Test vehicle’s MSRP: $23,640 (Base price of starts at $16,895 for EX Trim)
Seating Capacity: 5 occupants
Standard Safety Features: Traction Control, Dual Front Airbags; Front-Seat Mounted Airbags; Side Mounted Airbags; Tire Pressure Monitoring System; and ABS
Standard Equipment: 17-inch wheels; air condition; power windows; power door locks; remote keyless entry; automatic on/off headlights; leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cloth manually adjustable seats; manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel; cruise control; outside exterior temperature display; front fog lights; and rear-seat center armrest
Standard Audio: 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3; Sirius satellite radio with a 3-month subscription
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Trim Levels:
EX and SX
Bluetooth Compatibility: Yes.
MP3 Capability: Yes.
iPod and USB adaptor: Optional
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder/173-hp
Recommended Fuel: Regular Unleaded
Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/32-hwy
What’s New: The Forte line up expands this model-year from just offering a sedan and a coupe (Koup) to now adding on a hatchback. With the new addition, Kia's hatchback offers the versatility and room compact buyers are seeking, but in an extremely sporty package, especially when one opts for cool looking SX trim.
Pros: Kia has come a long way over the past few years. Our top-end Kia Forte SX hatchback was equipped with such optional features as (heated front) leather seats, an automatic dimming mirror, a power sunroof, a rear view camera, a navigation system and a push-button starter with a smart key, which allowed us to lock and unlock the exterior doors without the use of a key. A few years ago this would have been unheard for a Kia.
The sporty hatchback we reviewed was not only roomy, but it also handled extremely well since it was outfitted with a specially tuned, Kia-developed suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling. The handling was complimented by Kia’s signature red gauges. Furthermore, the black leather seats in our Kia were outlined by red stitching.
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Also with the addition of the hatchback to the Forte line, buyers can not only expect additional cargo room when the rear seat is folded down, but an attachable security cargo cover when the rear seats are occupied too.
