNA inside out, while incorporating new technologies such as parking assistance system, LED headlamps and the next-generation 'telematics' service UVO that allows drivers to control their cars via smartphones etc.
Yet, it appears the focus on design took away their thoughts on the naming convention of the car, resulting in a total of 3 names in different markets. Perhaps, people from different markets may not know they are in fact talking about the same model.
Putting that minor issue aside, at 4,560mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,435mm tall, the new model K3 is 30mm longer, 5mm wider and 25mm lower than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has also extended by 51mm to 2,700mm, providing additional legroom for the passengers.
In Korea, the K3 will be offered with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 138bhp and 167Nm of peak torque, for a fuel economy of 14km/L.
Kia did not specify which engines will be offered on the Cerato and Forte models when they go on sale early next year.
The four-door sedan model will be followed by five-door hatchback and two-door coupe variants. Kia aims to sell around 410,000 units of the K3/Forte/Cerato series worldwide in its first year and then hit closer to 500,000 units in 2014.
