An obvious choice!
With a price tag from $16,695, the Forte LX is obviously quite attractive. At this price, it’s on par with its two direct rivals. What’s more, the equipment level of this manual base model seems rather complete at first glance: electric windows, 6 airbags, four disc brakes with ABS, stereo with iPod/USB ports, electric locks, etc.
The only thing missing, in fact, is a nicety that’s particularly appreciated in summer: an air conditioner. To get it, though, you have to also opt for the automatic transmission, which sends the price skyrocketing up to $19,295.
A notch higher on the Forte5 scale, the EX version seems the more desirable choice to me. One hundred dollars cheaper than the LX with air conditioning, its arsenal is distinctly more impressive and includes heated front seats, cruise control, a windshield wiper defroster, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels (instead of the 15-inch steel numbers of the base model) – and an air conditioner.
To enjoy the potent 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder mill, the Forte5 SX requires a minimum investment of $22,495. Of course, for that price you get leather seating and a sunroof. However, to also get the automatic transmission, the steering wheel paddles and satellite navigation, you have to shell out over $3,500. So you end up with a purchase price equal to that of a Hyundai Sonata GLS, Ford Fusion 2.5 SEL or Subaru Impreza Limited, and probably also to that of a well-endowed 2011 Kia Cadenza – which we’ll find out for sure next spring.
There’s only one conclusion: long live the automatic Forte5 EX! Its generous list of equipment, sophisticated transmission and adjustable cabin make for a compact car as enjoyable as it is practical.
With a price tag from $16,695, the Forte LX is obviously quite attractive. At this price, it’s on par with its two direct rivals. What’s more, the equipment level of this manual base model seems rather complete at first glance: electric windows, 6 airbags, four disc brakes with ABS, stereo with iPod/USB ports, electric locks, etc.
The only thing missing, in fact, is a nicety that’s particularly appreciated in summer: an air conditioner. To get it, though, you have to also opt for the automatic transmission, which sends the price skyrocketing up to $19,295.
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| Only the Forte5 SX can be equipped with the optional satellite navigation system. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
A notch higher on the Forte5 scale, the EX version seems the more desirable choice to me. One hundred dollars cheaper than the LX with air conditioning, its arsenal is distinctly more impressive and includes heated front seats, cruise control, a windshield wiper defroster, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels (instead of the 15-inch steel numbers of the base model) – and an air conditioner.
To enjoy the potent 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder mill, the Forte5 SX requires a minimum investment of $22,495. Of course, for that price you get leather seating and a sunroof. However, to also get the automatic transmission, the steering wheel paddles and satellite navigation, you have to shell out over $3,500. So you end up with a purchase price equal to that of a Hyundai Sonata GLS, Ford Fusion 2.5 SEL or Subaru Impreza Limited, and probably also to that of a well-endowed 2011 Kia Cadenza – which we’ll find out for sure next spring.
There’s only one conclusion: long live the automatic Forte5 EX! Its generous list of equipment, sophisticated transmission and adjustable cabin make for a compact car as enjoyable as it is practical.
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