...I don't think these 5-doors will sell that well...
Actually, 5-drs have been doing pretty well for the past few years. I don't think I could throw a rock in my neighborhood without hitting either a Toyota Matrix or a Pontiac Vibe.
I'm gonna say this aims squarely at the Matrix, whose styling took a decided turn for the wierd in its second generation. I don't know if the 5-dr Forte is better-looking, exactly, but it should offer better driving dynamics, WAAAAAY better standard equipment, and better affordability.
If my kids were three years younger, I'd probably have been in the market for the 5-dr rather than my spiffy little Koup. Thankfully, my youngest just needs a small booster now, and my oldest is big enough to ride up front. Full child seats in a 2-door are kind of a nightmare.