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