A Kia that’s better than a Honda?

 

Having just introduced the buzz-worthy Soul, Kia is showing off their all-new compact sedan: the Forte. Designed to compete with the likes of the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla, the Forte appears to offer a slew of advantages.

Kia says, “The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness, giving Forte better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors.”

While I’ve yet to drive a Kia that is more refined than a Honda, I reserve judgment until I can tell for myself. Maybe the Forte is the one. Hey, stop laughing.

According to Kia:

Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower – more than the most powerful versions of the Toyota Corolla or even the 2010 Mazda3.  

Also on the Forte is an optional Fuel Economy Package, available with the 2.0-liter powerplant that will include the five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering and low-rolling resistance tires with aero enhancements. These improvements result in class-leading fuel economy of 36 mpg on the highway.

Rumor has it that the Forte will begin around $11K, though the outgoing Spectra that it’s replacing starts at about $13K. Whatever the final numbers are, we’re sure the Forte will be a screaming value; assuming you don’t mind staring at that Kia logo on your steering wheel for the next 5 years.

Would you rather buy an American-made small car like the Chevy Aveo, a foreign car like the Forte, or keep the car you have?

-tgriffith

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