We've seen the spiffy metal wrapper of Kia's new Forte, the Spectra's successor, now come details about what's underneath. The Forte is larger than the outgoing Spectra, but it also achieves better economy with a given amount of liquid hydrocarbon. South Korean buyers will have the choice between a gasoline or a diesel powertrain. Regardless of fuel, both engines displace 1.6 liters and deliver nearly the same horsepower - 124 hp for gasoline, 128 hp for diesel. The gas engine consumes 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers, while the diesel can go the same distance on 6.1 liters. We'd like to see more frugality out of the diesel, but using 1 liter less per 100km can compound over an entire tank of fuel for a healthy economy boost. A 2.0 liter engine will become available soon, and is likely to be the sole motivator for US-bound Fortes when it arrives in 2009. It will be interesting to contrast the km/liter numbers against EPA fuel economy estimates when the Forte gets to us.
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