Standard equipment includes a six-speed manual transmission and an independent rear suspension.
While the 2019 Kia Forte is a stunning vehicle, it’s not a great performer. With the 2020 Kia Forte GT, all that is changing.
Unveiled at the SEMA show, the sporting trim trades the 147-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four of the standard Forte for a gutsier 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine that mates to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Forte GT has larger front brakes and bigger sway bars. A new independent rear suspension system replaces the standard car’s low tech torsion beam rear end.
The Forte GT is a combination of extra power and show. It features a bold front fascia, with protruding rockers and red details. There are also black exterior mirror covers and 18-inch two-tone wheels with sticky Michelin Sport summer tires. The model also features alloy pedal covers and a flat-bottom steering column. There are also available sport seats with contrast piping. The exterior kit will also make its way to the Forte GT Line for 2020, which uses the 2.0-liter engine with a standard continuously variable transmission.
The Forte GT will go on sale in GT1 or GT2 trims this summer. The sportier Forte GT is certain to be more exciting, but only time will tell if it can compete with the Honda Civic Si or the upcoming Volkswagen Jetta LLI.