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Tag Archives: 2010 Kia Forte

REVIEW KIA FORTE KOUP TEST DRIVE

February 14, 2010 3:09 pm / 15 Comments /
New Contribution By Sarah Lee Mycarlady
REVIEW KIA FORTE KOUP TEST DRIVE
Message :I drove and reviewed both the Kia Koup and the sedan. I think they are both very strong contenders in an overcrowded market. I would put the Kia up against the Corolla and Mazda3 all day long and the Scion TC in the Coupe category.  
The 2010 Kia Forte has its high-beams on the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Nissan Sentra.
 All these sedans offer reasonable size, adequate horsepower, okay fuel economy and decent warranties… for around $18k. HOWEVER, when compared to the new FORTE, LOOK OUT.  Stylish exterior, 20% roomier inside, comfortable headroom, comparable horsepower and fuel economy but add the 5yr./60k standard and 10yr./100k power-train warranty and the 0% financing or killer lease options and the needle clearly moves to the 2010 KIA FORTE. The Forte KOUP is the sexy, smart two-door version destined to blow by the Eclipse, TC and Civic.
 
The biggest problem with the KIA FORTE is the LACK OF INVENTORY.  Consider the severely discounted dollar and it’s no wonder KIA corporate is watching the importation of their latest winner. Like the KIA SOUL, the arrival for a hot car couldn’t come at a worse time, as the dealer invoice costs the manufacturers’ American division more per car than the U.S. built competition. (KIA is building a US plant in Atlanta to remedy the situation.)   The dollar disparity isn’t passed on to the American consumer, and it is surprising that they continue to offer the 0% interest and low incentive lease rates, but muscling the domestic and low-end import market-share is something KIA and HYUNDAI (it’s big brother) have been doing successfully for several years.
 
KIA FORTE KOUP take on TC, Si and Mazda 3 …
 
I drove the Kia Forte Koup SX first and let me say it is fun, fast and full of value.  The styling is smart and sassy with rake and beltlines from the sport scar class of the more expensive, middle-age models. The 17” performance tires offer some road noise that even the super stereo could not overcome; however that and the slightly obtrusive C pillar blind spot were my only negatives.
The turning radius is tight with NO under or over-steer, as all my quick lane changes delivered precise movements. The pick-up on this 2.4L 170 hp model was very fast, even from a standstill.  A moderate hard shift let me know the car had the guts when I asked for 80 from 65 with a little pressure to the pedal. IMHO, I wouldn’t opt for the Base EX 2.0l 156hp for the minor dollar difference.
 
The car is reasonably low to the ground but not nearly to the back-breaking stance of the Miata, Corvette Z06 or Crossfire SRT , all of which I have owned and reluctantly given up for aforementioned reasons. Inside the car the seat is soft, yet bolstered enough to hold me in place when taking the turns, which the sport-tuned suspension handled cleanly. Everything along the dash is neat, well organized and ergonomically efficient,  including door release handles, radio, cruise and Blue-tooth controls on the steering wheel, Auto-Shifter and cup holders. Lots of cup holders for a 4-seater, and there is room for a 5’6’ person in the backseat.  The air-conditioner blows ice cubes, which is crucial in Vegas/Phoenix 110 degree summers and something lacking in all the domestic 4 cyl. and hybrid Honda Civic.
 
I like the clever MOOD/MUSIC feature carried over from the KIA SOUL, adding a KOOL touch by matching the RED gauges to the floor panel speaker RED lighting , thumping the beat to the stereo bass. The polished aluminum and lacquer touches accent the red stitching of the seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, bringing the look together nicely on any of the exterior colors; Blue, Black, White, Silver, Red and Dark Grey.
 
All in all, this is a young persons car, the parentals will approve of. It has the necessary safety features; (anti-locks, dual side airbags, blue-tooth and reinforced safety bars through-out), a well-heeled warranty and respectable price.   Prices start at $17k but the SX model I drove was a tad under $20k, packed with features and a 10year/100k power-train warranty. The Kia Forte Koup marks another huge benchmark for the relatively young company and will clearly leave the Toyota Corolla, SCION TC, Mazda 3 and Honda Civic Si looking at twin-tailpipes. Watching the extraordinary success of the Kia Soul and now Kia Forte Koup, I hope KIA can keep enough production on the lots to fulfill the appetite of the still spending Millennial’s.
 
Posted in: Auto News, Kia / Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TEST DRIVE: 2010 KIA FORTE TEST DRIVE REVIEW.

January 26, 2010 9:33 pm / 123 Comments /

Last Sunday, we the KDI editors went to the Kia Showroom to test drive the new Kia Forte.It’s really awesome and made us fall in love with the new Kia Forte.The new Forte really different with the previous model which is Spectra.While the Forte’s predecessor, the Spectra, was a disappointment to most reviewers, the all-new Forte delivers on style, performance and available features.For us, this new Kia Forte will change entire perception about Korean car.It is really value for your money and we give it 8.8 stars out of 10 stars.The new Forte is now selling like hot cake and got positive review around the world.

Below are the details.
Performance:    8.5
Exterior:    9.0
Interior:        8.5
Safety:        9.3

Overall 8.8

Kia’s new family look grille resembles a fierce tiger roaring and it will appear on all future Kia models.

For KDI readers, have you try the new Kia Forte?. If yes, let’s share your opinion with us and other readers here.If not, please head to your nearest Naza or KIA Motor showroom.You will be satisfied with the new Forte and you will not give any negative answer anymore.Don’t drive away just yet! Stick around and check out the latest info about the new Forte below.

From our test drive sessions with the new Forte, we can say that this car has the superb handling.It’s mainly due to the Electronic Stability Control and also Traction Control System which equipped in this Forte.We have an opportunity to test drive the Forte for four rounds.Two rounds with the Automatic transmission and the other two rounds with the Shiftronic transmission.What made us surprised was that this car can take 180 degree @ semicircle @ hairpin corner at 80km/h without skidding.It’s really one of the best car produced by Kia.

Engine Start / Stop Button

In Malaysia, three models are available which are the 1.6 EX, the 1.6 SX as well as the range topping 2.0 SX.The prices for 1.6 EX is RM75 800, while 1.6 SX is RM81 800 and RM93 800 for the 2.0 SX.If you are considering, please consider higher specs of 1.6 which is 1.6SX or 2.0SX.The 1.6 liter engine is able output 126 PS at 6,300rpm and 156Nm of torque at 4,200rpm while the 2.0 liter variant makes 156 PS at 6,200rpm and 194.2Nm of torque at 4,200rpm.

Electro Chromic Mirror – this mirror will be automatically dimmed the lights from the car behind you.

The Forte is a class leader in cargo space with its 14.7 cubic feet of cargo volume that has reviewers very excited, but the trunk isn’t the only great feature that the Forte has. Features like Engine Start/Stop button, Keyless Entry System, USB ports, auxiliary input jacks and even iPod connectivity, which aren’t even offered in some of the Forte’s competitors, come standard in the Forte.Below are some accessories of the new Forte.

Styling Dashboard.

4-Speed gate-type auto transmission with Shiftronic.

KIA FORTE 2.0L SX STANDARD ACCESSORIES PACKAGE.

1.Automatic Transmission
2.Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Electronic Brake – Force Distribution (EBD)
- Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
- Brake Assist System (BAS)
- Anti Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
3.17″ Alloy wheel
4.Rear Disc Brake
5.Dual Airbags
6.Side and Curtain Airbags
7.Radio CD Player Changer / MP3 / USB / IPOD.
8.IPOD Cable
9.UV Cut Glass
10.Active Headrest
11.Leather seat
12.Leather Steering Wheel
13.Telescopic Steering
14.Motor Driven Power steering (M.D.P.S)
15.Keyless Entry System.
16.Electronic Chromic Mirror (E.C.M)
17.Full Auto Air-Conditionng System (F.A.T.C)
18.Rear Parking Assist System
19.Button Start and Smart Key System
20.Front Fog Lamps

KIA FORTE 1.6L SX STANDARD ACCESSORIES PACKAGE.

1.Automatic Transmission
2.Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Electronic Brake – Force Distribution (EBD)
- Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
- Brake Assist System (BAS)
- Anti Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
3.17″ Alloy wheel
4.Rear Disc Brake
5.Radio CD Player Changer / MP3 / USB / IPOD.
6.IPOD Cable
7.Dual Airbags
8.UV Cut Glass
9.Active Headrest
10.Leather Steering Wheel
11.Telescopic Steering
12.Keyless Entry System.
13.Electronic Chromic Mirror (E.C.M)
14.Full Auto Air-Conditionng System (F.A.T.C)
15.Rear Parking Assist System
16.Button Start and Smart Key System
17.Front Fog Lamps

KIA FORTE 1.6L EX STANDARD ACCESSORIES PACKAGE.

1.Automatic Transmission
2.Anti Lock Braking System (ABS)
3.15″ Steel wheel with cover
4.Rear Disc Brake
5.Radio / MP3 / with USB IPOD connectivity.
6.Dual Airbags
7.Active Headrest
8.Keyless Entry System.
9.Electronic Chromic Mirror (E.C.M)
10.Front Fog Lamps
11.Air-conditioning
12.Reverse Sensor
13.Power windows

Posted in: ! DAILY LATEST INFO, Kia, Naza / Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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