Much like brother Hyundai, Kia has been on a tear with new and revitalized products. The Forte, for example, has received much acclaim with its aggressive and modern styling. For 2011, we’ll see the addition of a 5-door hatchback to go along with the Forte coupe and sedan already on sale. The 5-door model will offer a unique grille, lower front valance and alloy wheels. On the inside, it gets a restyled center console and paddle shifters for automatic transmission-equipped models. In fact, all automatic Fortes will get paddle shifters this year, along with standard navigation and LED daytime running lights.
The 2011 model year will also see a new Optima with a choice of three 4-cylinder powertrains (which, not coincidentally, mimic those found in the new Hyundai Sonata), including a naturally aspirated direct-injected 2.4-liter with 200 bhp, a gasoline/electric hybrid with an estimated combined 209 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbo with 274 bhp. Since Kia sees the car’s prospective owners looking for both high style and high tech, the Optima will be available with a new Sync-like infotainment system from Microsoft called UVO.
The 5-seat Sportage crossover, too, is completely new for 2011 (see Ampersand this issue for driving impressions), taking on the styling cues that design chief Peter Schreyer is busy adapting to all Kias. The standard Sportage comes powered by a 2.4-liter 176-bhp 4-cylinder, while the SX model comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injected four with an ample 270 bhp.
The Sorento line sees a new SX trim featuring more aggressive front and rear fascias, 18-in. alloy wheels and LED taillamps.