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Old 07-28-2011, 09:42 PM   #1
BigElm
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Default Road Test: Kia Takes on Mazda with the Forte Hatchback

Road Test: Kia Takes on Mazda with the Forte Hatchback



Just a few years ago, the main selling point of Korean cars was bargain-basement pricing - but that's changing, and fast. From the edgy Soul to the stylish Optima, Kia's clearly taking aim at the big-name Japanese players of Toyota, Honda and Mazda. And while the Forte's five-door iteration of the SX has made considerable strides to take on the competition - in this case, the Mazda 3 - it falls just a bit short.

On the aesthetic level, there's little to complain about (or get excited about, for that matter). From the outside, the Forte's handsome but upright hatchback profile had a few bystanders asking if it was a new mini-SUV. In contrast to the distinctively edgy Optima, the Forte seems to draw its visual inspiration from the likes of Civic and Mazda 3. That said, it comes together as a pleasantly cohesive and inoffensive design.

theKCB / Flickr

Step inside, and you're treated to an interior that tries to mask its economy-car roots with sporty accented touches; a red glow emanating from the speedometer trim, for example, reminds you that this is no ordinary grocery getter. It's all tastefully done, but the fundamentally generic design of the interior means stylized accoutrements such as red-stitched seats won't leave a lasting impression. And although the seats themselves are a bit too flat and firm, they do provide adequate lateral support. The rear seats are by no means spacious, but with the additional 4.7 cubic feet of storage space compared to the sedan, it's a compact yet utilitarian ride.

That utility comes with a sporting character that's both a hit and miss. In contrast to its un-athletic exterior profile, the Forte holds the road well; sure, understeer rears its head at the limit, but at eight-tenths driving, it handles with a responsiveness that comes as a nice surprise. That said, the steering could be more communicative, and the initial tip-in throttle is a bit touchy.


In spite of the sensitive gas pedal, the powerplant feels subdued relative to the listed 173 horsepower. The six-speed automatic does a great job downshifting whenever extra punch is needed, but even in manu-matic mode the 2.4-liter engine didn't elicit much excitement at any rpm. The power comes at a sacrifice to fuel economy, too; in mixed but mostly highway driving, the Forte yielded a combined 25.5 mpg.

Considering that the Forte SX weaves in and out of traffic with ease, it does have its practical, real-world upsides. It's also quiet - at highway speeds the hushed cabin strikes a notable contrast to the more raucous Honda Civic. On a performance and refinement level, it's no Mazda 3. But considering the six-speed manual version of the Forte SX is more than $1,500 cheaper than the base Mazda 3 (and that the Kia doesn't have a polarizing, toothy front-end grin), it's a compelling option to budget-conscious buyers.

Of course, underwhelming predecessors like the Kia Spectra put into perspective just how much the gap has narrowed between Kia's Forte and the leading compacts from Japan.
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/road-tes...hatchback.html
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Old 07-29-2011, 12:44 AM   #2
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Not bad for a little economy car.

Thankfully it isn't as demented as the joker-face Mazda.

If the window frames and pillar trims were glossy black, the car would look a bit more sophisticated, but as economy cars go, it is handsome.

A set of +1 or +2 diameter wheels would set the car's scale better. Most economy cars look taller than they are on econo-grade wheels and tires.

More handsome than the Impreza 5 door, even the '12. Imagine if this car had Kia Sportage's AWD and turbo engine, with the 6MT gearbox included. Subaru would have to take notice.
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Old 07-29-2011, 12:51 AM   #3
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Needs more 2.0T.
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Old 07-29-2011, 01:07 AM   #4
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This thing is square like a box of cereal. Lines on the side are straight then hooked at the end - it makes the mazda 3 look human, which makes this look ... mundane.
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Old 07-29-2011, 01:15 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by manticus View Post
This thing is square like a box of cereal. Lines on the side are straight then hooked at the end - it makes the mazda 3 look human, which makes this look ... mundane.
I'd say this looks bland but not displeasing, but the Mazda3 looks goofy. Between the two I'd choose the looks of the Kia. Now, about the 2.0T...
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Old 07-29-2011, 08:57 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HipToBeSquare View Post
Not bad for a little economy car.
Thankfully it isn't as demented as the joker-face Mazda.

If the window frames and pillar trims were glossy black, the car would look a bit more sophisticated, but as economy cars go, it is handsome.

A set of +1 or +2 diameter wheels would set the car's scale better. Most economy cars look taller than they are on econo-grade wheels and tires.

More handsome than the Impreza 5 door, even the '12. Imagine if this car had Kia Sportage's AWD and turbo engine, with the 6MT gearbox included. Subaru would have to take notice.
At 25.5 MPG in mixed driving "economy car" not found. Needs 2.0T or 1.6T and combined closer to 30+MPG.
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Old 07-29-2011, 11:55 AM   #7
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I drove one of these before ultimately buying a Civic.

It just didn't have the total package that the Civic did. Powerful and quiet, yes, but the primary controls were lousy. Clunky shifter, numb clutch and jumpy throttle conspired to make it difficult and unrewarding to drive. Add in the very mediocre fuel economy and we decided on the Honda, despite my strong preference for hatchbacks.

Too bad I couldn't wait for the Focus, inattentive driver totaled my other car.

Also, I saw a new body style Hyundai Elantra Hatchback ('12?) on the road yesterday. I thought they were a year out?

Edit: Now that I look at the Hyundai website, it was probably a Veloster. I thought it had 4 doors but only saw it briefly.
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Old 07-29-2011, 12:02 PM   #8
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isnt this the reasonably priced car on top gear?
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Old 07-29-2011, 12:29 PM   #9
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What's the rear suspension like? I was impressed the Spectra5 had rear disc brakes as standard; they either weren't cheaping out with the car or were also selling in civilized markets. I'm not thrilled the Forte needs 17 inch wheels to look normal, though.
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Old 07-29-2011, 12:37 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Indocti Discant View Post
isnt this the reasonably priced car on top gear?
No, that's the Cee'd. Similar enough to a Forte that they're not usually offered in the same market (Russia being a notable exception IIRC).
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Old 07-29-2011, 12:41 PM   #11
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Drove one of these last night and a sedan... in the market for a "beater". I was very amazed at what KIA has done with their cars. That said, the seats are freaking horrible - as one reviewer writes he felt like they just stuck a stack of folded cardboard into the cushion cover. That's EXACTLY what the seats felt like. And that sucks, cause the beater will see a LOT of long highway miles. Truly amazing what KIA's putting in the base models - bluetooth std. Tons of cool little feauters only found on the premium models from the comp.

I also drove the Corolla - holy cow what a Gigantic POS. It looks like it's going to have to be the bland new Civic - except that due to the Japan problems, there are NONE avaialble in my city, so I'll have to roll up to another town to grab one.

Was wanting a stick and it looks like the Civic EX sedan only comes in an auto, which forces me into an LX or DX and the DX only comes in 2 colors! Gone are the days I remember of picking up a loaded Civic for $15K.

Last edited by Brahmzy; 07-29-2011 at 12:51 PM.
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Old 07-29-2011, 07:34 PM   #12
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Where's the hatchback? All I see is a wagon.
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Old 07-29-2011, 08:26 PM   #13
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^
1. What is wrong with wagon.

2. No.......
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Old 07-29-2011, 08:59 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HipToBeSquare View Post
Not bad for a little economy car.

Thankfully it isn't as demented as the joker-face Mazda.

If the window frames and pillar trims were glossy black, the car would look a bit more sophisticated, but as economy cars go, it is handsome.

A set of +1 or +2 diameter wheels would set the car's scale better. Most economy cars look taller than they are on econo-grade wheels and tires.

More handsome than the Impreza 5 door, even the '12. Imagine if this car had Kia Sportage's AWD and turbo engine, with the 6MT gearbox included. Subaru would have to take notice.
I agree with you 100% this car has potential. I'd gladly trade my 2.5i for one of these if it had an AWD option along with a slightly better interior.
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Old 07-30-2011, 09:41 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HipToBeSquare
Not bad for a little economy car.

Thankfully it isn't as demented as the joker-face Mazda.

If the window frames and pillar trims were glossy black, the car would look a bit more sophisticated, but as economy cars go, it is handsome.

A set of +1 or +2 diameter wheels would set the car's scale better. Most economy cars look taller than they are on econo-grade wheels and tires.

More handsome than the Impreza 5 door, even the '12. Imagine if this car had Kia Sportage's AWD and turbo engine, with the 6MT gearbox included. Subaru would have to take notice.
The Mazda3, for a while now, has been the benchmark most subcompacts/compacts are emulating. It's been a success since its launch for MY2004. Even with that joker-smile, it's been getting rave reviews based on its character. That's why Kia chose to use it as a benchmark for its hatch. The smile is a polarizing feature that makes some simply not like it. Other than the face, IMO, it's still a looker out there.

Kia will probably do the turbo, ala MazdaSpeed3 and Focus, but I don't think they'll do AWD. They based the Forte as a FWD platform, putting AWD on it will cost them a bit which is the same reason Mazda and Ford didn't do AWD on their econoturbos.
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Old 07-30-2011, 10:06 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brahmzy View Post
Was wanting a stick and it looks like the Civic EX sedan only comes in an auto, which forces me into an LX or DX and the DX only comes in 2 colors! Gone are the days I remember of picking up a loaded Civic for $15K.
Yea, stinks doesn't it. I had to go all the way to CA (from MN) to get a 2011 EX Manual.
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