The Spectra sedan that was introduced for the 2005 model year was a sympathetic car and a welcome replacement for the unreliable previous generation. But the car didn't age gracefully and on a price/equipment comparison, the Kia no longer seems like a fire-sale deal. And when you're up against the Honda Civic, the Mazda3 and the Toyota Corolla, you can't mess around for long.
Hopefully, that will change with the arrival of the 2010 Forte, a new compact sedan with styling that stands out from the crowd and more content.
Has flair
Inspired by the Koup Concept that was unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show, the Forte boasts swoopy styling that, viewed from the front, looks curiously like a Honda Civic but without the busy front-quarter window treatment. Kia's new corporate face that includes a black mesh grille with chrome surround and headlights that curve upwards as they reach the fenders is a nice change from the anonymous visage of the Spectra.
The hood and front end's character lines fade out at the base of the A-pillars, while another line starts under the mirrors and sweeps around the rear. The Forte also gets Audi-esque taillights are shadowed by a duck-tail trunklid.
Four trim levels
The base LX gets a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, as well as more standard features than the Spectra. Bluetooth wireless connectivity, wheel-mounted audio controls, CD player with MP3 playback and USB port, power locks, windows and heated outside mirrors are included in every Forte. The LX Plus adds a 5-speed auto, air conditioning and keyless entry.
The EX trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, stability control, heated seats, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, cruise control and a telescopic steering wheel. A power sunroof is available as an option.
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Hopefully, that will change with the arrival of the 2010 Forte, a new compact sedan with styling that stands out from the crowd and more content.
Has flair
Inspired by the Koup Concept that was unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show, the Forte boasts swoopy styling that, viewed from the front, looks curiously like a Honda Civic but without the busy front-quarter window treatment. Kia's new corporate face that includes a black mesh grille with chrome surround and headlights that curve upwards as they reach the fenders is a nice change from the anonymous visage of the Spectra.
The hood and front end's character lines fade out at the base of the A-pillars, while another line starts under the mirrors and sweeps around the rear. The Forte also gets Audi-esque taillights are shadowed by a duck-tail trunklid.
Four trim levels
The base LX gets a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, as well as more standard features than the Spectra. Bluetooth wireless connectivity, wheel-mounted audio controls, CD player with MP3 playback and USB port, power locks, windows and heated outside mirrors are included in every Forte. The LX Plus adds a 5-speed auto, air conditioning and keyless entry.
The EX trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, stability control, heated seats, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, cruise control and a telescopic steering wheel. A power sunroof is available as an option.
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