Whereas many automakers are transferring away from constructing compact sedans in favor of providing new utility autos, Kia is doing no such factor. In spite of everything, the Forte is the corporate’s best-selling product, and the most important gateway into the Kia model. That makes the Korean automaker’s determination to launch this brand-new 2019 Forte a complete no-brainer.

Stinger inspiration

The third-generation Forte’s entrance finish borrows closely from the rakish Stinger, leading to a slender “tiger nostril” grille and swept-back headlights. The result’s a entrance finish that makes a considerably aggressive assertion — definitely extra so than the earlier Forte, at any fee. Sadly, the sporty seems soften out again. The form of the greenhouse and quick trunk lid are extra Nissan Sentra than Kia Stinger, which is not precisely a praise.

Inside, some Stinger affect is once more current within the round air vents applied into an intuitive cabin format. Observe the clearly marked HVAC controls and ample soft-touch supplies on the dashboard and door panels — this all makes the Forte appear and feel extra premium than a few of its rivals. There’s enough area in back and front for adults, although going three-deep within the rear can be cozy and finest. The trunk’s 15.three cubic-feet of area is the most important within the class, edging out the 15.1 cubes discovered within the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra.

After all, many rivals, together with the Civic, provide hatchback body styles. For the previous Forte, Kia did provide the Forte5, however has but to verify if a brand new one is coming. A Kia spokesman says extra Forte information is coming, although.

General, the cabin is snug. The leatherette seats in my range-topping EX take a look at automotive are soft and supply simply the correct amount of facet assist — after a protracted drive via Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, I am freed from fatigue. It is a quiet cabin, too, with thicker entrance door glass maintaining the cabin hushed, even over tough stretches of street

Tech heavy

Customary on all fashions is an Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, in addition to each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The system affords clear imagery, snappy response to instructions and fast switching between completely different menus. On my EX, an non-obligatory Harman Kardon audio setup belts out crisp tunes via its eight audio system.

Navigation can also be accessible on EX fashions, working as marketed, however annoyingly the map all the time defaults again to a wide-out view. My take a look at route had many easy-to-miss turns, and a zoomed-in map is useful when attempting to navigate unfamiliar areas. Consistently having to re-zoom-in is irritating.

To assist win the conflict on lifeless sensible gadgets, the Forte EX is affected by charging choices, with a daily USB port, two quick-charging USB ports and a 12-volt energy outlet commonplace. A wi-fi charging pad on the backside of the middle stack is obtainable as an possibility.

For security, all Fortes come geared up with ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking and lane departure warning with lane-keeping help. EX trims add commonplace concern blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change help, whereas auto high-beams, parking sensors and adaptive cruise management are non-obligatory. The latter works properly on curvy two-lane roads outdoors of downtown Pittsburgh, adjusting speeds with the movement of visitors and maintaining an affordable distance between me and the automotive forward.

Competent performer

From a dynamic standpoint, the Forte is a much more refined automobile than its predecessor. The two.Zero-liter four-cylinder churns out 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, which undoubtedly will not win you any drag races, however is competent sufficient to get the Forte on top of things with out concern.

On LXS, S and EX fashions, a brand new constantly variable transmission routes energy to the entrance wheels serving to to return an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 40 mpg on the freeway. With steps programmed into the gearbox, beneath light-to-medium throttle it operates like a daily torque converter automated and the handbook shift perform is essentially the most responsive in a CVT that I’ve come throughout up to now — even when it is not truly transferring any gears.

You’ll be able to nonetheless get a Forte with a six-speed handbook transmission if you’d like, however solely on the bottom FE trim with 15-inch metal wheels. With 27-mpg metropolis and 37-mpg freeway gas economic system scores, it isn’t as environment friendly as CVT-equipped Fortes, however the decrease value of entry, avoiding the fixed engine drone at wide-open-throttle and having three pedals might make the gas economic system penalty price it to some.

The range-topping EX confidently carves via bends with managed physique roll, serviceable grip from the 225/45R17 Kumho Majesty Solus all-season tires and robust energy from the brakes. The hefty-feeling steering is pretty fast to answer inputs, making the Forte fairly entertaining to toss round.

The place the Forte has a leg up on the competitors is within the journey consolation division. Its McPherson strut entrance and torsion beam rear suspension setups are nothing groundbreaking, however they’re stellar at absorbing impacts from ruts and potholes. Surprisingly, the more cost effective torsion beam setup in again copes with mid-corner bumps properly throughout regular driving. Nonetheless, for those who’re in search of a compact sedan to drive in a extra enthusiastic method, you will possible need to go along with the Civic or Mazda3 for his or her multilink rear suspensions and general extra partaking character.

Vast enchantment

When the 2019 Kia Forte arrives in sellers this month, it will start at $18,585 together with $895 vacation spot for the FE handbook. The Forte with the CVT begins at $19,485 to undercut the automated transmission-equipped variations of the Chevrolet Cruze ($20,400), Civic ($20,635), Mazda3 ($20,040) and Corolla ($19,620). My well-equipped EX tester begins at $22,885.

On high of its worth proposition, its mixture of fashion, respectable dealing with, glorious journey consolation and tech place the brand new Forte properly to play to broad viewers. No person must be stunned if it continues to be Kia’s finest vendor.

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