First Drive Review
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Kia’s fifth-generation compact sedan makes a strong bid for a bigger slice of the pie.
“Forte” is how you say “Elantra” if you work for Hyundai’s Kia division, and viewed from that perspective, you have to wonder what’s the problem? The value-packed Elantra racked up more than 200,000 sales last year, even if it isn’t our favorite fork in the compact-car drawer. The outgoing Forte counted only a little more than a third of that total over the same period.
Kia decided it was time to reboot, and that’s what the 2014 Forte represents—a comprehensive makeover that allows the marketing troops to employ that most beloved of all automotive descriptions—all new—with what seems to be considerable justification.
Longer, Lower, Wider
The 2014 Forte four-door sedan is arrayed on a bigger canvas. At 106.3 inches, the new Forte’s wheelbase is stretched by 2.0 inches over the previous sedan. Additionally, overall length has been extended to 179.5, a gain of 1.2 inches, width expands 0.2 inch to 70.1, and height has been reduced an inch, to 56.5 inches.
Developed under the baton of Peter Schreyer, the ex-Audi designer who has revitalized Kia styling, the new Forte, generation five in the company’s compact-car series, is an eye-pleaser. The sheetmetal defining its revised dimensions is more sculpted along the sides, lending character to a profile that was previously pretty bland, and the overall shape is strongly reminiscent of a Honda Civic. Beyond that, the new body shell, composed of 63 percent high-tensile steel, is 37 percent stiffer in terms of torsional rigidity, says Kia, and up to 280 pounds lighter at the curb.
The increase in size translates well inside. The new Forte’s rear seat provides adult-sized comfort in the outboard positions, although the center seat, like those in all compacts, is habitable only by small creatures of great flexibility. There’s also an exceptionally roomy trunk by compact sedan standards—14.9 cubic feet—and the rear seatbacks can flop forward to expand that capacity. The only asterisk being that the inside of the trunklid is unfinished, which seems a little out of step with the otherwise high quality of the Forte’s assembly and materials.
Elantra-sized Mechanicals
There’s newness under the hood, as well. The Forte offers a choice of two new four-cylinder engines, one for each of its two trim levels. The basic LX is towed by a 1.8-liter rated for 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, this one borrowed from the Hyundai Elantra parts bin. Moving uptown to the Forte EX nets a 2.0-liter with 173 horsepower and 154 lb-ft. Both have dual overhead cams, 16 valves, and variable valve timing, and both share an 81-mm cylinder bore. But the 2.0 has a longer stroke (97 mm), a higher compression ratio (11.5:1 versus 10.3), and direct injection. A six-speed manual transmission is available, but only with the 1.8-liter engine. A six-speed automatic is optional there and standard with the EX.
Suspension components—struts up front, torsion-beam axle rear, coils all around—are common to both trim levels, and both share a new electric power-steering system. Forte chassis engineers note revisions to front suspension geometry, as well as bigger steering-system bushings, both aimed at improving transient response and on-center feel.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
BASE PRICE (C/D EST): $16,000–$18,000
ENGINE TYPES: DOHC 16-valve 1.8-liter inline-4, 148 hp, 131 lb-ft; DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 173 hp, 154 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 179.5 in
Width: 70.1 in Height: 56.5 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 2950 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST, 2.0-liter with 6-speed automatic):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.9 sec
Top speed: 130 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 25/34 mpg
Continued…