Like the regular Forte (known as Cerato in other markets and the K3 in Korea), the Forte GT gets a heavily restyled front-end with new headlights, grille, and bumper. On the Forte GT though, Kia dialed up the sportiness. The triangular air inlets have been re-designed and red highlights have been added to the grille and fog lamp housing. At the back, it also gets new taillights and a re-designed bumper. Despite the raft of changes, it manages to keep its twin oval exhaust pipes exposed.

Interestingly enough, Kia has opted to release the Forte GT as a five-door hatchback first, but it’s also likely to gain a four-door body as well.

Inside, the Forte GT gets a 10.25-inch all-digital gauges, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless charging. It also benefits from heated/vented seats, height adjustment for the front passenger seat, rear AC vents, and an 8-speaker JBL sound system.

With all the changes to its exterior, the refreshed Forte GT remains more or less the same underneath. It continues on with a turbocharged 1.6-liter GDI engine with 204 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque, a 7-speed DCT gearbox, larger 305-mm ventilated front disc brakes, and an independent multi-link rear suspension.

Kia clarifies though that the suspension did receive some re-tuning to better balance ride compliance and handling.

Still no word on whether Kia Philippines will be bringing in the refreshed Forte to the Philippine market, but they did promise to release two all-new vehicles (up to four depending on the finalized timeline) by the end of 2021.

Should Kia Philippines bring in the refreshed Forte GT? You can check out how it compares to the Honda Civic RS here.