Slated to go on sale in the near future, the 2017 Kia Forte is better in every single way compared to its predecessor. The biggest changes comes in the form of a more efficient engine and an updated automatic.

Following best-ever sales in calendar year 2015, 2016 sees the Forte drop the 1.8-liter four-banger and welcome a new Atkinson cycle engine. The mill displaces 2.0 liters and it’s good for 147 ponies at 6,200 rpm and 132 p…