Kia continues to turn out cars that offer good quality at a great value.
The latest case in point is the Forte sedan.
Our tester, a Forte SX, comes nicely equipped with comfort and convenience features such as air conditioning, satellite radio, Bluetooth and iPod interface, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and cruise control.
The rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 configuration and allow access to the trunk’s cargo floor.
Like so many other Kia products these days, the Forte is a good-looking car, inside and out. It’s solidly built, with terrific fit and finish.
The test car had leather upholstery, a $1,000 option that includes heated seats, along with a sunroof for $600.
The test car had leather upholstery, a $1,000 option that includes heated seats, along with a sunroof for $600.
Despite the car’s modest size, the interior seems quite roomy and makes efficient use of available space.
The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows smaller drivers to maintain a clear forward view. A dead pedal keeps the driver comfortable during longer trips.
Visibility to the sides and rear of the car is good, with minimal blind spots. I found the six-way manual driver’s seat easy to adjust, with adequate lower lumbar support.
The 2.4-liter engine adds 17 horsepower over the 2.0 liter block in the Forte LX and EX. The car loses about two miles-per-gallon in fuel economy compared to the other grades, but the extra power comes in handy merging onto the freeway, and passing other vehicles at speed.
The five-speed automatic transmission is smoother than the four-speed transmission on the LX and EX. In addition to producing less shift shock, it also has a bigger overdrive gear, to maximize fuel economy. Kia says that since the SX weighs about 100 pounds more than the LX or EX, the overdrive gear makes a significant difference.
Sport tuning on the SX suspension gives it a slightly firmer feel than the other two grades. The standard independent front and torsion beam rear setup provides a compliant ride. Stabilizer bars on both axles help to keep the chassis flat in the corners.
A speed-sensitive steering system provides more assist at low speeds, yet maintains positive on-center response on the highway.
Visibility to the sides and rear of the car is good, with minimal blind spots. I found the six-way manual driver’s seat easy to adjust, with adequate lower lumbar support.
The 2.4-liter engine adds 17 horsepower over the 2.0 liter block in the Forte LX and EX. The car loses about two miles-per-gallon in fuel economy compared to the other grades, but the extra power comes in handy merging onto the freeway, and passing other vehicles at speed.
The five-speed automatic transmission is smoother than the four-speed transmission on the LX and EX. In addition to producing less shift shock, it also has a bigger overdrive gear, to maximize fuel economy. Kia says that since the SX weighs about 100 pounds more than the LX or EX, the overdrive gear makes a significant difference.
Sport tuning on the SX suspension gives it a slightly firmer feel than the other two grades. The standard independent front and torsion beam rear setup provides a compliant ride. Stabilizer bars on both axles help to keep the chassis flat in the corners.
A speed-sensitive steering system provides more assist at low speeds, yet maintains positive on-center response on the highway.
Kia says the turning radius of just under 34 feet makes it easy to maneuver into tight parallel parking spots or do the occasional U-turn.
Four-wheel disc brakes on all grades make the Forte a safer car to drive in wet weather, and an easier one to maintain.
Four-wheel disc brakes on all grades make the Forte a safer car to drive in wet weather, and an easier one to maintain.
The Forte interior is attractive and functional. Adults of most sizes should feel comfortable in the front seats. Despite a small floor tunnel, three passengers can sit in back. The floor tunnel takes some legroom away from the middle passenger.
The driver and front passenger have access to map pockets and bottle holders in the doors, as well as cupholders in the center console. Two twelve-volt power points at the base of the center stack recharge portable electronic devices. A USB port makes it possible to plug in an iPod or flash drive.
Dual overhead reading lamps up front and a dome lamp in the back of the car illuminate the interior at night. A fold-down armrest in the center seatback has two cupholders for second-row passengers.
The Forte’s trunk is deep as well as long, making it easy to load up with cargo. Levers to either side of the trunk-lid release the rear seats to fold them flat.
The driver and front passenger have access to map pockets and bottle holders in the doors, as well as cupholders in the center console. Two twelve-volt power points at the base of the center stack recharge portable electronic devices. A USB port makes it possible to plug in an iPod or flash drive.
Dual overhead reading lamps up front and a dome lamp in the back of the car illuminate the interior at night. A fold-down armrest in the center seatback has two cupholders for second-row passengers.
The Forte’s trunk is deep as well as long, making it easy to load up with cargo. Levers to either side of the trunk-lid release the rear seats to fold them flat.
Kia’s 10 year/100,000 mile factory warranty includes round-the-clock roadside assistance for the first five years or 60,000 miles.
So how much do you pay for all of this?
This very thoroughly equipped tester came in with a low sticker price of $19,490.
That's a value you can't beat.
No comments:
Post a Comment