Current Forte is based on Lancer platform with wheelbase 2650mm and height 1460mm. Elantra MD is based on new flat floor, wider, longer and lower platform wheelbase 2700mm. Forte 2013 is based on same new platform as Elantra MD.

Kia Forte 2013 will reach our shore as NAZA only refit the doors to get CKD status. New heart for the Forte K3 will be same 1.6L and 1.8L dual CVVT engine + 6AT in Elantra. News in US will have option for more powerful new 2.0L Nu engine.

Price wise, if no change on current NAP, they'll have to check, compare and consider:
1) Rio sedan 1.6 lowest and highest selling price
2) Forte 1.6 lowest selling price

If result is good, they'll bring in both. Else, 1 will be sacrifice as their mindset always think that having both will cannibalise each other if price gap too close, like RM10k. If they rebadged to NAZA, should price at high spec Elantra 1.6. Without rebadge might sell at Altis 1.6 price. Korean car price no longer cheap nowadays.

You compared Sonata vs Optima and Tucson vs Sportage pricing, Kia not wearing NAZA badge are priced higher than its Hyundai counterpart.

Based on latest NAP pricing, Rio 1.6 will be priced at RM90k+, I don't think the K3 1.6 will be priced anyway close to Elantra, could be close to <RM100k low spec. K3 1.8 could be over RM115k, probably at RM118k anytime. Also, there is K3 2.0L new engine. Wonder NAZA will choose to bring in K3 1.6 & 1.8 or like Honda having only 1.8 & 2.0 or like Toyota having all 3 engine sizes.

This post has been edited by goodguyextremist: Jan 26 2013, 02:07 PM

Read from blogs, the Americans will get 1.8L and 2.0L. Koreans have 1.6L and 1.8L. Naza should bring in only 1.6L so that they don't kill the 1.8L in sales volume and resale value. This is by judging from the way they do with Forte 1.6 and 2.0, they did pretty badly with the 2.0L. That's NAZA only bring in 1 engine this time. Optima only have 2.0L, Sportage only 2.0L, Sorento only 2.4L.

Test unit also don't have, only have when there are owners that have not collected their cars. I don't even want to drive as it might damage somebody's car by revving hard before run in 1000km or increased the mileage, no longer 1st hand like that. So rich but no money to buy test unit with valid license plate for us to test drive each and every model?

The new Rio launched yesterday, I doubt they even have test unit. Next week or 2 might have, if I see no license plate, that should be some new early booked owner's car that they used for test drive. If they still do so, I will not buy Kia at all. Besides, Elantra looks better in overall, at least more original and it's designed by BMW ex-designers.

This post has been edited by goodguyextremist: Feb 1 2013, 12:33 AM

I think they are trying to copy latest BMW 3 series. You add centre vertical line and it'll be BMW grill. The headlamp joining grill is reminiscent of BMW copy

Got 1.6 and possible 2.0. Does it mean no 1.8?

What car are you comparing to? Vios 1.5? Elantra 1.6 FC already beaten City and on par with current Altis 1.6 in city driving. Old Forte 1.6 FC somewhere close to non-FL ALtis 1.6 '08.
0-100km/h comparison:
Elantra 1.6 in 11.5s
Forte 1.6 in 11.5s
Altis 1.6 in 11.8s
Vios 11.8s
City 12s

Old Forte 1.6 empty weight with full tank is 1261kg. Elantra 1.6 weight 1220kg. New K3 should be similar to Elantra at 1220kg. Elantra 1.6 FC in mild city driving at 12km/L while Forte at 10.6km/L. Heavy traffic jam, both reduced by 1.6km/L more.

This post has been edited by goodguyextremist: Mar 25 2013, 09:30 PM