Kia Refreshes Optima and Brings New Forte and Soul for New York

KiaKiaRepublic of Korea, 1944 > present52 models
1724 photos
4 videos
is making a major push at the New York Motor Show with refreshed versions of the OptimaKia Optima Gen.3Republic of Korea, 2011 > present39 versions
57 photos
3 videos
and the introduction of the new generations of the ForteKia ForteRepublic of Korea, 2009 > 201313 versions
32 photos
Koup and SoulKia Soul Gen.1Republic of Korea, 2008 > 201241 versions
57 photos
. 

Forte Koup 

The new Forte Koup follows on the introduction of the new Forte five-door and sedan late last year. The Koup will be available with the 1.6-liter turbo engine with 201hp and 195lb-ft of torque. 

The Forte Koup shares a platform with the rest of the Forte models. It will be offered in two trim levels - EX and SX. The EX is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 173hp and 154lb-ft, and the SX gets the new turbo engine. Both cars come standard with a six-speed automatic, but the SX can also be specified with a six-speed manual. 

Both cars come standard with a rearview camera, Bluetooth, leather-wrapped steering wheel and LED running lights. The SX adds 18in wheels, chrome exhaust tips, LED taillights, fake carbon fiber trim and unique front bumper. 

They both can be ordered with HID headlights, navigation, sunroof, power seats, heated steering wheel and ventilated seats

Sales of the Forte Koup will begin in the fourth quarter of 2013 and pricing will be announced later. 

Optima 

The Optima gets a new look to the front and rear that includes a rear diffuser, new trunk lid, front LED running lights, fog lights and LED taillights. The interior gets push button start, a 4.3in vehicle information display and optional 8in navigation screen. It is also now available with optional blind spot detection. 

The only major mechanical change comes to the SX trim. It gets a Drive Mode Select that adjusts transmission shift points and steering weight. 

Soul

The Soul is also being upgraded in New York. The new generation is based on the looks of the Track’sterKia Track´sterRepublic of Korea, 2012 > 20125 photos
concept. It gets a new, stiffer chassis that is longer and wider than the previous generation. It also gets suspension and engine upgrades for the new generation. 

The new design is heavily based on the Track’ster, and the wheelbase is 0.8in longer and 0.6in wider. It gets a wraparound windshield and high-mounted taillights that make the car appear taller, but it is actually the same height as the previous generation. It also gets LED front running lights. The trapezoidal lower air intake is taken directly from the Track’ster.

The new chassis is 29% stiffer than the previous generation, despite having thinner pillars. The car gets a new front sub-frame that is not on the current Soul to reduce interior harshness.

The Soul will offer two engine options. The base car gets a 1.6-liter 130hp and 118lb-ft engine. The Plus and Exclaim trims get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 164hp and 151lb-ft of torque. The 1.6-liter comes standard with a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. The 2.0-liter will only come with a six-speed automatic. 

Inside, buyers get more soft-touch materials as standard and leather seating options. It comes standard with piano black trim. The instruments are found in three binnacles that are deeply recessed into the dashboard. Some models will get Kia's UVO infotainment system with an 8in touch screen.

The interior offers 0.8in more front legroom, 0.2in more rear legroom, 0.2in more front headroom and 0.3in more shoulder room. 

All cars will come standard with features including heated mirrors, a six-speaker stereo and Bluetooth. The Plus trim adds 17in wheels, turn signal indicators in the side mirrors, automatic headlights and rear camera. Finally, the Exclaim trim adds 18in wheels, fog lights, projector headlights with LED running lights, gloss black trim, 10-way power seats, sunroof and leather seats.