As applied to cars, “entry level” usually means the bottom rung of styling, power and comfort. The compromises have been so great that many drivers wanted to move up as quickly as possible. With the arrival of the all-new 2012 KIA Forte, entry level just got a promotion. For the money, KIA once again delivers a stylish, comfortable and fun entry level car in the same package.
A few weeks ago we tested the “hot rod” version of this car – the 2-door Forte Koup (not misspelled). This larger, 4-door sedan model contains a lot of the same cool styling and power as the Koup, but in bigger package. The Forte is more than an appliance – it really does deliver some fun driving.
I like nothing more than wide open highway in front of me for a vehicle test, so for this test I added over 200 miles to the clock – including urban and highway driving. When it comes to evaluating a new model vehicle, I’m no pushover. But I’m hard-pressed to find anything to complain about on this car. Forte raises the bar inside the cabin and on the road; it’s a real delight to drive. It’s responsive and sporty, but not punishing or fatiguing. It’s not trying to be “European” or something it’s not. Instead, it’s just an honest small sedan that looks and drives terrific.
It comes in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX), which translates to “good, better, best.” We tested the SX – the nicest of the three, with the 173-hp 2.4-liter engine paired to a silky-smooth five-speed automatic transmission. The SX is the best trim level and has a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and larger front brakes, along with a black interior trimmed in red stitching. The LX and EX have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 156-hp – still plenty of power.
The Forte has been named a 2010 and 2011 “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and to MSN Autos 2011 “Top 10 Cars Under $15,000” list, so it’s a car that has earned its stripes.
Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation. It’s been highly successful with some great new cars and this momentum is expected to continue. Kia is committed to the U.S. market, as shown by its new auto factory in West Point, Ga. An interesting fact : Kia also builds the machines (robots actually) that build other cars – visit a car plant and you’ll see the machines with Kia emblems on them welding together the Toyotas and Fords.
KIA is fast becoming known also for its rocking sound systems, the first with pulsating variable color speaker trim lights and packed with features, like powerful bass, satellite radio, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and available GPS Navigation. Take the optional high-end audio system – it’s worth it.
Like all Kia models, the 2012 Forte and Forte 5-door are covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers protection at a great value. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
There are many rivals – including all the cookie-cutter entry level econo-boxes, which Forte rises above. Kia Forte prices start at $15,200 for the base 2.0-liter model. The nicely-equipped 2.4-liter SX-test model was priced at $20,490. The best news is, Forte sips the fuel: up to 36-mpg on most models. For more information, see a local KIA dealer or visit KIA.com.
By Vince Bodiford
TheWeekendDrive.com