Auto Review

Kia Forte 5 Door is now Affordable Performance

Kia Motors America wants you to say no to the pricey Europeans and yes to Korean value.

Yesterday, at the Chicago Auto Show KIA Motors America launched the 2014 Forte 5-door hatchback. Hatchbacks have begun to become an important segment in the United States and this new Forte is looking to capitalize on Americas new appreciation for a European delicacy.


President of Hyundai, Kia Design Center Peter Schreyer has once again brought KIA closer to his ideal of  European design language mixed with Korea flair. Intense sheet metal sculpting, a low stance, gaping radiator inlet and LED accented headlights are the key design features. All together it creates an attractive car that looks like it could rub shoulders with the best of Europe and the United States.

Heated seats, steering wheels and adjusted steering effort can all be found here.

Inside the Forte is where the German influence of Schreyer is even more evident. The featured color scheme is black on black broken up by silver accents. Keeping in line with the current generation of KIA vehicle the cabin offers a good amount of value. This value comes in the form of heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and dual climate control. Kia also thinks you might not like just one steering feel so they give you three. With a simple push of a button you can set that leather-wrapped heated steering wheel to comfort, normal, or sport. Each setting has a unique algorithm that will make your Forte behave how you want it to.

UVO eServices comes standard for the whole Forte 5-Door Range

 KIA is using technology to set the Forte apart from its competitors. Central to this theory is the Microsoft-based UVO system with eServices that comes standard on the base EX model. UVO offers touch screen radio functionality with the added integration of your smart phone to access popular apps.  Another key feature of this new UVO is a suite of free apps that offer free diagnostics, vehicle maintenance schedules and road side assistance. All of this

1.6-Liter turbocharged direct-injected Engine: 201 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque from 1,750-4,500 rpm.

Most of these features have been in Kia vehicles for some time. What is interesting is the choice of engines for this compact hatchback. Kia is continuing to differentiate itself as the sporty Korean brand.  Under the hood of the base EX is a 173 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque direct injected 2.0-liter engine. On the up-scale SX is the 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque turbocharged direct-injected 1.6-liter engine shared by its Hyundai cousin Veloster.

2.0-liter direct-injected engine producing 173 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm and 154 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm

This is the era of Korean dominance in the compact car segment. South Korea seems to know all the right buttons to push to make cars that get people excited with a price that doesnt seem to break the bank. When Forte 5-door first hit the market it was just a contender now it seems to be the new benchmark.

Photo Credit: Kia Motors America