I like to root for the underdog. And that's what I used to think Kia was.
But I have to admit, the all-new Forte is a complete game changer for this Korean automaker. I think Kia is officially equipped to take on the likes of Honda and Toyota.
And win.
The new Forte has everything I could want in a car from a compact, attractive package to a really decent starting price of $13,695 for the base LX sedan with a manual transmission ($14,695 if you upgrade to the base automatic). The test vehicle happened to be a very hot Forte Koup SX model with a base price of $19,390 (the base EX Koup starts at $16,595). When the test vehicle added the Leather Package ($1,000) and the power sunroof ($700), it had everything on it I could possibly want (including heated front seats), and the as-tested price was a mere $21,090.
I liked the price; I really liked the car. But the true test, according to my boyfriend, is whether or not I would buy it. The answer: Yes.
So, other than the price, what was it specifically that won me over? The utter driveability of this car. I took the Forte Koup from congested city traffic and wide-open highways all the way to the racetrack at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., and there wasn't a single moment of disappointment.
Don't get me wrong, this wasn't anywhere near the fastest car I took out on the race track during the Midwest Automotive Media Association annual rally at Road America, but it did get up past 100 mph fairly easily. And who needs more power and acceleration than that?
In fact, I quickly discovered that the accelerator required a very light touch. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is backed by 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque, and it all serves to move this 2,875-pound vehicle forward at a nice clip and with little effort.
Another bonus: really decent fuel economy with city/highway fuel ratings of 23/31 mpg.
The interior of the Forte Koup is simple and functional, yet it still manages to be polished and attractive with the black lacquered insert on the center console and the optional black leather seats with red stitching.
The center stack is well laid out with large, clearly labeled dials for the HVAC, and nice big buttons for the audio presets. All gauges and controls are within easy reach, and the cockpit comes off as sporty and tight.
The exterior of the Forte Koup is reminiscent of something Honda would put out with clean lines and squinty taillights. Only with Honda's recent decent into the ugly sloping hood, the Forte comes off as the winner in the looks department.
I only have two complaints with this vehicle.
One is the small trunk opening. On a recent trip to Costco, the box containing some of the smaller items wouldn't fit through the trunk opening. So it found a resting place in the back seat, which works if you don't have back-seat passengers.
My second complaint was the seat belt. Because it was a coupe, the seat belt basically comes out of the back seat and drapes over the the seat back, which is about 2 inches above my shoulder. Which means the actual seat belt cut into my neck.
The first problem wouldn't make too much of a difference to me as a single person living in a city. The second problem I'd have to find a work around for. 'Cause I would buy this car if I were in the market.
The test vehicle was chock full of value with standard items such as cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, traction control, full-length side-curtain airbags, Bluetooth connectivity, 6-way power adjustable driver's seat and a 10-year/100K-mile limited powertrain warranty.
With that, all I have to say is: If you haven't checked out Kia lately, it's time to start.
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