2010 Kia Forte First Impressions

A few other surprises were included. The entire Forte lineup benefits from an MP3 compatible audio system with USB and auxiliary inputs. Mid and high-line models add a windshield de-icer, heated seats, telescopic steering and integrated turn-signal mirrors.

Ultimately, the level of power and equipment here should suffice to impress those already considering the Kia brand, while creating some important additional awareness.

The name 'Forte' intends to do the same thing. It was chosen to convey a strong and positive image for the car. Mainly, it's fitting. Forte appears unified, focused and confident from any angle-- and its German-derived styling reveals itself continually on close inspections.

Though it's perhaps not a car with the visual punch to turn the heads of all passers-by, it does appear executed with a distinct goal in mind, rather than simply carrying standard styling elements over a generic shape.

Peter Schreyer, Kia's design guru, penned the Forte for a sporty punch that falls in line with the automaker's goal of providing value through styling. It's a unique and sophisticated look-- even if the fascia calls the current-generation Honda Civic Coupe to mind.

The new grille and headlight combo caps the front and works towards some aggression, while the A-pillars flow into the fenders with a chiseled step. Additionally, the wheels are set widely to create a planted and dynamic stance.

The new grille and headlight combo caps the front and works towards some aggression.

It's no empty threat. Forte isn't a Nurburgring-tuned track-star, but its smallish steering wheel directs a lively, quick and eager steering rack. Suspension is set somewhere nicely between sporty and comfortable, and the Forte corners with stability. Body roll is present, though kept well in check given the car's intentions.

Like the steering, the brakes react with a pleasant urgency. Feel diminishes as they're applied hard, though the calipers clamp down very quickly with a modest initial touch.

The engine felt well sorted-out, too. The 2.0 EX test-car proved surprisingly snappy off the line, and the four-speed autobox utilized gear ratios that optimized passing and merging thrust.

It's all taken in from an interior that utilizes some new textures, colors and re-designed switches for a fresh and dynamic atmosphere. Instruments are bright and clean, there's plenty of storage at hand-- not to mention a huge trunk in the rear. No issues to note with visibility, though some will find that wind and road noise become intrusive when speed exceeds about 115 km/h.

Materials selection is typical of the price range, and where the 2.0 EX is concerned, a bit more color or contrast to the dash and door panels would have been appreciated. It's got some nicely styled bits indeed, though the entirely black dash and doors seem to be on the bland side. Up-level models get metallic accenting to solve this problem.

In all though, Forte looks to have the value-priced sporty-sedan thing pretty much nailed. Include it on your list of test-drive candidates if a well equipped, nicely priced and sporty sedan is in your sights. Forte is hitting dealer lots now.