To avoid a midlife crisis, the compact sedan is given a facelift.
We rarely talk about the Kia Forte, mostly because we are so focused on SUVs and EVs these day. After a long wait, the compact sedan is back in the news. This is due to a mid-cycle facelift that it received in South Korea (the K3). Three images of the mildly redesigned family sedan have been released by Kia ahead of its April 20 full debut.
The front bumper has been modified by Kia’s designers. They have added new, possibly fake, air intakes. The lower grille features what appear to be LED daytime running lamps. The K3 is a facelift and not a new model. However, we expect fresh alloy wheel designs as well as new paint jobs.
We could do without the fake air vents at the back. The taillights have been updated with the same graphic as the front, and they also feature the same interrupted line motif. The changes are subtle and unlikely to draw people away from the crossover. The K3 is still offered because some people will prefer a sedan to a high-riding vehicle.
Kia is trying to spot interior changes, with the exception of a larger infotainment display. This is not surprising, considering that this is a facelift. Most of the changes will be to trim and upholstery. While the steering wheel remains the same, all models will soon receive the new Kia badge.
For now, Kia is only showing the sedan version of the Forte5 hatchback. However, the hatchback version will likely follow soon. The US-spec Forte5 sedan is only available in Canada, while the Forte5 hatchback can be purchased in Canada (K3 GT in South Korea). These models are not available in Europe, where the Ceed is a compact car with two long-roof versions (Sportswagon or the swoopy Proceed) and a pseudo crossover in XCeed that acts as a hatchback on wheels.
We will have to wait for next week to learn more about KDM-spec K3, ahead of a possible reveal later in the year of the facelifted Forte sedan, which is due to be revealed for the United States as a 2022MY. We have attached the images below of the US model in order to help you see what’s coming with the impending nip-and-tuck.