2010 Kia Forte: Happy trails to the Spectra!
The compact car segment remains one of the most competitive and includes interesting vehicles like the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic. The Korean manufacturer Kia was attempting to rival the heavyweights with the Spectra, a nice, but aging model that was nowhere near the level of its rivals. For 2009, Kia is introducing a brand new car and is taking the opportunity to eliminate any affiliation with the late Spectra by giving it a brand new name: the Forte. Does it have what it takes to mount a serious challenge in the segment that accounts for close to 50% of sales in Canada? It’s definitely a huge step in the right direction.
The 2010 Forte comes to us as a four-door sedan and is nothing like the late Spectra. It has a brand new platform and its mechanical components have been revitalized as well. And that’s a great start for this new model, since the manufacturer’s recent creations were not at all modern under the hood. In the next few months, the coupe will be introduced followed by the five-door wagon next year, all of which will make for an interesting product line regardless of your tastes and needs.
Three versions, two engines, four transmissions
Not only will there be three body types, the Forte sedan is offered in LX, EX and SX versions. Choosing one would be easy if it was just a matter of equipment and price, but the fact that they all have different mechanical components means you’ll have to give it some serious thought. The basic EX and LX versions have a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with 156 horses and 144 lbs-ft of torque. This engine comes factory standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic is available as an option.
The high-end version, the SX, features increased power thanks to a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine with 173 hp and 169 lbs-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard in the SX, while a five-speed automatic is offered for a few bucks more. The Forte SX’s performances and handling are superior because of this engine, but you also have to consider the price. But, it does not mean that the other models powered by the 2,0-litre, engine and its four-speed automatic gearbox’s has to be dismissed. The performances are slightly less impressive, but the trade-off is very reasonable.
The 2010 Forte is inspired by Kia’s Koup concept vehicle, so it inherits the brand new platform and a style that represents the essence of future Kia products. With an extra 30 mm in length and an extra 40 mm in width and in the wheelbase, the Forte is more imposing than the Spectra, so in certain respects, it either matches or even surpasses the Mazda3 and the Toyota Corolla. The exterior has a decidedly modern style that is much more fluid than before. The effort put toward style by Peter Schreyer, a designer who worked for Audi for 25 years and to whom we owe the Audi TT in particular, is immediately noticeable.
A lot of equipment
It’s tough to stand out in such a competitive segment so, true to form, Kia decided to rely on value and is offering all of the versions with a long list of factory standard equipment. Even the LX base model comes with various popular features such as USB, AUX and iPod input jacks as well as Bluetooth hands-free capability. Add to that power windows and locks, four-wheel ABS brakes and a lot of other equipment and you’re left with a compact car that won’t force you to practice simple living.
As for the rest, there has been a marked improvement in the passenger compartment and greater attention to detail, as evidenced by features like red night-time dashboard lighting, the stylized steering wheel that integrates the audio system controls as well as numerous storage spaces here and there. While the dash in the SX version is great thanks to its titanium trim, the all-black dash in the Forte LX and EX is a little too simple.
On the road
There’s no magic recipe in this industry. When a car loaded with equipment is offered at a competitive price, you have to cut somewhere, and the first thing to go here was the rear suspension. While the late Spectra had an independent four-wheel suspension, the Forte gets a semi independent rear torsion bar suspension that definitely creates superior cargo space, but also makes the car less comfortable on the road, especially for those in the back seats.
Both engines offer a very good output, and the 2.0-litre four-cylinder has more power than most of its rivals. However, its torque isn’t as effective. Not much to complain about with the five-speed manual transmission, although the six-speed manual that comes factory standard in the SX is a better choice.
The steering is quite precise, getting used to the wheel is a breeze and, what’s more, it’s telescopic, which helps you find a good driving position and feel in control. The large foot rest also helps in that regard.
Kia has definitely progressed with the arrival of the Forte. This is a car that’s well put together, sharp and comes standard with a long list of equipment. In the past, the manufacturer always relied on good value, but the Forte comes closer to what the competition is offering in terms of aesthetics and mechanical quality. However, with the Forte’s price now closer to that of many of its rivals as well, things are different. As for the rest, it’s a job well done.