Author Topic: Kia Forte (Read 11391 times)

Mitlov · « **on:** February 11, 2009, 10:31:44 am »

http://www.netcarshow.com/kia/2010-forte/05.htm

Damn, nice looking compact car. Worlds more appealing than a Spectra:

Quote

The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Kia Forte better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling on curvy roads.

Hopefully this means that the suspension tuning is more Mazda3 than Corolla?

Quote

Kia Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower - more than the most powerful versions of the Toyota Corolla or even the 2010 Mazda 3.

Two transmission options are offered for the 2010 Kia Forte: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (LX and EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.

The SX sounds like a nice Mazda3 2.3 competitor, but where's the turbocharged version? The KOUP concept (similar aesthetically to the Forte) featured a 290-horsepower turbo four.

carcrazy · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2009, 10:45:07 am »

This is one Korean design I like based on the pictures (clean, simple with straight lines). The SX would be my pick. The 4-speed A/T in the other models would be a deal killer for me, although the 2.0L I4 it would be peppy enough I guess.

Maybe the coupe version would get the 2.0L Turbo to answer your concerns.

ggweci · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2009, 01:04:53 pm »

Looks really good. Reminds me a the current Civic coupe from this angle:

Quote from: Mitlov on February 11, 2009, 10:31:44 am

Mitlov · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2009, 09:26:37 pm »

The headlights are more RDX than Civic, and that front crease is more TL than Civic. Yeah, it's got a very Honda-ish/Acura-ish feel to it, but it's not a ripoff of any one particular model, and in my opinion, it looks better than ANY currently-available Honda or Acura sedan.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2009, 09:49:10 pm »

blah...blah..hatch...blah...blah...wagon?

Thought I'd summarise my thoughts to save time!

Looks fine. Now, what'll she do mister?

mmret · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2009, 11:02:01 pm »

Some Honda/Acura, but the tail end is very IS250.

Nice looking car though! Inside too.

I wonder if KIA needs a new logo though?

Its a bit dull.

Mitlov · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2009, 11:09:04 pm »

Quote from: mmret on February 11, 2009, 11:02:01 pm

Some Honda/Acura, but the tail end is very IS250.

Nice looking car though! Inside too.

I wonder if KIA needs a new logo though? Its a bit dull.

I think Hyundai and Kia both should get new logos to go with their new and vastly improved lineups of the last couple years.

Ice · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2009, 11:27:33 pm »

I think Kia scores a home run with this one. At least so far as the design goes. That steering wheel is fantastic...and the exterior is quite good. Kia still doesn't have the reputation...but its coming up in the world. You guys are right...they do need an updated logo.

Minou · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2009, 03:30:18 am »

Looking at the specs, looks like like the Forte will be the first Hyundai/kia to sport the new World 2.0 liter all aluminum engine while the 2010 Elantra Touring being just introduced has to make do with the old iron block 2.0.

Too bad this new engine is matched to an archaic 4 speed auto box. Advantage manual.

Winklovic · « **Reply #9 on:** February 12, 2009, 10:48:36 am »

Looks good. If and when I decide to replace the Sebring, I'll definitely consider the Forte.

Angry Chicken · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2009, 02:06:35 pm »

Sweet looking car. Seems to be a bit of Mitsubishi influence in its design, too. I really like the proportions. Here's one site with an interesting perspective as well as history of the vehicle's conception: http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2008/08/21/pics-aplenty-more-of-the-kia-forte/

/Eric

Winklovic · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2009, 02:26:17 pm »

Quote from: Winklovic on February 12, 2009, 10:48:36 am

Looks good. If or when I decide to replace the Sebring, I'll definitely consider the Forte.

monevasia · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2009, 03:16:48 pm »

Thanks alot KIA...I was down to 2 cars on my short list...

This car looks really good and sounds even better on paper. 2.4L 170+ HP with many standard features found on more expensive vehicules. I am guessing the price will also be alot cheaper then its competition....with a better warranty.

They have a winner over here.

BernardP · « **Reply #13 on:** April 24, 2009, 04:17:32 pm »

The Kia Canada web site has just been updated with all info about the 2010 Forte, including pricing, financing and downloadable brochure.

http://www.kia.ca/cars/details/forte

The car is supposed to be on dealers' lots before the end of April, which means just about...now!

To my eyes, the Forte has the best styling in its class. It looks more like an Audi than a Civic. It has been designed by Peter Schreyer, previously from Audi.

I am certainly going to test drive it: On paper, it has the right mix of looks, specifications, equipment level and pricing for a commuter car.

But a car is not driven on paper. I'm curious to see how it behaves on the road and how it feels quality-wise.

mmret · « **Reply #14 on:** April 24, 2009, 04:21:19 pm »

Looks very good, priced well too.

Hyundai/Kia raising the bar again?

carcrazy · « **Reply #15 on:** April 24, 2009, 04:34:49 pm »

Looks good, the price is good but the packaging wouldn't do it for me; I don't want leather nor 4A/T.

EDIT: I just noticed the rear suspension is torsion beam ... blah... Not that it would really matter for the most part, but still ...

mmret · « **Reply #16 on:** April 24, 2009, 05:05:53 pm »

At least the SX model is 5AT..perhaps that misses the point of an econobox but Honda etc. sell tons of $22k econoboxes so...

Torsion beam is kind of disappointing of course. But 99% of buyers will not know or care.

carcrazy · « **Reply #17 on:** April 24, 2009, 05:10:30 pm »

The SX 5A/T is very well equipped, too well equipped I should say since it includes leather for $22K.

mmret · « **Reply #18 on:** April 24, 2009, 05:20:39 pm »

Not to mention a beefed up engine. Imagine it should have plenty of zip.

BernardP · « **Reply #19 on:** April 27, 2009, 10:24:47 am »

It's revealing to see people in Shoutern Ontario talking about A/T. Traffic everywhere, at any hour of the day, makes A/T a near-necessity, I guess... The SX with 2.4L engine has a standard 6-speed M/T.