2014 Kia Forte 5-Door Offers 201-HP Turbo Engine

Kia just revealed its brand-new Forte 5-Door at the Chicago Auto Show today, including a potent 201 hp turbocharged version.

The SX model is powered by spunky little 1.6-liter engine. That may sound like a pretty small powerplant for a C-Segment hatchback, but fear not; it’s loaded with goodies. Those add-ons include a turbocharger, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. Looking at the bottom line it squeezes out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough beans to make it the most powerful Forte ever offered by Kia.

Those numbers are a welcome boost over the base car’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The EX version of the Forte 5-Door delivers 173 horsepower with a plebian 154 lb-ft of torque.

VIEW COMPLETE 2013 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW COVERAGE

Back to the SX. It comes standard with sporty-looking 18-inch alloy wheels and dual chrome-plated exhaust tips that hint at the performance lurking behind its redesigned “tiger-nose grille.” The car also has larger front brakes and restyled fascias.

The interior is loaded with features as well. A navigation system with HD radio is optional, as is a sun roof, heated steering wheel and 10-way power driver’s seat.

Pricing for the Forte 5-Door has not been announced at this time; Kia will release that information closer to launch, which again should be this fall.

GALLERY: 2014 Kia Forte SX 5-Door Live Shots

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