The 2010 Forte will replace Kia’s best-selling U.S. model, the Spectra, which was a replacement for Kia’s original compact, the Sephia. Why would Kia want to replace its best-selling model? Well, the Spectra was known primarily for three things: great value, great efficiency, and styling that would put a meth head to sleep. Kia hopes to enervate their compact entry with the Forte, touted as larger, faster, and sexier than the outgoing Spectra.

This front-wheel-drive four-door sedan offers two inline four-cylinder (I4) engines and four transmissions across three trim levels - LX, EX, and SX. LX and EX trims get a 156-hp, 2.0-liter inline four with the choice of a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic, however a Fuel Economy Package offering a five-speed automatic, electronic power steering, and low rolling-resistance tires that is said to produce a 36 mpg rating on the highway will be available. The SX trim gets a 173-hp, 2.4-liter inline four mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. EPA estimates show 25/34 mpg for the 2.0-liter engine when mated to either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while the 2.4-liter gets 22/32 with the six-speed manual and 23/31 with the five-speed automatic.

With its increased dimensions, the Forte boasts 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, something Kia touts as “class-leading.” Standard features include a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, dual 12-volt power outlets, a tilt steering wheel, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with a three-month trial of Sirius satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input jack, USB port, and Bluetooth. EX and SX trims get a six-speaker stereo with steering-wheel controls, power windows and doors with remote keyless entry, air conditioning, and cruise control. SX trims exclusively get a tuned suspension, sport seats, a telescoping steering wheel, larger brakes, a rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloys. A sunroof and leather upholstery are on the long list of options.

Standard safety features for the Forte include dual-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags, active front headrests, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and electronic stability control, as well as a tire pressure monitor.