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Friday, May 20, 2011
Kia gave its core compact sedan and coupe a completely new model name when they introduced them last year, and it's easy to see why. It's a really good-looking car. While the Spectra that preceded the Forte certainly wasn't a bad car, its anonymous styling didn't win many friends and its feature set was far from exciting. Like the fashionable Soul wagon, the 2011 Kia Forte merits a new trip to the Kia dealership and perhaps a new look at Kia, which is quickly shedding its old reputation for cheap dowdy vehicles and replacing it with hints of on-a-budget enthusiast flavor. The Forte has many of the elements of much more expensive cars, yet it's still one of the least expensive small sedans.
The 2011 Kia Forte is smooth, clean, and uncluttered on the outside, with proportions that feel just right either up close or from a distance, a stance that's assertive and attractive, and a flowing, gently arced roofline. The svelte Forte doesn't have any awkward angles, and the sleek coupe looks even better with its simple, swept-back appearance. This year, a five-door Forte hatchback joins the lineup, with a more truncated roofline in back. Inside, the look in any of the models is simple, in a good way. It's not particularly trendsetting, but with a smoother, more organic version of the teardrop center stack used in the Soul, the look is no-nonsense yet stylish.
The Kia Forte's dashboard design doesn't raise the bar aesthetically — frankly, it's pretty boring — but it includes gauges that are easy to read, a clean layout and generally intuitive audio and climate controls. Standard Bluetooth connectivity across the lineup is also a nice touch. Materials quality is on par with the rest of this segment. Unfortunately, a telescoping steering column is only available on the SX, meaning taller drivers might have a hard time getting comfortable in the LX and EX.
Rear legroom is good for this class, though the Koup's rear quarters are predictably tighter and lack the sedan's center armrest. Cargo space is plentiful in the coupe and sedan, measuring 12.6 cubic feet and 14.7 cubic feet, respectively. The hatchback offers 19.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and more if needed when they're folded.
Options on the LX include air-conditioning and the split-folding rear seat, but no power accessories. The EX has an expanded range of options, including a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels (sedan only) and leather upholstery with heated front seats. A Fuel Economy package for the EX sedan and hatchback adds electric power steering, low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic enhancements. SX options include a sunroof and heated leather seats, while a Technology package offering keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, automatic climate control and chrome exterior door handles is available on the EX and SX.
Handling is nimble and somewhat zippy, and yet the Forte remains comfortable for longer drives as well. Aiding in this department are some modestly low profile tires with 15-inchers on the $17,395 EX model, while 16s are available as an option.
Rather stylish rollers, the Forte has a body to match with a flat-fronted fascia, wrap-around headlights and a blunt yet stylish tail end with an upturned trunk, giving the look of an integrated spoiler.
That steering wheel is just the starting point however for an overall dull interior. There’s lots of black plastic with few interruptions and it’s sure to leave you less than thrilled. Along with the monotone use of materials, the dashboard and center console design is rigid and unimaginative. Aside from the leather wrapped and chromed gear selector the overall cabin design feels cheap.
Once again we came back to our earlier thought; what did we expect from this affordable compact sedan? Comparable vehicles in the same category do have nicer interiors though, so we really left with the impression that Kia could step up its cabin design game.
If you’re looking to add leather, it’s a $1,000 option, but only on the top-trim SX model, which starts at $18,895. Options that are available for include the EX Technology Package ($1,800) that includes navigation, a back-up camera, push-button ignition, fog lights and automatic headlights. Adding 16-inch wheels and a sunroof will cost you $950, while greenies can opt for a $600 Fuel Economy Package with aerodynamic improvements and low rolling resistance tires to help get the most out of every drop of fuel.
The 2011 Kia Forte LX and EX get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 156 hp and 144 pound-feet of torque. The SX uses a 2.4-liter that delivers 173 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the hatchbacks, which come with a six-speed automatic (the latter is an option on all models).
The EPA estimates for the LX and EX with the manual transmission are 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined. The numbers edge up to an impressive 26/36/29 with the automatic. Opting for the Fuel Economy package bumps the EX sedan/hatchback figures to 27/37/30.
Kia estimates the more powerful Forte SX at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the manual and 23/32 (23/31 for the Koup) with the automatic.
Where the Forte is particularly impressive is when it comes to fuel economy. With a glance at the fuel gauge, it seems as though the little peg might not have moved at all. Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising with our test model’s fuel economy rating of 26-mpg in town and 36-mpg on the highway. Fuel bills decrease, smiles increase.
These numbers get a boost thanks to Kia’s EcoMinder fuel efficiency monitor. This system monitors throttle input and vehicle speed to determine when you are driving most efficiently. A small green indicator light marked “Eco” illuminates on the instrument cluster when the vehicle is travelling at its most efficient.
Standard Forte safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
The Kia Forte has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. However, its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new tests) for the sedan were five stars (out of five) in frontal-impact tests for driver and passenger. In the side-impact tests, the Forte earned five stars for the driver and four stars for rear passengers. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Forte sedan received the top score of "Good" in that agency's frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests.
reference:www.autoguide.com,www.edmunds.com,www.thecarconnection.com
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