Today Kia announced that it’s new compact-car 2010 Kia Forte sedan will be priced starting at $14,390 for the entry-level Forte 2.0 LX and will range up to $17,890 for the range-topping Forte 2.4 SX. Prices include a $695 shipping charge.
The Forte compact is designed to replace last year’s Spectra in Kia’s lineup and is only a couple hundred dollars more expensive.
A mid-level Forte EX is also available and it is priced from $16,490, while the Forte EX with Fuel Economy package will cost $18,090. This package will include a five-speed automatic gearbox, special silica tires, a “smart” alternator and exterior aero enhancements. That model is rated by the EPA at 27 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway — two mpg higher than the standard Forte with five-speed manual.
Kia also offers an optional four-speed automatic on the Forte LX for $1,000. The Forte SX comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which turns out 22/32 mpg. Another option for consumers is a five-speed automatic transmission with 23/31 mpg output.
