Kia Forte: The Next Spectra?

These three images — two more after the jump — of the new Kia Forte hit the internet last night without much info about the new sedan. Kia provided us with the three images, so they are indeed official. However, U.S. Kia representatives say they have no further information about the Forte, especially in regard to when or how it will show up in the U.S.

Rumors on the internet have it replacing the current Spectra sometime in 2009, with the Spectra name probably being retained. As the next major U.S. auto show isn’t until November in Los Angeles, we don’t see the Forte/Spectra coming to the U.S. until early 2009 at the earliest.

What these images show is that the front design of the Kia Koup concept and yet-to-be-released 2009 Optima is indeed the future look of the brand. The rear reminds us of the Mitsubishi Lancer. Overall the design is somewhat generic, but it’s still leaps ahead of the current Spectra. If Kia continues to beat competitors on price and buyers continue to favor value, the Forte/Spectra will do well. With the new Optima, Spectra and highly anticipated Scion xB-competitor the Soul, all slated for release next year, 2009 could be huge for Kia.

Comments

Headlights kind of look like a Civic and Lancer combo.

The tail kind of looks like the Hyundai Elantra, they probably will share platforms though.

Big improvement over the Spectra. Wonder if they'll make a hatchback version.

It's probably the nicest looking Korean car yet. Ok, it's a little deivative, but, like the Lancer, it's pretty attractive and purposeful. The wheelbase looks a little short but other than that it's pretty nice. I look forward to seeing the interior - I suspect it'll be Elantra like.

If they introduce a hatch, surely they'll just ship in the Ce'ed like they did with the Elantra wagon. I can't imagine they'd engineer a whole new hatch when they already make a really good one overseas...

awesome !!!! no more hatchback here comes the 2doors coupe !!!!!!!

I like it. It's sharp looking. I agree, I saw the front and thought, Civic.

I'll take mine with two doors. Please?

The only thing that isn't derived from another car is that line that runs from the mirror to the taillight.

I'm not saying it's a bad looking car, but why is it that that Koreans get away with cobbling everyone else's styling ques together???

I bought it last Monday. Have 1001 miles on it and don't have one ounce of buyer's remorse. I got the EX model....and she flies down the highway very well....best to set the cruise control. The creature features included are sublime too.