Late last week, Kia Motors launched its all-new 2009 Forte sedan in the Korean market. This new model replaces the Cerato in the domestic market and will replace the Spectra in the U.S. market when it reaches our shores in mid 2009.

250,000 sales by 2010

According to the press release, Kia expects to sell over 200,000 Fortes in 2009 and as many as 250,000 by 2010 including exports to Europe and South America.

In addition to its improved styling, the Forte features an optional navigation system, push-button start/stop with smart key and stability control.

Korean market Forte will have a choice of 1.6 liter engines

Although details were not available on which engines will power the new North American Spectra, Kia released the specifications on the first 2 engines that will power the vehicle in Korea.

The first is a 1.6 liter gas engine. This version produces 124 hp. and 159 lb-ft. of torque. Gas mileage is said to be a combined 30-plus mpg with the automatic transmission.

A 1.6 liter common-rail direct-injection diesel will also be offered. This variation will offer 128 hp. and a combined fuel economy rating of 39 mpg.

Here in North America, the new model will feature a version of the 2.0 liter CVVT engine found in the current Spectra sedan.

Along with the engine specifications, Kia also released the dimensions of the new sedan which are 4530mm (178.35 inches) in length and 1775mm (69.88 inches) in width. These specs represent an increase of 1 inch in length and 2.56 inches in width.

Name will not change in U.S.

Although the new model will carry the name “Forte” in the Korean domestic market, there are no plans at this time to bring the name over to the North American market. Instead, according to sources at Kia, the export name will remain “Spectra” here as well as “Cerato” in other markets.

Tags: cerato, forte, kia motors, Spectra