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Kia reveals new K3 Forte sedan in Korea [w/video]

Kia's new version of the Forte sedan has already been unveiled back in South Korea, where it's known as the K3. But while details have yet to be announced, we can expect most (if not all) of these updates to make their way to US showrooms soon. The facelifted version of the model known here as the Forte, in Korea as the K3, and elsewhere as the Cerato has a more sophisticated exterior appearance, with a larger grille, new head- and tail-lamps, and reshaped bumpers to give it a wider, more planted appearance. The interior features a sporty new flat-bottom steering wheel as well as new vents, multimedia controls, and trim. The Korean automaker has also taken the opportunity to outfit the new K3 with speed-sensitive electric power steering, lane assist, automatic park assist, and hands-free trunk opening. In its home market, the revised K3 offers 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. But considering that the current Forte packs more punch than that already, we wouldn't take too much stock in the KDM engine specs. The 2015 Kia Forte LX available in the US packs a 1.8-liter inline-four good for 145 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque, while the more potent Forte EX steps up to a 2.0-liter four delivering 173 hp and 154 lb-ft. The Forte nameplate was launched in the US in 2009. The current, second-generation model launched in 2013. It's currently offered as a sedan, five-door hatchback, and as the two-door Forte Koup. The closely related Kia Cee'd offered in Europe is sold as a three-door hatch, five-door hatch, or five-door wagon.

South Korea firms up fuel economy regs following Hyundai/Kia debacle

According to a report from Reuters, South Korea's government has drafted strict new rules for automakers to follow when calculating fuel economy. The legislation comes after a major snafu by Hyundai and Kia that resulted in the automakers lowering the estimated fuel mileage of many popular models - some by several miles per gallon, including the Soul subcompact above - and compensating owners in the US and Canada for the reduction.
The new fuel economy rules were announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in South Korea and will see average mileage ratings drop by roughly three to five percent, according to the report. In addition, manufacturers found guilty of overstating mileage figures will be liable for fines of up to $900,000.
These sweeping new regulations will go into effect in the second half of 2013 and, while they won't have any effect on EPA estimates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the United States, they are expected to result in new ratings for the two automakers in their home market of South Korea, where they enjoy a whopping 70-percent market share.

Senator calling for answers from Hyundai and Kia over MPG debacle

Hyundai and Kia have already gone public with plans to make good on the inflated fuel economy claims scandal that has rocked both companies in recent weeks. But one US senator, Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), is skeptical that the general public will see much good from the proposal, and he's looking for answers.
To recap: Hyundai/Kia have agreed to compensate owners of 900,000 affected vehicles for real versus previously claimed fuel mileage (as well as adding in a one- fifteen-percent premium), by way of pre-loaded debit cards. It has been speculated that this payout could crest $100 million by the time the Korean automakers are done writing checks.
Said Rockefeller to The Detroit News, "While I believe this is a positive step, I am concerned that many affected customers may not learn about the program or may find it burdensome to participate in the program." Rockefeller would reportedly like to see a monitoring system for the paybacks more clearly defined, with the goal being as many wronged car buyers as possible getting the recompense that they're due.