2014 Kia Forte - Review

PRICE : For 2014 Kia Forte LX Manual $15,900

PRICE : For 2014 Kia Forte LX Automatic $17,500

PRICE : For 2014 Kia Forte EX $19,500

Lately, Kia has been fielding strong entries inward virtually every segment it enters. Now the 2014 Kia Forte has joined the roster inward the compact automobile class. Previously, nosotros had considered the Forte a decent pick thank you lot to its depression price, respectable performance too generous criterion features, but ultimately relegated it to mid-pack status for its lackluster cabin materials too elevated route noise. With this year's redesign, Kia has addressed those gripes inward a large way.

Once again, the Forte volition come upward inward 3 body styles: sedan, four-door hatchback (known every bit the Forte5) too two-door coupe (Forte Koup). No affair the body style, i of the biggest draws to the novel automobile is the way it looks. We commonly don't utter almost styling, given its subjective nature. But nosotros uncertainty we'll detect much declaration when nosotros say the Forte is i of the sharpest-looking cars inward its segment.

Even better, the redesigned Forte isn't an representative of shape over function. It's longer, lower too wider than its predecessor, too you'll notice this on the inside, every bit the automobile is quite roomy. Rear spot legroom is especially good. You'll detect plenty of features here, too, every bit fifty-fifty the base of operations LX trim aeroplane offers Bluetooth too an iPod interface every bit standard, piece high-end amenities similar xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, a vocalism command organization (for the sound organization too your smartphone) too fifty-fifty heated bring upward seats are available. Overall interior lineament is much meliorate this fourth dimension approximately every bit well.

There are 3 unlike engines for the 2014 Kia Forte, too all brand to a greater extent than than competitive power. The upgraded 2.0-liter four-cylinder on EX models makes the novel Forte i of the quickest cars inward the segment, piece an fifty-fifty stronger, turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is available on SX versions of the Forte coupe too Forte5 hatchback. The downside, though, is that none of these engines excels inward the fuel economic scheme department.

As you lot probable know, at that spot are many expert choices inward this class. The Ford Focus too Mazda 3 are a footling to a greater extent than fun to airplane pilot too tend to teach meliorate fuel economic scheme inward real-world driving, piece the Honda Civic too 2014 Volkswagen Jetta are well-rounded sedans with lots of refinement too comfort. And of course of didactics you lot mightiness also consider the Kia's cousin, the Hyundai Elantra. But with its roomy interior, upscale features, strong engines too sudden looks, the 2014 Kia Forte is an fantabulous alternative for an affordable sedan, coupe or hatchback.

EXTERIOR

There used to live a fourth dimension when Kias were mostly characterized every bit boxy too boring. That’s no longer the instance e'er since it changed the overall blueprint linguistic communication of its vehicles.

The all-new Kia Forte shares inward this blueprint revolution too right away comes with the sort of aggressive opinion that customers volition sure as shooting notice. The headlights, inward particular, convey a bulging aspect that makes the Forte aspect similar it’s broad awake at all time. Design notwithstanding, the lenses cutting deeply into the front end fenders too comprise projector headlamps piece the LED lights create distinct eyebrows, giving farther acceptance to the Forte’s up-at-all-times look.

The overall shape of the Forte is also something that’s worth noting, peculiarly the sculpting along the vehicle’s lower flanks, tapering the sail metallic inward too giving a aspect of a versatile vehicle. Over at the dorsum end, the up-kicked fender trouble too body design, with its deep horizontal crease, adds fifty-fifty to a greater extent than presence to the bring upward of the vehicle. Combine that with the complex curves of the taillights too you lot direct maintain a automobile that looks every bit expert every bit it was existence pegged to be.

Finally, the wheel-and-tire setup varies, depending on the trim you lot get. The LX manual rides on 195/65R15 tires with 205/55R16 tires on 16-inch alloy wheels available every bit an optional feature. Then there’s the top-of-the-line EX, which comes with the same 55-series tires, but low-profile 215/45R17 tires mounted on sporty 17" alloy wheels are optional.

INTERIOR

The Forte Sedan’s interior doesn’t actually boundary out when you lot start teach within it, although a instance tin live made that the entire cabin was designed with all the pieces plumbing equipment into the correct place. We appreciate the high-quality materials used inward dressing upward the interior, peculiarly for the marketplace that it belongs to. The large instruments don’t experience also cluttered at all too the optional 4.2-inch LCD covert is a must have. The interior also has loads of chrome accents, adding a touching of panache to the overall aspect of the car.

As far every bit premium features are concerned, nosotros were impressed past times what Kia position into the Forte to justify all the harking almost the automobile existence to a greater extent than upscale than most inward its market. From the criterion Bluetooth hands gratis telephone integration to the powerfulness windows, mirrors too door locks, all the way to the powerfulness sunroof, too dual-zone automatic climate command with bring upward spot vents brand for an interior that’s both comfortable too functional

► Cabin :

Opening the broad doors reveals a cabin sculpted inward organic curves. Gentle ripples across the musical instrument panel convey serenity, every bit if modest waves are radiating from a pebble dropped into a pond. The driver-centric cabin is canted 10 degrees too features high-quality materials too soft touching points. Large, easy-to-read instruments dominate the binnacle, too secondary controls autumn easily to hand. The optional 4.2-inch color LCD covert nestled betwixt the white-on-black gauges inward the EX provides trip too ancillary vehicle information front end too centre to the driver. Tasteful chrome bezels band the HVAC rotary knobs too the optional push-button start. Additional chrome accents, criterion Bluetooth® hands gratis telephone integration too powerfulness windows, mirrors too door locks heighten the all-new Forte's premium feel. Optional leather seating trim, powerfulness sunroof, too dual-zone automatic climate command with bring upward spot vents too HID caput lights direct maintain the Kia Forte to novel levels of sophistication.

SPECIFICATION

► Year : 2014
► Make : Kia
► Model : Forte
► Engine : 2-liter, double overhead cam, direct injection 4 cylinder with D-CVVT.
► Mileage: 24 mpg (city), 36 mpg (highway).
► Price: $15,900
► Power : 173 hp @ 6,500 rpm; 154 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,700 rpm
► Transmission : Six-speed automatic
► Brakes : Four-wheel disc with ABS
► Length : 179.5 inches.
► Wheelbase : 106.3 inches
► Type : Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger, mid-size sedan.
► Curb Weight : 2,959 pounds.
► Fuel (capacity) : regular (50L)

FEATURES

Over its small life, the Kia Forte has elbowed its way into the compact-car scene past times adding a few to a greater extent than criterion features too longer warranties to its listing of equipment. The same is truthful for the 2014 model, though for the fourth dimension being, the erstwhile SX model has hitting the intermission button.

The Forte LX is the base of operations model, too prices are expected to come upward inward only below $16,000. At that price, the Forte volition offering criterion powerfulness windows, locks, too mirrors; an AM/FM/XM sound system; Bluetooth; steering-wheel sound too telephone controls; too air conditioning. Adding the Popular Package alternative brings 16-inch wheels; keyless entry; too cruise control; the Eco parcel tops it off with ISG stop/start control.

The Kia Forte EX is expected to ship a base of operations cost of less than $19,000 earlier destination, too gets a expert assortment of premium features too options. It comes criterion with keyless entry; a rearview camera; a cooled glovebox too a centre armrest with a sliding lid. Premium Package options include a 10-way powerfulness driver seat; heated seats--all of them; driver-seat ventilation; leather upholstery; a powerfulness sunroof; pushbutton start; too 17-inch wheels. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Technology parcel gains LED taillights; a color LCD readout tucked betwixt the gauges; too automatic climate control.

Navigation is also an alternative on this version, which comes criterion with Kia's novel version of UVO. Initial versions of UVO direct maintain been based on an early on version of the Microsoft autos software that governs Ford's SYNC system. The novel Kia organization (iOS for right away only, with Android inward the works) is a lighter too to a greater extent than effective organization that leverages the driver's smartphone for alive information access, tapping Google for mapping information too the information current for streaming audio. It also offers squeamish touches similar service scheduling too a parking reminder--and it's free. We're convinced this is the futurity of infotainment systems of almost all flavors, too all the Kia organization lacks is truthful mirroring--the powerfulness to mimic a smartphone display direct on the infotainment screen.

► Standard Equipment :

Technically, the 2014 Kia Forte starts at $16,700 with destination, including Bluetooth too USB connectivity, air conditioning, too a split-folding bring upward seat. But it also has modest steel wheels, a manual transmission too a host of characteristic deficiencies. Add $1,500 for an automatic transmission, too thence some other $900 for the Popular Package – alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, etc. – too you've got yourself a respectable compact car, but for $19,100. The $19,400 Forte Koup too $20,500 Forte5 both start a trim-level higher, too include a lot of what's optional on the sedan. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 total complement of active too passive security features are criterion on every Forte.

► Optional Equipment :

A fully loaded 2014 Kia Forte tin surpass $25,000, but with an impressive prepare of equipment that includes mutual touches similar leather seats, moonroof, keyless entry too push-button start, addition unexpected touches similar a heated steering wheel, ventilated driver's spot too heated bring upward seats. The Google-powered UVO eServices infotainment organization is also with the most comprehensive systems inward the segment. Moving upward to the turbocharged engine adds $2,000 to the Forte Koup, or $1,200 inward the Forte5.

PERFORMANCE

The all-new Kia Forte offers spirited performance thank you lot to 2 advanced four-cylinder engines. The LX features a 1.8-liter powerplant, piece the EX comes criterion with a 2.0-liter engine. Both engines characteristic dual continuously variable valve timing too a lightweight intake manifold that reduces weight past times thirty per centum over a cast unit. The aluminum "bed plate" located below the cylinder block reduces engine NVH levels too improves block rigidity past times thirty percent.

With 148 horsepower available at 6,500 rpm too 131 lb.-ft. of torque on tap at 4,700 rpm, the 1.8-liter MPI inline four-cylinder engine establish inward the LX routes powerfulness to the front end wheels through either a criterion 6 speed manual transmission or an optional 6 speed automatic gearbox.

Kia Forte EX enhances the driving experience with a 173-horsepower (at 6,500 rpm) 2.0-liter inline 4 cylinder GDI engine. With a robust 154 lb.-ft. of torque available at 4,700 rpm, the EX comes criterion with a 6 speed automatic.

The all-new Kia Forte rides on a chassis that is longer (by 1.2 inches), lower (0.6 inches) too wider (0.2 inches) than the previous Forte sedan. With its 106.3-inch wheelbase, 2 inches longer than the outgoing model, the all-new Forte rides on a McPherson strut front end suspension too a coupled torsion beam bring upward axle. On-center steering experience is improved utilizing larger bushings too revised front end suspension geometry. Electric powerfulness steering has replaced the hydraulic organization from the previous Kia Forte, reducing parasitic load. Optional Flex Steer puts the driver firmly inward command with settings for Comfort, Normal too Sport, which vary steering attempt at the touching of a steering wheel-mounted button.

The base of operations LX manual rides on 195/65R-15 tires, piece 205/55R-16 tires on 16-inch alloy wheels are optional. The top-of-the-line EX is shod with the same 55-series tires. Low-profile 215/45-17 tires mounted on sporty 17-inch alloy wheels are optional.

DRIVING DYNAMICS

Our Kia Forte EX looked pretty sporty too was powered past times the to a greater extent than strong of the 2 available engines, but the driving dynamics skewed to a greater extent than toward relaxed.

One of the coolest features is the adjustable steering organization that lets you lot toggle betwixt Normal, Sport, too Comfort programs for the electronic power-steering system. The Sport setting did experience a fight heavier than the light-effort Comfort mode, but I couldn't actually experience much of a divergence inward feedback or vehicle responsiveness betwixt the 3 settings.

Under the hood, you'll detect a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that uses gasoline direct injection (GDI) to output 173 horsepower too 154 pound-feet of torque. Most of the contest utilisation 1.8-liter engines (the Forte does every bit good at the entry level), thence apples-to-apples comparisons tin live difficult. Kia's 2.0 liter does boast to a greater extent than powerfulness than the Ford Focus or the Dodge Dart .

The only gearbox available at the EX trim aeroplane is a six-speed automatic bargain with a manual shift mode. (The entry-point 1.8L LX is available with a six-speed manual.) Unfortunately, there's no sport computer program too no paddle shifters, thence you're basically stuck with either the transmission default computer program or reaching downwards to faux-row your gears with the lever.

DRIVETRAIN

The 173-hp four-cylinder inward the 2014 Kia Forte EX is i of the stronger engines you'll detect inward this class. This output doesn't interpret to blazing acceleration, but inward general, the EX feels quicker than the norm. The automatic transmission provides polish gearchanges, too it's surprisingly responsive with downshifts during typical passing too merging situations. The only downside is that the 2.0-liter sounds too feels a fight buzzy during hard acceleration. The available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine makes for a livelier experience inward both the hatchback too coupe. Although both transmissions are good matched to this motor, the slick-shifting six-speed manual is quite a fight of fun if you're thence inclined.

The Forte has precise steering, too treatment approximately turns is steady. On upper trim levels, you lot tin fifty-fifty adapt the steering attempt via a three-mode (Comfort/Normal/Sport) clit on the wheel. Most shoppers inward this segment volition probable live satisfied with the Forte's overall ride quality. But the Forte's suspension tin occasionally seem a fight unrefined. Rougher roads tin create subtle vibrations too undulations that aren't acquaint inward rivals similar the Focus or Mazda 3, both of which direct maintain a to a greater extent than sophisticated ride.

TECHNOLOGY

The Kia Forte is filled with technological goodies. It’s non jam-packed to the indicate of feeling almost claustrophobic similar some of the novel Ford vehicles. Nor is it stripped downwards to the base. My attempt out vehicle inward SX trim is equipped with satellite radio, a navigation system, 6-speakers, Bluetooth, keyless entry, a start-stop ignition too dual-zone climate control, to refer a few.

There is also this wonderful footling clit that allows for both the cooling too heating of the seat. Unfortunately, it is specifically for the driver’s spot (well, expert for the mortal behind the wheel…less thence for passengers). The front end row too bring upward rider seats include a clit to estrus their seats; they only lack the ventilation option.

COMFORT & QUALITY

With a longer wheelbase but a lower roofline, the Kia Forte has slightly less interior room on newspaper than the final version. It's non evidently shy inward whatever dimension when compared to the top sellers inward the compact class, too a closer optic (and ear) on details makes this Forte experience to a greater extent than substantial, too.

By the numbers, the Forte is 179.5 inches long, upward a footling to a greater extent than than an inch, too rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, upward 2.0 inches. It's lower past times an inch, to 56.5 inches, too inward practise the subtle reshaping of the rider cabin makes to a greater extent than of an ship upon on its handsome styling than it does on its usable room. Front passengers won't come upward up small inward whatever way: the front end seats direct maintain a expert gain of adjustment, too give fifty-fifty really tall drivers plenty headroom. The extra width too a gently curved centre console autumn out of the way of knee articulation space. The driver-side powerfulness too spot ventilation that come upward on the Forte EX are useful too eye-catching at social club time, but we'd similar a footling to a greater extent than bolstering on the bottom cushions for meliorate long-distance support.

The dorsum spot is typical for compact cars, with non quite plenty caput room for six-foot passengers, but plenty of others. The front end seats leave of absence plenty of pes room, too the door openings brand entry too leave of absence easier than inward some of the to a greater extent than sporty compacts we've driven this year.

Storage infinite is really good, with a 14.9-cubic-foot body larger than almost all the competition, salve for the Honda Civic. The body lid's cutting wide, for slow loading, too the bring upward seats plication downwards almost apartment for the rare occasion when the body is taxed. There's a useful bin hiding nether a sliding covert inward front end of the shift lever, too a fair-sized glovebox too centre console bin.

It's a straightforward layout without a major flaw--and it's much meliorate presented than fifty-fifty the final Forte. There's an elevated sense of lineament inward this compact car, from the soft touching of the plastic too the mix of materials chosen, to the added sound deadening that tamps downwards powertrain too route dissonance to meliorate than average levels.

ENGINE

The front-wheel-drive Forte is available with 3 unlike engines, depending on body style, including i of the most powerful engines inward the segment. Each is matched with the same 6-speed automatic transmission, piece a 6-speed manual is available every bit well, again, depending on body style. The Forte's powerfulness payoff requires a modest compromise inward fuel economy, with the Forte's numbers trailing many of today's newer compact cars.

► Available Engines & Spec:

201-hp, 1.6-liter I-4 (regular gas)
148-hp, 1.8-liter I-4 (regular gas)
173-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 (regular gas)

1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (Kia Forte Koup SX, Forte5 SX)
201 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (manual), 22/30 mpg (automatic)

1.8-liter 4-cylinder (Kia Forte Sedan LX)
148 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
131 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/37 mpg (manual), 25/36 mpg (automatic)

2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Kia Forte Sedan EX, Koup EX, Forte5 EX)
173 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
154 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/33 mpg (manual, Koup only), 24/36 mpg (automatic)

SAFETY

Every 2014 Kia Forte comes criterion with antilock disc brakes, traction too stability control, front end side airbags too side pall airbags.

In brake testing, a Forte EX came to a halt from threescore mph inward 121 feet, slightly shorter than average for this segment.

In authorities crash tests, the Forte sedan too hatchback both earned an overall score of 4 stars (out of five), with 3 stars for overall frontal ship upon protection too v stars for overall side ship upon protection. Within that three-star frontal rating, the Forte earned v stars for driver protection, but only 2 stars for the front end passenger.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Forte its highest score of "Good" inward its moderate-overlap frontal offset, side-impact too roof-strength tests. In that agency's relatively novel small-overlap frontal offset test, however, the Forte scored the lowest rating of "Poor." In fairness, of the relatively few vehicles that direct maintain been subjected to this novel test, most direct maintain posted similarly depression ratings.

FUEL ECONOMY

The 2013 Forte offered a alternative betwixt 2 engines. The LX too EX models came with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 156 horsepower too 144 lb-ft of torque. The sporty Forte SX had a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder generating 173 hp too 168 lb-ft of torque. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 6-speed manual gearbox was standard, too a 6-speed automatic with Sportmatic manual shifting was optional for both engines.

This year, the 2014 Forte LX gets a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 148 hp too 131 lb-ft. In sure regions of the country, the Forte's Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) equipment restricts engine output to 145 hp too 130 lb-ft of torque. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 6-speed manual gearbox is criterion for this model, with a 6-speed automatic optional.

For to a greater extent than power, choosing the Forte EX is necessary. The EX model's criterion 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is rated to brand 173 hp too 154 lb-ft of torque, too is offered entirely with a 6-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission.

Last year, the Forte's 156-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder was rated to teach betwixt 25 miles per gallon inward the metropolis too 36 mpg on the highway, depending on transmission choice. For 2014, the Forte's 148-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder is expected to render 25 mpg city/37 mpg hwy. Basically, buyers choosing the 2014 Forte surrender some horsepower too torque inward central for a 1-mpg increase inward highway mileage.

Differences are greater when comparing the 2013 Forte SX model's 173-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with the 2014 Forte EX model's 173-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The erstwhile returned 22 mpg city/32 mpg hwy, piece the latter improves to 24 mpg city/36 mpg hwy.

Examine the differences betwixt the old Forte too the novel Forte too you'll come across the old automobile mostly made to a greater extent than horsepower too to a greater extent than torque at lower rpm. Considering the Forte's curb weight is essentially unchanged betwixt years, the original do goodness to choosing the novel Forte instead of the old Forte is fuel economy. Even then, the improvement is largely express to the to a greater extent than powerful engine selection.

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