2010 Kia Forte SX

The experts have given fair warning: Honda and Toyota should feel afraid, very afraid. Following in the footsteps of Hyundai, the brand’s Korean friend and rival, Kia continues building quality cars and serving notice the world’s big automakers best be on guard. During spring and summer, 2008, Kia introduced “Soul,” its funky little high-efficiency box, selling boatload after boatload while all the big brands slumped.

Now, Kia replaces its “iffy” Spectra with a genuinely world-class vehicle, “Forte.”

Photo by Zane Merva – AutoInsane.com

In the past, Kia brilliantly sabotaged its own success, marketing a variety of extremely low cost cars that were approximately as durable and reliable as plastic drink cups. Lenders refused leasing options, because Kia models retained very little of their value; and some lenders just flatly refused to finance Kia, worrying the vehicle might not last the life of a five or six year loan.

In the wake of a thorough-going makeover, Kia undeniably has shed its nasty reputation and closed the book on its sad history.

Although Forte “replaces” Spectra in Kia’s line-up, the manufacturer emphasizes that Forte is an entirely new car from the inside out and the ground up. Kia literally went back to the drawing board, and nothing about Forte carries over from Spectra. Redesigning their compact sedan to take-on segment leaders Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Toyota Corolla, Kia went to its California design studio for a whole new shell. The Californians nailed it, giving Forte fashion-forward good looks, including swept-back headlights, clear and clean feature lines, and an elegant trunk deck with a spoiler effect. In addition to looking good from every angle, the design genuinely contributes to Forte’s aero-dynamics, therefore adding a mile or two to its fuel efficiency.

After test-driving Forte, the most demanding members of the automotive press agreed that Forte ranks right up there with the best in its segment.

Three Specification and Trim Levels

Buyers may choose among three models: the basic LX comes equipped with a 2-liter 156hp four-cylinder engine that links to the buyer’s choice between a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The slightly more sophisticated EX shares engine and drive train with the LX but comes with more creature comforts and fun gadgets. In official EPA testing, both LX and EX delivered 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the open road. Buyers may equip the top-of-the-line SX with a budget-friendly fuel economy package, which includes Kia’s unique motor-drive power steering, streamlined aero-dynamics, a super-efficient alternator, and silica tires. Equipped with all the fuel efficiency enhancements, Forte delivers 27 mpg and the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The very top level SX comes with a spirited 2.4 liter, 173hp four-cylinder power plant. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, and test drivers report the six-speed improves low-end acceleration and high-end fuel economy. A five-speed automatic transmission is also available. With the automatic transmission, Forte goes zero-to-sixty in approximately seven seconds.

Put side-by-side with comparable Mazdas and Toyotas, Forte has better fuel economy and more power.

Priced Like an Economy Car. Drives like a Luxury Touring Machine
Although a look under the car suggests nothing special—Forte has the usual independent front suspension with a stabilizer bar and Macpherson struts—a ride along a winding road tells a different story. Test drivers consistently raved about Forte’s suspension and handling, saying that it finds the perfect balance between smooth comfort and tight, sporty steering. Forte neither bounced nor bottomed-out on speed bumps and potholes, and it settled right into curves as if it were a BMW or Lexus—great grip and very little body roll.

In addition to fine acceleration and excellent handling, Forte stops well. No small consideration for still-sporty drivers with babies’ car seats in the back. All three Forte models come with four-wheel disc brakes. The full complement of safety assists backs-up the discs. When you press the pedal, you get the usual anti-lock system with stability control, power-assist, electronic force distribution—no lurching forward from momentum, and traction control. Six airbags and active safety headrests also protect you and the precious cargo in the back seat.

Hey, Nice Place

Kia’s North American advertising focuses on Forte’s fun features, and rightly so. Every family member will find just what he or she wants and needs in Forte’s interior appointments. First, you simply find room—14.7 cubic feet to be precise, or the most interior space in Forte’s class. In everyday terms, 14 cubic feet translates to comfort for the freshman carpool with their backpacks and softball gear stowed neatly in the trunk. Or 14 cubic feet translates to plenty of room for groceries, including the big bag of dog food, plus everything you picked-up on your errands; and you can fold-down the split rear seat if you need a little extra space.

From the driver’s seat, you see a clean, neat three-gauge instrument cluster, and models with automatic transmissions add a fuel efficiency monitor. You sit within easy reach of your CD/MP3 system, your iPod dock, and your three-month free subscription to Sirius Satellite radio. You also enjoy hands-free BlueTooth integration. You may order all-leather seating and a sunroof; soon, you also may order a custom-fitted Garmin navigator. Of course, you have all the cup-holders you need.

How Much Will You Pay?

It no longer seems fair to call Kia “the cheapest” car on the road; it seems more appropriate to describe its “full features at a reasonable price.” A fully equipped SX with leather seats will roll off the lot for approximately $21,000.

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