Forte looks like a great car

[akboss]

As this is a thread for cars we like/dislike (and usually I post on the latter!) I thought I should be positive and post my enthusiasm for Kia's little compact, the Forte.

In complete honesty I haven't driven the car, but from just about every angle, it appears attractive and purposefully styled. The trimmed rear taillights almost seem Audi-esque (all Audio owners can scowl at me now), and the raked front hood, headlights and air dam look quite aggressive. But the real value is to be had on the SX trim here in Canada - I don't know if you have the same model trims in America, but the top-level car. On the Kia website I priced out a mid-level EX model with sunroof for $21K, but for an extra $1500 you can get the specced out SX with leather, auto climate control, push-button start (useless!) and the larger 2.4L motor with 176 ponies! This is seriously impressive car for the price, and from what I hear, the drive is compliant as well.

I think about the only thing that throws me off is the 80's center dash screen, lit up with fat, blocky red lettering. Haven't they figured out how to use clean, thin white text yet! Anyways, minor note.

Also, having lived through many cold Canadian winters, the addition of a specific heater on the windshield to melt the ice on your windshield wipers is simply brilliant. It sounds stupid but this is one of those great little things (coupled with heated exterior sideview mirrors - with built in signals!) that would make me choose this over another car. I have driven on winter road trips up North where I have literally had to stop on the side of the highway to attempt to clean the accumulated ice off of my wipers, and then blast the windshield heat to try and keep everything clear.

Other than that even the base model is well equipped. Armed with lots of kit, good looks and a nice powertrain/transmission combo, this is a tempting buy that only falls short on resale value. The brilliant little Mazda3 is collecting all the awards, and it is an excellent little car, but I could just as easily imagine myself behind the wheel of a loaded Forte, and walking away with the extra cash saved over from the Mazda.

My ,
Cheers.

[Talbot]

I really like the Forte Coupe. I think it's a good looking little car.