Forte's the star as Kia sales keep growing.

Kia Motors America this week announced record sales for February, totaling 49,737 vehicles, a 13% gain over February 2015. Year-to-date sales of 88,042 new vehicles mean a 12% increase over the first two months of last year.

The funky Kia Soul crossover lead the way, but the star of the Kia lineup last month was the Forte. Slightly refreshed for the new model year, the compact Forte took off to sales of 8,187 units, making it the third best-selling Kia model in the United States.

That’s not surprising. The 2016 Forte delivers more than you might expect from a compact sedan. You can stretch out in the spacious, modern cabin, or luxuriate in the comfort of available heated leather seats and steering wheel. Surround yourself with the crystal-clear sound of SiriusXM Radio and enjoy the convenience of available voice command navigation and Bluetooth wireless technology. From a sleek and sporty design to all-about-you features, Forte can be everything you’re looking for—and more.

Forte's distinctive new styling and front LED positioning lights and available LED rear combination lamps mean that getting noticed simply goes with the territory. Perimeter approach lighting and door handle pocket lights illuminate when you return. That makes getting into your vehicle, even if it's dark, much easier.

The advanced dual front airbag system, when used with properly fitted seat belts, helps detect the presence of a front-seat passenger, monitors the severity of an impact, and controls airbag inflation accordingly to help reduce injuries in certain collisions.

Squeezed between the top-selling Soul and Forte was the Optima sedan with sales of 9,630 units. Taking the fourth spot last month was the Sorento SUV with 8,101 units sold.

Also performing exceptionally well in February were the Sportage crossover and Sedona minivan, recording sales of 5,860 and 3,988 units, respectively.

Right now at Barnett, you can lease a new 2016 Kia Forte LX for $139 a month with $0 down! Simply pay first month’s payment, tax, title and license. You can drive a new Optima LX for $169 a month with the same upfront requirements. How about leasing a 2016 Sorento LX, Sportage LX, or 2016 Soul for an incredible $99 a month? See your Barnett sales associate for details on all these offers.

And, of course, every new vehicle purchased comes with Barnett’s exclusive—and FREE—MILLION MILE Warranty. Ask your sales associate for all the details on that, too. Come see us soon at Barnett Kia on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake!