Pros and Cons*
Pros
Great value, generous standard features list, versatile cabin, great road handling, crisp design and frugal fuel consumption make this 2013 Kia Forte5 a force to be reckoned with.
Cons
Notchy manual gearbox, inadequate driver seat adjustments, high beltline hurts visibility, lacklustre instrument panel and low resale value are the main caveats.
Price
No less than five versions of the 2013 Kia Forte5 are available: the LX, which starts at $18,250, and is equipped, as are the LX Plus and EX versions, with the 2.0 litre engine as well as standard 15-inch wheels, AUX and USB ports and steering mounted audio controls, among others.
The LX Plus adds AC, remote entry with theft alarm, Active ECO-System as well as an automatic transmission to the list of standard equipment, at a starting price of $20,850.
EX models include heated seats, speed control, 16-inch alloy wheels as well as chrome door and hatch handles, for a base price of $20,750.
Adding a sun roof will bring this total to $21,650, while adding the Active ECO-System and automatic transmission will fetch $ 21,950. The sun roof and automatic transmission combination brings this total to $22,850.
SX versions are equipped with a 2.4 litre engine, sport pedals, automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, sun roof and leather steering, for a total of $24,050.
Automatic transmission with paddle-shift and Active ECO-System raise the total to $25,250.
The top-of-the-line LX Luxury version, at $27,750, is equipped with standard automatic transmission, SmartKey with pushbutton stop/start, paddle shifters and navigation system.
Fuel Economy
The 2.0 litre engine/ manual transmission combination delivers fuel economy ratings of 8.1 L/100 km city and 5.7 L/100 km highway. Automatic versions consume an estimated 8.0 L/100 km city and 5.5 L/100 km highway.
Fuel economy ratings for the 2.4 litre engine are an estimated 9.2 L/100 km city and 6.2 L/100km highway for both transmissions. Highway estimates are pegged at 9.2 L/9.0L/100 km for both manual and automatic models respectively.
Exterior Styling
Sporty elegance. The tasteful, curvaceous design of the Forte5 attracts attention in an understated way. The rear end is sturdy and attractive, and the wraparound taillights add a well-balanced finishing touch to the overall visual effect.
Drivetrain
Base engine is a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 156 hp and 144 lb-ft torque. The 2.4 litre engine delivers 173 hp and 168 lb-ft torque. 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available according to engine option.
Cargo Capacity
LX and EX models can hold up to 550 litres while the SX and SX Luxury models, with a bigger engine, have an available 438 litres of trunk space.
Safety
Six airbags, whiplash protection, electronic stability control and assisted braking are all standard safety features of the 2013 Kia Forte5.
Comparable Models
Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra GT, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Volkswagen Golf
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.338
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.358
Charette Daniel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.332
http://www.kia.ca
Pros
Great value, generous standard features list, versatile cabin, great road handling, crisp design and frugal fuel consumption make this 2013 Kia Forte5 a force to be reckoned with.
Cons
Notchy manual gearbox, inadequate driver seat adjustments, high beltline hurts visibility, lacklustre instrument panel and low resale value are the main caveats.
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Price
No less than five versions of the 2013 Kia Forte5 are available: the LX, which starts at $18,250, and is equipped, as are the LX Plus and EX versions, with the 2.0 litre engine as well as standard 15-inch wheels, AUX and USB ports and steering mounted audio controls, among others.
The LX Plus adds AC, remote entry with theft alarm, Active ECO-System as well as an automatic transmission to the list of standard equipment, at a starting price of $20,850.
EX models include heated seats, speed control, 16-inch alloy wheels as well as chrome door and hatch handles, for a base price of $20,750.
Adding a sun roof will bring this total to $21,650, while adding the Active ECO-System and automatic transmission will fetch $ 21,950. The sun roof and automatic transmission combination brings this total to $22,850.
SX versions are equipped with a 2.4 litre engine, sport pedals, automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, sun roof and leather steering, for a total of $24,050.
Automatic transmission with paddle-shift and Active ECO-System raise the total to $25,250.
The top-of-the-line LX Luxury version, at $27,750, is equipped with standard automatic transmission, SmartKey with pushbutton stop/start, paddle shifters and navigation system.
Fuel Economy
The 2.0 litre engine/ manual transmission combination delivers fuel economy ratings of 8.1 L/100 km city and 5.7 L/100 km highway. Automatic versions consume an estimated 8.0 L/100 km city and 5.5 L/100 km highway.
Fuel economy ratings for the 2.4 litre engine are an estimated 9.2 L/100 km city and 6.2 L/100km highway for both transmissions. Highway estimates are pegged at 9.2 L/9.0L/100 km for both manual and automatic models respectively.
Exterior Styling
Sporty elegance. The tasteful, curvaceous design of the Forte5 attracts attention in an understated way. The rear end is sturdy and attractive, and the wraparound taillights add a well-balanced finishing touch to the overall visual effect.
Drivetrain
Base engine is a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 156 hp and 144 lb-ft torque. The 2.4 litre engine delivers 173 hp and 168 lb-ft torque. 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available according to engine option.
Cargo Capacity
LX and EX models can hold up to 550 litres while the SX and SX Luxury models, with a bigger engine, have an available 438 litres of trunk space.
Safety
Six airbags, whiplash protection, electronic stability control and assisted braking are all standard safety features of the 2013 Kia Forte5.
Comparable Models
Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra GT, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Volkswagen Golf
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| Photo: Kia |
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.338
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.358
Charette Daniel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.332
http://www.kia.ca
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