The 2016 Kia Forte is all things to all people — or at least, several different versions of a compact car that can meet a lot of needs.
Although every large volume manufacturer offers a compact car these days, few offer one with as many different body, engine, transmission and trim choices as the Kia Forte. It can be ordered as a coupe, sedan or four-door hatchback, with a 1.8, 2.0 or turbocharged 1.6-liter inline four cylinder engine, with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and in trim levels ranging from LX to high end SX.
Regardless
of your choice, all Fortes are attractive, feature a surprising amount
of interior room, come with a lot of standard equipment, can be loaded
up with practically every conceivable comfort, convenience and
entertainment option, and won't break the bank even if you max them
out.
For example, our test Forte with a two-door Koup SX with the turbo 1.6 and automatic transmission, a sport tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather interior included heated front bucket seats, a power sunroof, an upgraded stereo, a navigation system with a 4.2 inch color screen and rear view camera, a wealth of safety systems, and all the connectivity a teenager could want, thanks to Kia's Uvo infotainment platform. And even with all of that, the suggested retail price was under $27,000.
With its sleek lines, the Koup looks sporty but restrained, a style that should age well. The interior is clean and refreshingly gimmick free, with easy-to-use controls laid out where you expect to find them.
On
the road, the little turbo engine had plenty of pep. Although small
turbocharged engines are becoming increasingly common, the Koup's was
well balanced between performance and economy. It gave the
front-wheel-drive two-door a fun personality and is still rated by the
EPA at 25 average miles per gallon, 30 on freeways.
Handling was also impressive, thanks to the sport tuned suspension, which was not too firm for rough pavement. It also felt glued to the road during heavy rains were encountered over our week long test drive, even without all-wheel-drive. If that's something you want, the Kia Sportage is a good choice for a compact crossover.
The Forte was redesigned in 2014 and only tweaked a little for 2016. Although not as refined as some competitors — including the Mazda3 with SkyActiv engineering and the upcoming redesigned Honda Civic — it is still a value leader that comes with Kia's impressive 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty.
Not too long ago, compact coupes were considered disposable "secretary's cars" aimed at underpaid young women without children. But the Kia Forte Koup is a solid performer that should hold up well for years to come, especially in the SX trim.
2016 Kia Forte
Base price: $18,590
Price as tested: $26,435
Type: Compact coupe, sedan or hatchback
Engines: 1.8-liter inline 4 (145 hp, 139 lbs-ft); 2.0-liter inline 4 (173 hp, 154 lbs-ft); turbocharged 1.6-liter inline 4 (201 hp, 195 lbs-ft - as tested)
Transmissions: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic (as tested)
EPA estimated mileage: 22/30 (as tested) to 25/37
Overall length: 179.5 inches
Curb weight: 2,968 pounds
Final assembly: Korea
Source
Although every large volume manufacturer offers a compact car these days, few offer one with as many different body, engine, transmission and trim choices as the Kia Forte. It can be ordered as a coupe, sedan or four-door hatchback, with a 1.8, 2.0 or turbocharged 1.6-liter inline four cylinder engine, with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and in trim levels ranging from LX to high end SX.
KIA NORTH AMERICA - The interior of the 2016 Kia Forte is refreshingly clean and functional.
For example, our test Forte with a two-door Koup SX with the turbo 1.6 and automatic transmission, a sport tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather interior included heated front bucket seats, a power sunroof, an upgraded stereo, a navigation system with a 4.2 inch color screen and rear view camera, a wealth of safety systems, and all the connectivity a teenager could want, thanks to Kia's Uvo infotainment platform. And even with all of that, the suggested retail price was under $27,000.
With its sleek lines, the Koup looks sporty but restrained, a style that should age well. The interior is clean and refreshingly gimmick free, with easy-to-use controls laid out where you expect to find them.
KIA NORTH AMERICA - The optional turbocharged 1.6-liter available in the 2016 Kia Forte delivers good performance and mileage.
Handling was also impressive, thanks to the sport tuned suspension, which was not too firm for rough pavement. It also felt glued to the road during heavy rains were encountered over our week long test drive, even without all-wheel-drive. If that's something you want, the Kia Sportage is a good choice for a compact crossover.
The Forte was redesigned in 2014 and only tweaked a little for 2016. Although not as refined as some competitors — including the Mazda3 with SkyActiv engineering and the upcoming redesigned Honda Civic — it is still a value leader that comes with Kia's impressive 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty.
Not too long ago, compact coupes were considered disposable "secretary's cars" aimed at underpaid young women without children. But the Kia Forte Koup is a solid performer that should hold up well for years to come, especially in the SX trim.
2016 Kia Forte
Base price: $18,590
Price as tested: $26,435
Type: Compact coupe, sedan or hatchback
Engines: 1.8-liter inline 4 (145 hp, 139 lbs-ft); 2.0-liter inline 4 (173 hp, 154 lbs-ft); turbocharged 1.6-liter inline 4 (201 hp, 195 lbs-ft - as tested)
Transmissions: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic (as tested)
EPA estimated mileage: 22/30 (as tested) to 25/37
Overall length: 179.5 inches
Curb weight: 2,968 pounds
Final assembly: Korea
Source
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