Overview:
This is the 2016 Kia Forte SX 5 Door sedan. Reviewers are impressed and I suspect you will be too. Other than being a smaller car than I care for, it fits well in this segment of the market.
Included in the photos is a baby blue 4-door Optima Convertible that is a trip Back to the Future for Kia. Really, a 4-door Convertible that has not seen for a good long time. Imagine that. Kia is making a statement and I like it. Kia / Hyundai cars are the hot ticket and getting hotter. The South Korean’s continue to impress me. Look at their warranty that is twice that of most all others. Now that is confidence.
From fabulous manufacturing facilities to very nice people who treat employees with care and understanding, this company stands out in my mind. Naturally we set them apart and hope they prosper and in the Automotive Industry. We need more of what they provide the consumer.
Back to the Forte 5 that I tested which included a good array of standard features noted below and my test vehicle included some options. SX premium technology package would add $4,200 to include Nav, power sunroof, leather, power driver seat with memory, heated and ventilated driver seat, heated steering wheel (actually very nice and I could see having that feature) and climate control of the A/C. . . none of which I couldn’t live without. Gee, I just saved 4 Grand.
General Information: It is assembled in Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Korea 94%; Engine and transmission – Korea; Classification is Midsize. Cars from Kia: Cadenza, Forte, Forte Koup, Forte 5, K900, Optima, Rio, Rio 5-door, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Soul EV and Sportage.
Handling & Performance:
It is only 1.6 liters but it pumps out 201 hp with okay fuel economy but it is really fast and a kick to drive.
Styling:
Typical of cars in class, simple but nice.
Fit and Finish:
Good.
Cost:
Very Good.
Conveniences and comfort:
I didn’t want for anything but must say I really miss some of the new high tech features becoming more common every day. One highlight for me is Blind Spot detection. I miss it in this feature with every car I drive without it.
Consumer Recommendations:
Include Hyundai and Kia products in your evaluation. You’ll be glad you did.
Recognized Competition:
Kia Forte 5 $21,000, Ford Focus $20,000, Mazda 3 $19,000.
Good News:
Powerful turbo, good handling, roomy and good standard features.
Bad News:
Tradeoff of fast responsive performance is only average fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
1.6 liter 201 hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, sport tuned suspension, 18” Alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, front side and side curtain airbags, LATCH system, ABS brake system with brake assist, traction control, stability control, and stability management, hill start assist control, tire pressure monitor, air conditioning, AM FM CD MP3 with 4.3” color touch screen, Sirius XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry and push button start, an auxiliary audio input, a USB port, cloth upholstery, 60/40 split folding rear seat, steering wheel mounted controls, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and rear view camera.
Gas Stats:
$2.79 Gal avg. November 7, 2015
for more information.
21 City and 29 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $20,990 without options noted.