Price: $26,000
The slick-looking 2018 Forte5 SX is
fun to drive and spoils occupants with an upscale interior and plenty of
standard equipment. But city fuel economy should be
higher.
The
compact Forte is a four-door hatchback with above-average occupant
roominess and a large cargo area, especially with the rear setbacks
flipped forward. The hatch raises on twin struts to reveal a low, wide
cargo opening.
There are lower-priced Forte models
with less power, but I tested the top line turbocharged SX with a
six-speed manual transmission, although an automatic is available. Might
as well have some fun in such a sporty car.
The
Forte5 SX's smooth turbocharged 1.6-liter 201-horsepower four-cylinder
works well with the manual, which has short, crisp throws. However, the
slight separation between first and third gears occasionally led me to
kill the engine when starting out because it's easy to mistake first and
third gears. Also, a driver must get used to an extra-long clutch
throw. This isn't a car in which to teach a new driver how to use a
stick shift.
I found the Forte5 SX
accelerates best during highway passing in fourth gear, although you can
just downshift to fifth if you're not in a hurry when passing. Third
gear is best for in-town use. The Forte SX moves out quickly in first
gear and has good highway performance. Even fast acceleration doesn't
cause more than a mild drone from the smooth engine. I detected no turbo
lag.
Estimated fuel economy of the Forte5 SX with
the manual is only so-so at 23 miles per gallon for a compact car
although the highway figures is decent at 29.
The front-drive Forte5 SX acts much like a
small sports sedan, with fast accurate steering that has decent road
feel. Electronic stability and traction control and a sport-tuned
suspension, along with a vehicle stability management system, keep the
body flat when snaking through curves. The supple suspension soaks
up road imperfections without jolting occupants, and the
anti-lock brakes stop the Forte5 SX quickly and
surely.
The Forte5 SX has prominent chromed dual
exhaust outlets. And a red stripe across the lower front of my Phantom
Gray test car added a discreet racy touch. The car has a front end with a
somewhat rakish dip, like the fast, classic 1960s Studebaker Avanti.
There's a power sunroof with a shade, and outside mirrors with
turn-signal indicators fold against the side glass to prevent parking
lot damage.
My test car's quiet interior was
definitely upscale, with red stitching on its black interior and
soft-touch materials. The heated and ventilated front seats were
leather-trimmed, and controls were laid out for easy use. The
tilt/telescopic steering wheel had controls for audio and cruise control
systems, and there was a push-button start, navigation system and handy
controls for the dual-zone automatic climate control. The touch screen
could be easily used, with little driver distraction needed.
The power driver's seat provided good lateral
support, and standard comfort and convenience features included power
windows, locks and outside mirrors with turn signal indicators folded
flat against side window glass to prevent damage in parking areas.
Cupholders were conveniently placed, and there were plenty of storage
areas.
While the hatch raises on struts, plenty of
muscle is needed to lift up the heavy hood, which is held open with a
prop rod.
Safety items include dual front air bags
and full-length side curtain air bags, besides lower anchors and tethers
for children.
The solidly built
2018 Kia Forte SX
has good doses of practicality and sportiness, and its lively
performance partially makes up for its lack of better city fuel
economy.