Vehicle: 2011 Kia Forte 5 SX with automatic
Price as tested: CDN$24750
Performance: The biggest highlight to Kia’s strong Forte range has to be the addition of a 6-speed automatic. What makes a 6-speed automatic more desirable than those with fewer gears? It has more gears for engineers to spaw through the rev range while keeping the engine in sweetspot, while the 6th gear ratio is tall enough for superb highway cruising. That’s exactly what Kia engineers have done to Forte5′s powertrain. In our SX’s case, it has a sweet 173 ponies and 163 lb/ft of torque for this excellent gearbox to put through it paces. When compare to Forte’s standard 156hp 2.0 liter with 144 lb/ft of torque. This 2.4 liter is definitely the engine of choice, given the extra juice it provides right from the get going through the rev range. When it comes to refinement, smoothness and NVH; once again Forte shines again. In this regard, Kia’s 4-cylinders are on par with anything from Honda and Mazda.
Handling: We have always been impressed with how Forte handles. The newest Forte hatchback shines through all over again. While the Forte5 handles like a really good hatchback does, as its suspension is comfortably compliant with a sense of suppleness dialled through the equation. It doesn’t lost anything when it comes to ride comfort. In fact, hatchback rides the best among Forte family. While there were some complaint that both Forte sedan and Koupe’s ride were a bit harsh on uneven pavements, 5 rides as sublime as any of its peers. In fact, it rides like a much more expensive car than what it is. When it comes to dynamic abilities, Forte’s steering continues to provide sharp and exceptional input to the driver. Its being precise and responsive without feeling any kind of twitches. There are some body rolls while terminal understeer is expected. However, Forte’s stability control remains uninstrusive until driver rears its ugly heads. That’s the integral part of a fun hatchback. In fact, when pushed, Forte5 has to be one of the most composed cars I have ever tested. It provides enough driving fun for the enthuisast without losing any ride comfort for occupants.
Brakes: There aren’t many cars offer 4 wheel disc brakes with standard ABS. Forte is the exception. Along with the excellent pedal feel and modulation, the ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily is an added bonus. Add to the fact that stopping distance is relatively well. Forte continues to shine when it comes to braking power.
Interior: When it comes to versatility, Forte5 shines again. Along with the standard washer/wiper for hatchback visibility, the fold down rear seats which are able to fold completely flat into the floor with minimal wheel instusions add to the practicality of being a good hatchback. Its also easy to load luggage with low liftover. The Forte5 pretty much explains why European have loved hatchback over the years.
Inside, 5′s use of materials have much improved over its sedan and Koupe silibings. There are more soft-touch plastic materials on the dashboard in order to justify its price point. The rest of the interior continues to be initutive, right from the superb auto climate control to great instrumentation gauges.
Conclusion: Forte’s product portfolio is about completed with the introduction of a hatchback. The sweetness of the powertrains, sublime handling/ride compromise with a practical interior have sum up the equation. When you consider the fact that Forte offers lots of value for money. Everything else from 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS, ESC, TSC, push-button starter, hands-free Bluetooth capability and trip computer. Its no wonder Kia is the fastest growing car company in the last decade.
Competitions:
Ford Focus
Mazda3 Sport
Toyota Matrix
VW Golf
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Kia Forte 5 hatchback
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5
The subject of our tester’s 2.4 liter bumps out 173 hp and 158 lb/ft of torque. When it comes to refinement, flexability and NVH; it is every bit as good as anything from Toyota and Honda. The engine is a smooth operator when pushed. Thanks to variable valve timing, this engine is willing to rev and strong in both mid and upper range. In the Forte Coupe, it got a healthy does of exhaust growl which we won’t find in its sedan silibing. My only pet peeve with the Forte Coupe’s powertrain is the 5-speed manual geabox. While it provides good gear ratios for both top and bottom, its the shift quality that isn’t able to match its rivals. The throws are long and rubbery. It just doesn’t have the precision of, say a Civic Si. However, clutch take-off is progressive and light. That means the optional 5-speed Steptronic is a better choice, since it offers equally satisfying drive without the rather sloppy shifter action.