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KIA expects to sell around 220,000 of Forte sedans, including 170,000 exports to such markets as Russia (where Hyundai is ranked number 1), Central Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, where it would replace the KIA Cerato.

Domestic market Forte (starting at $11,300) comes with a 1.6-liter petrol (CVVT, 16V, 121bhp @ 6,200rpm, 153Nm @ 4,200rpm) and diesel engines, coupled with 5 speed manual or newly-developed four-speed automatic gearbox. More powerful 2.0-liter petrol (143bhp from Sonata) engine could arrive for high demanding markets, like USA and the Western Europe. The steering is part electric, and offers variable assistance according to road speed, and re-centers the wheels upon exiting a curve.

KIA Forte front shot: Sports new front grille and lights from the KIA Koup concept vehicle

The Forte sedan's designed is based on KIA Koup design study, and strongly resembles the exterior looks of the Honda Accord (Acura TSX), Lexus ES and Mitsubishi Lancer ES (from behind).

KIA Forte back shot: KIA Forte from behind looks a bit like Toyota Corolla, Acura TSX, Lexus ES and Mitsubishi Lancer ES.

With uprated looks which include mirror-integrated turn signal lights (standard), the successor of the Cerato will offer a navigation system with voice recognition, push-button start/stop, side curtain airbags and stability control (all options).

The interior of the Forte is similar in details we've already seen inside the KIA Ceed (Pro Ceed), and certainly resembles the elements of the Hyundai's new Elantra (Avante). The barrel-type instrument cluster design has been borrowed from the KIA Optima 2009 and upgraded with the red backlight (it looks like the condensed Dodge Nitro's instruments cluster). In a "we take what we like" manner, Forte's steering wheel looks like the perfected variant of the Subaru Impreza's.

KIA Forte uses a new platform (shared with Hyundai's New Elantra) with stiffer body and multi-link rear suspension system of independent coil springs and a stabilizer bar. The platform also uses twin tube gas shock absorbers on all wheels.

In the U.S. KIA currently offers Spectra 2009 as the central model in the compact sedan class (C segment) . That means KIA will wait a year before it introduces the Forte to the U.S. market under the name of Spectra (2010?).

Spectra's main rivals are Toyota Corolla sedan (Altis) and Hyundai's New Elantra (Avante)