Scottsdale, AZ. - A learning curve, according to Merriam-Webster, is “the course of progress made in learning something.” In the car business, no other manufacturer (and I include parent company Hyundai) has learned the ropes faster than Kia.
In 15 short years, the progress from the Sephia to the all-new 2014 Kia Forte is nothing short of staggering. The latest compact Korean car is stylish, well thought out and a pleasure to drive.
Truly, Kia and Hyundai’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has direction and a plan that many companies lack. His actions have created a near no-compromise vision and have carried the company to heights that many can scarcely dream of.
The 2014 Kia Forte is now competitive, contemporary and replete with technology, styling and the proper dose of performance: great car.
Look at it
I still think that the current Kia Optima is one of the finest looking midsize sedans on the road today. In fact, in our recent midsize car comparo test, I bring up the fact that people still do a double take when one drives by. Although it is difficult to predict if this will be the case with the 2014 Kia Forte, I think it’s a damn fine piece of Korean car.
The list of the car’s exterior highlights gets quite extensive as we climb towards top trim levels. For starters, the 2014 Kia Forte’s profile is all the rage as it’s got the all-important, coupe-like rake. Touches like subtle chrome accents, character lines and available fetching wheels make the Forte a handsome car.
The 2014 Kia Forte is longer and lower than the car it replaces. Although width has grown marginally, it’s the 5 cm increase in its wheelbase that makes the most difference, both in poise and interior space.
Details like available xenon HID headlights and light-bar LED tails elevate this car -- in top SX livery -- to near luxury-car levels.
Fab cabin
Unlike some manufacturers that emphasize either the exterior or the interior of their products, the 2014 Kia Forte gets equal amounts of love inside and out.
As with the Optima, the Forte’s passenger quarters feature a serious dose of European influence that is not, and will not be, lost on potential buyers. Fit and finish are top-drawer and rival the best currently offered in compact cars. The attention to detail is impressive: look at the door cards and notice how the ripples in the material match that of the passenger-side dashboard.
As with all other existing Korean vehicles tested in the recent past, the level of kit matches and surpasses the competition. Depending on trim, heated seats (all) and steering wheel, cooled and 10-way power driver perch and navigations are all attainable. It’s crazy, really...
The cabin is comfortable, roomy and a really great place to be. The driver benefits from a well designed steering wheel and a better-than-decent driving position. Ahead of the driver is a lovely colour liquid crystal display. Paddle shifters are also something to look to in order to further enjoy the driving experience.
What’s under the hood?
The driving experience is very much influenced by what moves the car. In the case of the 2014 Kia Forte, buyers have the choice between the family-sourced 148 hp 1.8L 4-cylinder for all variations of the LX trim, which should count for a little more than 2/3 of all Forte sales.
Both the EX and SX cars will gain a new Nu 2.0L inline-4. This powerplant uses Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and produces 173 hp and 154 torques. To it can only be mated a 6-speed automatic transmission. The base LX is the only version that is equipped with a 6-speed manual.
All testers on-hand at the launch were EX and SX cars. On paper, the 2.0L is one of the most powerful engines of the category. It most instances, the extra oomph is appreciable, however; the 2014 Kia Forte is by no means a quick car. Acceleration is enthusiastic as are passing manoeuvres. In a streetlight drag race, I don’t think it would crush a Mazda3 with SKYACTIV...
As these lines are being written, fuel economy numbers have not yet been published and I do not expect them to be better than any of its rivals. If yes, then I suspect it’ll only be on paper.
Euro drive
The 2014 Kia Forte features a McPherson strut type front and rear coupled torsion beam axle (independent/semi-independent) suspension. Although not especially sophisticated, the car’s ride is comfortably stable without being punishingly sporty. The twisty mountain roads outside of Globe, AZ did little to upset the Forte.
The electric steering responds precisely to inputs, however, is numb despite the selected Flex-Steer mode. The 4-wheel disc braking system is up to snuff and performs well.
Bottom line
The new 2014 Kia Forte is first and foremost a gorgeous car, both inside and out. Kia has purposefully avoided making it too sporty as the upcoming Koup and hatchback will manage that duty, assuredly well it would seem.
Ending 2012 in 8th spot overall in compact car sales in Canada, Kia expects to climb the echelons rather quickly with this car. If the Elantra (No. 2) is any proof of what the Koreans can do, I think they’ll make it.
Price range should fall between $15k and $26k.
In 15 short years, the progress from the Sephia to the all-new 2014 Kia Forte is nothing short of staggering. The latest compact Korean car is stylish, well thought out and a pleasure to drive.
Truly, Kia and Hyundai’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has direction and a plan that many companies lack. His actions have created a near no-compromise vision and have carried the company to heights that many can scarcely dream of.
The 2014 Kia Forte is now competitive, contemporary and replete with technology, styling and the proper dose of performance: great car.
Look at it
I still think that the current Kia Optima is one of the finest looking midsize sedans on the road today. In fact, in our recent midsize car comparo test, I bring up the fact that people still do a double take when one drives by. Although it is difficult to predict if this will be the case with the 2014 Kia Forte, I think it’s a damn fine piece of Korean car.
The list of the car’s exterior highlights gets quite extensive as we climb towards top trim levels. For starters, the 2014 Kia Forte’s profile is all the rage as it’s got the all-important, coupe-like rake. Touches like subtle chrome accents, character lines and available fetching wheels make the Forte a handsome car.
The 2014 Kia Forte is longer and lower than the car it replaces. Although width has grown marginally, it’s the 5 cm increase in its wheelbase that makes the most difference, both in poise and interior space.
Details like available xenon HID headlights and light-bar LED tails elevate this car -- in top SX livery -- to near luxury-car levels.
Fab cabin
Unlike some manufacturers that emphasize either the exterior or the interior of their products, the 2014 Kia Forte gets equal amounts of love inside and out.
As with the Optima, the Forte’s passenger quarters feature a serious dose of European influence that is not, and will not be, lost on potential buyers. Fit and finish are top-drawer and rival the best currently offered in compact cars. The attention to detail is impressive: look at the door cards and notice how the ripples in the material match that of the passenger-side dashboard.
As with all other existing Korean vehicles tested in the recent past, the level of kit matches and surpasses the competition. Depending on trim, heated seats (all) and steering wheel, cooled and 10-way power driver perch and navigations are all attainable. It’s crazy, really...
The cabin is comfortable, roomy and a really great place to be. The driver benefits from a well designed steering wheel and a better-than-decent driving position. Ahead of the driver is a lovely colour liquid crystal display. Paddle shifters are also something to look to in order to further enjoy the driving experience.
What’s under the hood?
The driving experience is very much influenced by what moves the car. In the case of the 2014 Kia Forte, buyers have the choice between the family-sourced 148 hp 1.8L 4-cylinder for all variations of the LX trim, which should count for a little more than 2/3 of all Forte sales.
Both the EX and SX cars will gain a new Nu 2.0L inline-4. This powerplant uses Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and produces 173 hp and 154 torques. To it can only be mated a 6-speed automatic transmission. The base LX is the only version that is equipped with a 6-speed manual.
All testers on-hand at the launch were EX and SX cars. On paper, the 2.0L is one of the most powerful engines of the category. It most instances, the extra oomph is appreciable, however; the 2014 Kia Forte is by no means a quick car. Acceleration is enthusiastic as are passing manoeuvres. In a streetlight drag race, I don’t think it would crush a Mazda3 with SKYACTIV...
As these lines are being written, fuel economy numbers have not yet been published and I do not expect them to be better than any of its rivals. If yes, then I suspect it’ll only be on paper.
Euro drive
The 2014 Kia Forte features a McPherson strut type front and rear coupled torsion beam axle (independent/semi-independent) suspension. Although not especially sophisticated, the car’s ride is comfortably stable without being punishingly sporty. The twisty mountain roads outside of Globe, AZ did little to upset the Forte.
The electric steering responds precisely to inputs, however, is numb despite the selected Flex-Steer mode. The 4-wheel disc braking system is up to snuff and performs well.
Bottom line
The new 2014 Kia Forte is first and foremost a gorgeous car, both inside and out. Kia has purposefully avoided making it too sporty as the upcoming Koup and hatchback will manage that duty, assuredly well it would seem.
Ending 2012 in 8th spot overall in compact car sales in Canada, Kia expects to climb the echelons rather quickly with this car. If the Elantra (No. 2) is any proof of what the Koreans can do, I think they’ll make it.
Price range should fall between $15k and $26k.
Article Gallery