Kia spent nearly $200 million and 25 months to develop its new hybrid, which shares much of its hardware with the Avante LPi hybrid, including the 114-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder Gamma engine that runs on liquid petroleum and the 20-hp electric motor. Fuel efficiency is 42 mpg, and carbon-dioxide emissions are a low 99g/km.
The Forte hybrid offers an "auto stop" system that reduces fuel consumption and emissions, as well as a continuously variable transmission with an "E-gear" mode. An "economic driving grader" flower blossoms on the instrument panel, according to the fuel efficiency while driving.
Prices range from $16,300-$18,500 — a bit more expensive than the Avante LPi Hybrid due to different options. Early buyers this month will get a $160 discount.
Kia is aiming for 2,000 sales this year in Korea and 5,000 a year beginning in 2010, but Kia officials said the Forte LPi will not come to the U.S. The company said it will add a gasoline hybrid model by 2011 and a plug-in hybrid by 2013.
Inside Line says: Kia has no immediate plans to sell the Forte hybrid outside Korea. — M.J. Lee, Correspondent
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