All new Kia Forte K3 to hit local dealership in July

The Forte K3 replaces the well received Cerato Forte - Kia's local bestseller from launch till today - with more than 6,000 units sold. The new model is loaded with features not commonly found in vehicles of its class, and aims to retain the 'bestseller' title.

The third generation Forte K3 boasts 'dynamic muscularity' within a body that is longer, lower and wider than the current car - with an extended wheelbase. The Forte K3 was designed at Kia's American Design Centre in California under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

Compared with the second-generation, the new Forte K3 is 30mm longer (4,560mm), 14mm, 15mm or 16.5mm lower (1,435, 1,445, or 1,460mm) depending on market and 5mm wider (1,780mm), with the wheelbase akin to the Sorento SUV at 2,700mm. Load capacity is also increased to 421 litres - the largest in class.

Standard features on the Forte K3 include 10-way powered and ventilated driver's seat with two memory settings, smart welcome lighting system, 4.2-inch colour TFT-LCD, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents, among other novelties.

The Forte K3 is powered by a 128bhp capable 1.6-litre Gamma engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission - good for a 11.6 second century sprint timing before hitting a top speed of 195km/h. The car achieves a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 14.7km/L and since it emits 160g/km of CO₂ - the Forte K3 is eligible for a $5,000 CEVS rebate.