2015 Kia Forte: Still Going Strong
The current Kia Forte, known beyond the US boundaries as the K3 and Cerato, has been present since 2018. Minor alterations took place during 2021, rendering it freshly appealing for those yet scouting for this type of body. Nevertheless, it is glaringly obvious that this Korean sedan requires a transformation.
Gratefully, a proof-of-concept has been seen in South Korea for the initial occasion, exhibiting that the car manufacturer is primed to present a modern rendition. The photographs underneath were initially distributed on the Naver discussion, disclosing the model in a parking lot in the dark. Autospy was esteemed by another sample that they shared to Cochespias.
From the outset, there was no clue as to the identity of this sedan; it was intensely camouflaged, completely obscured in shrouds of thick protective panelling.
The CL4 marking on the tires, corresponding to the Forte/K3 internal code, provides proof that this prototype is indeed the new replacement.
Initially, not much stands out visually except for aesthetic cues inspired by the EV9, particularly the upright LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and multiple additional lamps set around them. The rear of the car presents the inverted L-shaped tail lights which have also been taken from the EV9, though someway resembling the restyled Picanto mini hatchback sold globally aside from the United States.
The styling of this trend is visible on the EV5 concept which was unveiled sometime earlier this year, signalling that the design of Kia’s combustible engine cars will be based on their electric vehicles.
The shape of the prototype spied out on the streets suggests a fastback, leaving it not particularly obvious whether the Forte will keep its seduction form or adopt the liftback form as the old Kia Stinger did. What hasn’t been seen yet in public is the Kia Forte5; this five-door hatchback was removed from US sales due to low demand.
The specifics of the powertrain are yet to be determined, even so, there’s a huge prospect that a plug-in hybrid version could be added to the line-up, given the manufacturer’s plunge into electrified vehicles.
The much-anticipated Kia Forte is predicted to appear in the market next year, and we’re keeping a lookout for any new reports or sightings that may suggest its reveal.
