2014 Kia Forte sedan pricing set at $16,700

UPDATED: The base 2014 Kia Forte sedan will cost $16,700 including destination when it goes on sale next month, fitting slightly below its compact competitors.

Kia is touting the 2014 Forte as the least expensive in its class, and the compact sedan does in fact cost $80 less than the redesigned 2013 Nissan Sentra at $16,780, $90 less than the new 2013 Dodge Dart at $16,790 and $225 less than the 2013 Ford Focus sedan at $16,995.

The new price is a slight increase from the 2013 model, which cost $16,175 after shipping charges.

The new-generation Forte sedan is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, and has slimmed to two powertrain options.

The base Forte LX is equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. Adding a six-speed automatic transmission to the LX trim brings the price to $18,200 after shipping charges. The top trim Forte EX has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant and six-speed automatic transmission for a $20,200 price, including shipping.

The 1.8-liter is rated at 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.0-liter makes 173 hp and 154 lb-ft.

The base Forte LX comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, power windows, air conditioning and heated power-folding mirrors.

Upgrading to the automatic transmission on the LX trim also adds 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry with remote trunk release and a sliding front armrest.

The EX trim adds the 2.0-liter engine with Sportmatic shifting, Kia's UVO infotainment and telematics system, remote keyless entry with trunk opener, backup camera and cooling glove box.

An available Premium package costs $2,600, and adds heated front and rear seats, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with air-cooled ventilation, leather seat trim, power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button start and heated steering wheel.

The optional Technology package costs $2,300, and adds HID headlights, LED tail lights, a 4.2-inch color touchscreen and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

By Angie Fisher