Kia's all-new 2010 Forte is a surprisingly good-looking compact sedan packed with a long list of standard features and advanced technology, an awesome warranty and an easy-tohandle price tag.
Most buyers in this segment are just looking for something they can afford. And getting something in their price range usually means forgoing style and amenities.
But that's not the case with the
2010 Kia Forte. Forte is pleasing to the eye, pleasing to drive and pleasing to the budget.
Available in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX), Forte is attractive because it features a sleek, sophisticated design with crisp lines. Turn signal indicators are integrated into the side mirrors on EX and SX trims, adding to its upscale appearance.
Offering a more athletic profile, the SX trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps.
Slip inside the new Forte and you'll be greeted by one of the roomiest cabins in this segment. There's plenty of head and legroom. I also appreciated the abundance of storage areas, especially the center console (standard with all trims) with its dual level storage bin. At 14.7 cubic feet, the trunk is remarkably spacious, too.
It's hard to believe that with a base price of around $14,000, you get a CD audio system with USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth connectivity with steering-wheel-mounted controls, front active headrests, front-seat-mounted and side-curtain airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution and a brake assist system, electronic stability control and a traction control system.
EX and SX models offer several additional standard luxurious touches such as power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, map lamps, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, tweeter speakers, dual front and rear cup holders and floor mats.
Forte EX models also offer an optional premium package that includes a power moon roof and 16-inch alloy wheels or a leather package that includes leather-trimmed seats with front seat warmers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal-finish trim.
The SX model brings even more standard features, including a unique black interior with sport cloth fabric adorned with red stitching, a telescopic steering column, sporty gauge cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal-finish trim and pedals.
Powering Forte LX and EX models is a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 156 horsepower.
The SX features a larger 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower.
LX and EX models feature either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. SX models are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic with manual shift capability.
LX and EX models, regardless of which transmission you choose, are rated at 25/34 mpg city/highway. The SX is rated at 22/32 mph when paired with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg when equipped with the five-speed automatic.
Interestingly, there's an optional fuel economy package ($600) available on the EX model with the 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission. It includes the five-speed automatic transmission, motor drive power steering, "smart" alternator, silica tires and aero enhancements. These improvements result in 27/36 mpg.
I recently drove both an EX model with the four-speed automatic transmission and an SX model with the six-speed manual gearbox.
The EX delivered a pleasing ride for this class and it came loaded with amenities, including leather seats and a power sunroof, all for around $19,000.
My SX tester provided a much sportier feel, but was not sports-car like. Still, it looked and felt much more expensive than it actually was.
If you're in the market for a nice compact sedan loaded with amenities and have a tight budget, visit your local Kia dealer and check out the new Forte.
2010 KIA FORTE SX ENGINE: 173-horsepower 2.4-liter I-4
TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual
DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 22 city/32 highway
BASE PRICE: $17,195
AS TESTED: $19,490 (includes $695 for destination)
WEB SITE: www.Kia.com