2010 Kia Forte Up Close
The Kia Forte will replace the automaker's Spectra when it hits dealerships this summer, and it makes a break from the Spectra's soft styling with creased body lines and angular headlights and taillights. Similarities between the Honda Civic coupe in the Forte's grille styling and the Mitsubishi Lancer in its taillights are immediately apparent. Overall, the Forte is a pretty athletic-looking small sedan.
Cabin materials quality is good, but it doesn't move the bar for the compact car class. It's slightly better than the Corolla but not up to the Civic. Uplevel trims have nice steering-wheel controls for the audio system and a tilt/telescoping steering column that lets you put the wheel just where you want it. The knobs for the audio system move nicely, but the air-conditioning knobs aren't as crisp. I checked out a model that had leather seats, and cushioning for the front seats is pretty firm.
The Forte doesn't look overly large from the outside, but its backseat feels like one of the larger ones in the compact segment. With the front seat adjusted for my 6-foot-1 frame, I still had sufficient legroom when sitting in the back and didn't have to sit with my legs to either side. Backseat cushioning is softer than in front, and the backrest is reclined at a comfortable angle.
The Forte's trunk measures 14.7 cubic feet, which is larger than competitors like the Civic and Ford Focus. The release levers for the 60/40-split backseat are in the trunk; when folded, the backs of the seats aren't flat with the cargo floor — there's a ledge that's about 4 inches tall, which could make it harder to load longer items.
Taking on top-selling models like the Civic and Corolla is a tall task, but the Forte gets the basics right by offering good mileage and plenty of standard safety and convenience features. If the Forte hits dealerships with Spectra-like pricing — around $14,000 to start — it'll be an appealing alternative to the small-car establishment.
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i think the interior design is one of the best in class. I suppose the Honda has softer plastics but this interior looks better and more ergonomically sound.
i see a bit of Audi in the taillights..go figure the designer used 2 work for VW/Audi. The interior is far better than the Corolla. Y do American cars continue 2 use Red turn signals on the taillights than the orange they really should use. Honda recently went backwards & replaced the Civics' rear turn signals from red to orange....
Do the color of the turn signals really make a difference, you don't pay attention to them 99% of the time.
Anyone know if it comes in any other interior colors, the black doesn't seem to play its strongest suit.
The center ctack layout here is not bad but I still like the Corolla's flowing one better. This one is more Civic-like but more close to Jetta. I think, Mazda3 has the best now.
Notice the trunk! Bigger then Accord's!
It seems it has turn-signals in the mirrors, this is a feature I love, especially on more affordable cars. Only ones that seem to offer it are Scions and the Civic Hybrid.
This is a nice looking car, inside and out. I like the performance levels and efficiency as well.
I love side mounted turn signals, whether on the fender or the mirrors! It's nice to know that a car to your left or right knows that you are signaling a lane change or turn
Kia's just keep getting better and better. Our '07 Spectra is still solid, even after a year and a half of washboard roads.
i'm not a fan of the center stack. the rest of the interior looks very nice. the exterior is a boring rip-off of several other design cues.
not sure why you brought up the interior quality of the corolla, as if it sets any standards. i recently rented one and was disappointed.