Forte Knocks On Gold Card Door; High-End Model Is Almost Luxe

By James Healey; March 15, 2013

Boy, selling compact cars has become a brutally tough way to make a living.

Not because nobody's buying. The compact segment is awash with activity. But each new compact that hits the market seems to raise the bar quite a bit, leaving rivals agape about how fast their latest hot-dang models got upstaged.

Honda discovered that the hard way, having to overhaul its latest Civic only 18 months after it was launched. Honda said competition moved faster than expected, and it had to keep Civic competitive.

Kia's redone 2014 Forte, going on sale next quarter, is a good example.

Derived from the same parts bin used by corporate affiliate Hyundai for the Elantra sedan, Forte has enough differences to stand out. The high-end version is good enough to make you wonder why people spend $40,000 and more on luxury cars.

Caution: Kia won't disclose prices yet, and the scrumptious test car is a loaded showboat. It's a delight, but without knowing the price, it's hard to say whether it's a value.

Following Hyundai's lead with the Elantra, Kia cut back Forte sedan from three trim levels to two, LX (base) and EX (the test car). When Hyundai cut Elantra sedan to two versions for 2013, it dropped the bare-bones base model and effectively raised the entry price about $1,000.

The loaded EX demonstrates why it's hard to distinguish luxury cars from mainstreamers nowadays. The test car has an impressive array of standard and optional features, including:

2-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine that feels quicker than its 173-horsepower rating suggests. Very responsive in traffic, and accomplished as a fast-merger and quick-passer on highways. It's standard on the EX -- and, no doubt to Kia's delight, isn't offered at all on the Elantra sedan. The base LX Forte gets the same 1.8- liter, 148-hp, four that all Elantra sedans use.

Perforated leather upholstery for comfortable ventilation, enhanced by heated front and rear seats and a cooled driver's seat.

Heated steering wheel for when you forget your gloves.

Electronic system that links with your smartphone to tell you, among other gee-whiz info, where you parked your car and how long it's been there, in case you need to run out with quarters for the meter.

The catch: It's only compatible with iPhones and Androids. Those of us hip enough to have Windows phones, tough luck, save for the ability to quickly ring up 9-1-1 if you're having a very bad day.

Outside mirrors you can power-fold in for tight parking spots.

Quick linking to phones, even the challenging Windows phone. There is similarly fast streaming connection so you can play your tunes on the car stereo.

Programmable steering. "Normal" suited Test Drive with a good blend of firmness, road feel and response. Some drivers will choose "Sport" for even firmer feel, or "Comfort" for a lighter touch.

A thoroughly pleasant interpretation of the "soft touch" interior in demand these days. Leather with upscale visible stitching on some seams; matte-finish plastic that's the antithesis of "hard" or "brittle"; a gearshift knob thoughtfully sized and shaped not only to fit the palm but to invite it.

Audi-style LED headlight trim, making a dramatic first impression when you see the car coming at night.

A nifty "hero" color (what they call the hue you'll see in launch ads and as bait in showrooms). It's "abyss blue" and hits the brilliant-blue target just about perfectly.

More than just a platform for the show-off stuff, the Kia Forte sedan (hatchback and coupe models are due later this year) is satisfying to drive. That is, it works well as a car. Test Drive hasn't given up on the idea of that being a core value for an automobile.

The 2-liter engine is quick, and turns the racket of direct- injection into a pleasing growl. Pretty easy on fuel, too, by Test Drive standards, yielding mpg in the low 20s in mixed types of (vigorous, as always) driving.

The base model's 1.8-liter won't be as pleasing, but isn't necessarily a deal-breaker for the thrifty buyer. Just be sure its lower power matches your needs.

Brakes take hold quickly, but aren't grabby.

Suspension is nicely sorted out, which isn't a given on Kias. Seeking a sporting image, to distinguish it from Hyundai's more luxe feel, Kia often has overdone the suspension tuning and wound up with cars that ride like go-karts. Forte's well beyond that, having the desirable mix of comfort and control you get in grownups' cars.

Rear suspension's still a beam, not the independent rear springing you really wish for. But it is well-tamed and nicely tuned by Kia. Unless you drive like a rallyist on regular roads, you shouldn't be put off by the back-beam's primitive design. It's what many compact rivals use, so you don't necessarily lose bragging rights.

Assuming Kia doesn't go nuts on price, the 2014 Forte EX sedan is at or near the top of Test Drive's want list among well-furnished compact cars.

Kia goes for hat-trick in New York with three new models

Kia continued to build on its aggressive pace of new product introductions on Wednesday as it revealed three models that are either new or redesigned at the New York International Auto Show.

The Korean automaker has grown rapidly in the U.S. in recent years with aggressive styling, low prices and by rapidly upgrading its models.

Today, Kia unveiled an updated Optima mid-size sedan, a two door version of the compact Forte – dubbed the Forte Koup – and a redesigned Kia Soul, its iconic boxy car advertised with hip hamsters. Executives at the upstart Korean brand readily acknowledge that the funky, angular compact Soul put Kia on the map when it was first introduced in 2009. Today, the company saved the Soul for last today in New York. The design of the 2014 Soulwas inspired by the Track'ster concept, first shown in 2012.

Kia said the new Soul has a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider, than the outgoing Soul.

"When the first Soul was introduced in 2009, everyone at Kia believed we had a hit on our hands, but we didn't realize how big that hit was going to be," Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications at Kia Motors America said in a statement.

Kia sold more than 115,000 Souls in 2012, a 13.2% increase over the prior year.

The refreshed 2014 Kia Soul unveiled today at the New York Auto Show.(Photo: Robert Deutsch USAT)

The Forte Koup SX two-door joins the four-door and hatchback versions of the compact Forte shown earlier this year. It starts at just under $16,000 and will go on sale in the fourth quarter. Pricing was not disclosed. The updated sedan is going on sale now and the hatch is coming this summer.

The Forte Koup's two-door allowed designers to give the car a swooping roofline.

The all-new Forte Koup SX is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The base Kia Forte EX comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 173 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. According to Kia, the Forte SX is the most powerful Forte Koup ever.

Kia success in the U.S. is often overlooked. Kia gained market share in the U.S. in 2012 for the 18th consecutive year.

The company sold more than 557,000 cars in the U.S. in 2012 – the most in its 18-year history here, as overall sales increased 14.9%.

But for all of Kia's brash marketing and recent growth, the brand is often overshadowed by Hyundai, its corporate sibling.

Seoul-based Hyundai owns 34% of Kia.

Globally, the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group sold about 6.5 million vehicles in 2011, making it the world's fifth-largest automaker.

With the new models unveiled today, Kia hopes to continue its sales momentum this year and beyond.

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In It To Win It: New Compact Sedan has an Ample Bag of Tricks

2014 Kia Forte

With the 2014 Kia Forte sedan now in the picture, the Korean automaker has reinvented its compact sedan twice within the last five years. While that may seem excessive, the cutthroat compact car segment is like the fashion world. You might only be 27 years old, but that translates to 59 in model years. With the 4-year-old Forte losing relevance, Kia had to act fast. Luckily, it already had a winning formula, thanks to the current-gen Optima midsize sedan, which is the brand’s best-selling model to date. The Optima has earned lots of brownie points for its sleek styling, performance, and smorgasbord of premium features, and the 2014 Forte doesn’t deviate from that formula. Defined by curvaceous body lines, the familiar tiger nose grille, sweeping head- and taillights, and a sharply raked windshield, the Forte commands attention, especially EX models equipped with LED accents above projector halogen headlights. (HIDs are optional.) The strips are slanted into the grille, resembling furrowed eyebrows that may intimidate those who look in their rearview mirrors. It’s wider (0.2 inch), longer (1.2 inches), and lower (1.0 inch) than its predecessor, with a wheelbase 2 inches longer at 106.3 inches.

Looks aside, lots of tinkering went on beneath the skin. A reworked direct-injection, 2.0-liter I-4 feeds 173 horses and 154-lb-ft of torque to the front tires via a six-speed automatic transmission, allowing the compact to scoot from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and reach the quarter mile in 16.0 seconds at 87.3 mph. The numbers are leaps and bounds over the last Forte EX we tested in 2011, which needed 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill and 17.1 seconds to pass the quarter-mile line at 83.2 mph. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla may best the Forte in compact sales, but the Korean compact puts them to shame in this category—the cars needed 9.1 and 9.8 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph, respectively. Away from the track, the 2.0-liter buzzes happily when you put the pedal to the metal, making highway merging easy. The Forte’s cabin is surprisingly quiet for a car that belongs in the compact segment, with hardly any vibrations felt through the steering wheel, floor panels, or pedals. Kia engineers can pat themselves on the back for this, since an aluminum bed plate located beneath the engine block diminishes engine noise, while other NVH materials inside the doors reduce wind noise.

In our figure-eight test, the new Forte took advantage of its increased torsional rigidity, producing an improved time of 27.6 seconds at 0.60 g (average) versus the previous car’s 28.9 seconds at 0.56 g (average). Although it’s no sports car, the Forte embraces squiggly canyon roads with delight, as it eagerly turns into corners without too much body roll. The Forte is offered with a three-mode electrically boosted steering system (Normal, Comfort, and Sport), but the differences between the Normal and Sport modes aren’t easily discernible, and Comfort made steering feel more disconnected than comfortable. A stiffer chassis and recalibrated rear torsion beam allowed the Forte to float over hard impacts while delivering a smooth and balanced ride. Meanwhile, the compact stops from 60 mph in 117 feet compared with the outgoing car’s 141.

Like the Optima, the Forte is packed with all the standard amenities you could reasonably expect in its segment, including Bluetooth, satellite radio, power windows/locks, air conditioning, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Our EX tester further spoiled us with a Google-powered UVO infotainment system with eServices, hands-free keyless access, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and rearview camera. Fully loaded with the Popular and Technology Packages, our tester boasted navigation, power folding mirrors, HID headlights, heated front and rear seats, ventilated 10-way adjustable power driver seat, and dual-zone climate control. Heck, it even had a heated steering wheel, but even more useful are the puddle and door handle lamps, which come in handy at night.

The Forte sedan’s controls and the 4.2-inch LCD touch screen are easy to reach thanks to the angled center stack, and the navigation is intuitive. Although the Civic and Corolla offer 0.3 and 0.4 inch more rear seat legroom, respectively, my rear passengers happily stretched their legs to utilize all 35.9 inches of Forte legroom, and they didn’t complain about the 37.3 inches of headroom, a smidge more than both Japanese rivals have to offer. Although every single creature comfort was available in our fully loaded EX tester, I wonder if we would get the same kick out of the 2014 Forte sedan in LX trim, with its 1.8-liter I-4. Either way, the improved ride quality is what impressed most. Fuel economy figures have not yet been released, but expect them to fall within the lines of the outgoing EX’s 26/36 mpg city/highway. Estimated to start at about $17,000, the redesigned Forte is in it to win it with its bag of tricks and treats. Further pricing details will be revealed closer to the Forte’s on-sale date this spring.

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Kia Rondo gets a turn in the torture chamber

Graeme Fletcher | Feb 23, 2013

Graeme Fletcher/National PostAfter it was tested in the extreme cold, the Kia Rondo was completely stripped and evidence of wear was minimal.

Many toy manufacturers brag about their latest products being indestructible — they are when tested by adults, but put them in the hands of a child, and things get pear-shaped in a hurry. Having raised four girls, I can attest to the torture Barbie after Barbie received at their young hands — everything from being buried in the name of research to being hurled out of a bedroom window and landing under the tire of a passing truck. Sadly, that particular Barbie was DOA when I finally retrieved it.

Likewise, how many times have you had to reboot your computer, new or otherwise? Imagine having to do the same to your new car on an annoyingly frequent basis. We are, after all, talking about the second largest investment most consumers ever make. It is for this very reason, and, of course, to protect the maker from excessive warranty claims, that durability testing is such an important part of the development process regardless of manufacturer.

 

 

 

 

Related

The First Shift: Kia blows away at the Chicago Auto Show

Preview: Kia Forte is quick to impress for 2014

 

Everything from crash safety and performance to comfort and dependability has to be tested and evaluated. It is an extensive routine that’s conducted to ensure that when the newbie reaches market, it will function as intended. Remember, the average automobile is comprised of around 20,000 parts (or more) — the list runs from the bolts and rivets that hold things together, the stampings welded together to form the body and the wires in the wiring harness to light bulbs, seats, audio equipment and even the pointer on the speedometer. Then there’s the engine, transmission and sundry other drivetrain components. All have to be manufactured, assembled and then work as one for the life of the car, which, in the extreme, can mean being driven for 300,000 kilometres or more.

 

The validation process involves scorching the subject in places like Death Valley and then freezing them in some far-flung cold weather test facility. Although these conditions are beyond the extremes most cars will never see, every new car has to be subjected to them over and over until it passes muster.

 

Graeme Fletcher/National PostThe Rondo was first driven for 100,000 kilometres in Quebec, then underwent severe cold weather testing in Alma and Quebec City..

 

It’s extremely rare for a manufacturer to lift the curtain and show what goes on behind the scenes, but that’s exactly what Kia did by allowing me to examine a 2014 Rondo following the durability and cold weather testing conducted here in Canada. Yes, it had been tested in other parts of the world before arriving in Canada, but as it is going to be a Canadian-only model (as in not sold in the U. S.), it had to be tested in our climate to validate what had been learned in the initial testing phase.

Between September 2012 and January 2013, the Rondo was tested in the wilds of Quebec for a distance of 100,000 kilometres. It was then subjected to severe cold weather testing in Alma and Quebec City, where the temperatures at the time ranged from a high of -16C to a frosty low of -35C. It was here the heater and defroster systems were evaluated, as were the cold start characteristics and brakes — the latter for performance and feel under these severe conditions. Finally, the engineers checked the Rondo for the noise, vibration and harshness that typically arrives with frigid weather — trim squeaks, oval tires and frozen windows all show up as the temperature plummets. Left unchecked, these small items combine to cast an unfavourable shadow over the entire vehicle regardless of how well it is designed and built.

It is remarkable what Kia has accomplished in a very short period of time — two of the three worst cars I have ever tested belonged to Kia. The Lada Sagona was the absolute worst, but the original body-on-frame Sportage and the Sephia sedan were not too far behind.

After all of the testing, the Rondo was returned to Kia’s head office and completely stripped — and I mean completely stripped. Only the wiring harness remained in the body. Everything else was taken apart and examined for wear and tear. Remarkably, after examining each and every component only one was returned to Korea for further evaluation — a small plastic trim piece.

The wear evident in the engine’s vital components was remarkably small. The pistons and rings were in good shape and the block showed virtually no sign of wear. In fact, salt stains on the engine cover a side, it was difficult to tell the engine had been pushed to the extreme.

The transmission was in the same condition. The fluid was clean and the clutches that are subjected to enormous stress under normal conditions were pristine. Little wonder then that other manufacturers are beginning to use this transmission — it is the six-speed automatic found in the Dodge Dart.

Graeme Fletcher/National PostEngine wear was minimal - the pistons and rings were in good shape and the block showed virtually no wear..

While all manufacturers conduct the same sort of testing, precious few ever let a journalist or mechanic poke around — I enjoyed playing snoop for a day. It is remarkable what Kia has accomplished in a very short period of time — two of the three worst cars I have ever tested belonged to Kia. The Lada Sagona was the absolute worst, but the original body-on-frame Sportage and the Sephia sedan were not too far behind. That was then.

Today, it’s a very different story thanks to the sharp designs being penned by styling chief Peter Schreyer, the smart engineering practices evident in every facet and the rigorous testing that goes on behind the scenes. The work has produced an enviable portfolio where, Sedona aside, the oldest ride in Kia’s line up is the current Sportage, and it is in its prime.

2013 Kia Soul offers great mix of features and value

January 28, 2013 @ 4:12pm | Lary Coppola ~ KPBJ Publisher

No matter how you feel about those rapping wannabe gangsta hamsters, the 2013 Kia Soul offers an interesting mix of good looks, technology, functionality, efficiency and refinement, in an incredibly affordable package, and does it in a way that attracts a wider spectrum of buyers than those hamsters are aiming for.

In spite of new engines and tweaked styling received in 2012, it’s still an inexpensive box-shaped runabout with Gen Y firmly in its crosshairs. But it’s surprisingly suitable for anyone — no matter what their age — who appreciates youthful styling, fuel economy, daily practicality, coupled with useful standard features like Bluetooth, iPod, and USB connectivity, and the best warranty on the planet.

While the Soul attempts to stand out in a sea of sameness — in spite of its basic shape — there are plenty of options and accessories to seriously personalize it. Kia makes no bones about what the Soul is — and is not: It’s a car — not a cute-ute, or “compact utility” as that segment is labeled, and certainly not an SUV, crossover, or minivan surrogate. Mechanically, it’s your basic small sedan, with no all-wheel or four-wheel drive offered.

Model Lineup: The 2013 Kia Soul comes in three models: Soul, Soul+ (Soul plus), and Soul! (Soul exclaim).

The Soul ($14,400) features an inline, 138-horse, 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine and comes with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, 15-inch steel wheels, black trim, body-color door handles and mirrors, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 stereo, USB and auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth with steering-wheel controls, 6-way manual drivers seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seat, remote keyless entry, and variable intermittent wipers. The base Soul comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, but a 6-speed automatic is available ($16,200).

Options include alloy wheels and an ECO package that includes idle-stop-and-go start-stop system, power mirrors, alloy wheels, luggage under-floor tray, illuminated visor mirrors with extensions, and low rolling resistance tires. Accessories include illuminated sill plates, cabin lighting, auto-dimming mirror, floor mats, cargo net and rear spoiler.

The Soul+ ($16,700) upgrades to the 2.0-liter engine, and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, stereo tweeters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Soul logo inserts on the upholstery, and metal-finish trim. The 6-speed manual is standard, but it’s available with the 6-speed automatic ($17,700). Options available only on automatic versions include a power sunroof and fog lights ($800), 350-watt Infinity/UVO by Microsoft entertainment system with rear camera and HD radio, and the ECO package.

The top of the line Soul! ($19,900) offers only the 2-liter and 6-speed automatic, and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, body-color trim, LED running lights, projector headlights, sand and black interior with houndstooth upholstery inserts, standard UVO, and more. The main option is the premium package that includes navigation, XM traffic, leather seating trim, heated front seats, climate control, and push-button start/Smart Key.

Safety equipment on all models includes six airbags, active front headrests, LATCH seating system, electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and a tire pressure monitor.

Walkaround: With rear windows that are narrower than those in front, it appears there’s a rear downward slope to the roof, but it’s a clever optical illusion because of the rising beltline below the windows. There’s also a black, horizontal, ding strip on the doors that’s both functional, and adds to the strong straight-line design.

The corners on the Soul are nicely rounded, taking away some of the hard edge of its box-like shape, with help from strong, chiseled wheel wells. The smile-like grille is small, and no bigger than necessary to suck in fresh air for the engine. The stylish front lighting elements are new, and include LED running lights and projector headlamps.

Big vertical LED taillamps outline the rear pillars, and complete the wraparound look. The rear window and liftgate are clean and smooth, with an indented handle and a stylish chrome Soul badge.

The 16- and 18-inch alloy wheels are larger than what’s often available in this market segment.

Interior: Everything inside the Soul is simple, clean, functional, and ergonomically positioned. The front bucket seats are more comfortable than I thought they’d be — especially after a couple of long jaunts. They offer plenty of legroom, and enough headroom for six-plus-footers.

Rear seat legroom is tight, but fine for kids or adults of average height, and the 60/40 rear seats easily fold flat. There’s a handy compartment under the trunk floor, and below that a space-saver spare tire. There’s 19 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, about four under the floor, totaling 53.4 with the back seats folded down.

The interior vinyl and cloth trim is above average, and there are bottle holders in the front door pockets, plus cupholders in the console, which also offers a deep storage compartment. There’s a surprisingly large dual-level glovebox, map nets on the front seatbacks, and grab handles over every door. There are auxiliary audio, iPod, and USB port connections, and two 12-volt outlets.

The steering wheel boasts the usual standard controls, while the three-ring instrumentation is clean, with an eave over the gauges so they’re readable in the sun. The modest center stack features business-like knobs and buttons that accommodate the revised shifter and UVO/Microsoft entertainment system, which includes a rear camera.

There’s throbbing-to-the-beat rims of changing colored lights surrounding the front door speakers. This can be turned on and off, and you can program the way it reacts to sound — a quick way to amuse yourself while stuck in traffic.

Under The Hood: The 2.0-liter inline-four (which our test model was equipped with) got a much-needed upgrade during the 2012 model year refresh. Power was increased by 16 horses to 164, and torque by 11 pound-feet to 148. The base powerplant is a 138-horse, 1.6-liter (up from 122).

Kia upgraded the transmissions as well last year. The six-speed automatic is smoother, even when shifting down a couple of gears for acceleration and highway passing, with mileage improved by 1-4 mpg whether automatic or manual, to 27/35 mpg for the 1.6-liter and 26/34 mpg for the 2.0-liter.

Behind The Wheel: I found the Soul nimble, and fun to drive. There’s sufficient power available, although the transmission will run a gear up all the way up to redline before shifting under heavy acceleration. If that’s your driving style, you’ll pay for it with lots of engine noise. Road noise is also a factor, but no worse than any other vehicle this size, and this low to the ground.

Handling and braking are more than adequate for this class of vehicle, and there is that level of utility that makes this a surprisingly adaptable daily driver.

Whines: Having an upright windshield and large greenhouse make for great for visibility, but wind noise is harsh.

Bottom Line: The Kia Soul offers simplicity, four-door upright hatchback versatility, great gas mileage, and styling with personality. It’s easy to drive in urban settings because of its nimble size, and with a price of $25,555 for the top-of-the-line Exclaim with every single option available — not to mention Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty — this car is an enormous value.

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Kia Will Add Google Maps To Uvo System: Get Yours From Carbuyersexpress

LA CROSSE, Wis., Jan. 8, 2013 — /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Kia's UVO infotainment center has gotten a much needed upgrade this year and it will debut in the 2014 Kia Sorento. Kia's UVO system will now feature Google Maps and Google Places technology and will allow drivers to integrate their smartphones to the vehicle, where Google Maps will direct them to their Points of Interest. Drivers can also search with the Google Places database to find exact locations where they need to go, such as businesses, restaurants or car dealerships.

 

Google Maps and Google Places are some of the most comprehensive mapping and navigation technologies on the market. Kia's UVO system will take advantage of this and help to make sure that drivers can get where they need to go easily by using the voice activated system. There are many new and used cars available with infotainment systems, but none with the Google Maps integration that CarBuyersExpress.com offers on the Kia vehicles. You can find many great deals from cars of all brands on the website including a Ford F-150 in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

 

Media Contact: Dan Stumpf CarBuyersExpress.com, (800) 326-7217, dstumpf@stumpfpublishing.net News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

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