2017 Kia Forte Sedan EX side view2017 Kia Forte Sedan is here and it comes equipped with some impressive goodies. In short, the refreshed Forte packs new exterior styling, new base engine with improved fuel economy and performance, and a range of updated convenience and driver-assistance features. Here is what you need to know, if you go for a 2017 Forte Sedan buy.

Starting with the exterior enhancements, up front the car adds a new bumper and "tiger nose" grille. The latter has been extended to make a link between the refreshed headlights that could be specified with optional Xenon HID lights. The external redesign is harmonized with the newly designed taillights that also come with available LEDs.

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There are three trims available for the new model year, namely LX trim, the sporty S trim and the range topping EX. While there isn't anything special about the LX (on the outside), the S trim adds sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloys, standard LEDs, rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip. The EX stands out the most with its LED taillights, 17-inch alloys, Smart Key and front door pocket lighting.

On the inside, the LX and S trims get cloth materials for the seats. What differentiates the S trim from the LX is that the first features exclusive black cloth seats with white contrasting stitching as well as a leather steering wheel and shift knob.

The top-of-the-range EX shows-off with leather seats (the front ones feature heating function), dual-zone full automatic temperature control, rear vents, and a push-button start with Smart Key. UVO35 telematics is standard for the S and EX, offering more in-vehicle connectivity by allowing drivers to use the touchscreen for smartphone functions.

Kia's navigation system and Drive Mode System have too suffered upgrades. As for the list of available advanced driver assistance systems, it has been extended and now offers the following: Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert.

The most important change that Kia has made is probably the substitution of the 1.8-liter inline-4 cylinder unit with a 2.0-liter Atkinson I-4 paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The new engine produces 147 horsepower (108 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 179 Nm (132 lb-ft) of torque at 4,500 rpm. The other engine option is the 2.0-liter GDI I-4 that comes with six-speed automatic and produces 164 hp (120 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.

2017 Kia Forte Sedan will be produced in Monterrey, Mexico. Pricing to be announced soon.

Note: 2017 Kia Forte Sedan EX trim level on the picture above.

Source: Kia