Family Car Reviews: 2012 Kia Forte
5-Door
by Giulianna Levin - December 2011
Personally, I am on the Kia
bandwagon. There are others, however, that are hesitant. I don't
get it. If you want affordability and a nice looking car, then Kia
should definitely be on the top of your test-drive list. Is it
reliability you're worried about? Like all Kia models, the 2012
Forte 5-door is covered by a comprehensive warranty program.
Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited
powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic
warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation
warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also
part of the comprehensive coverage program.
The Kia Forte 5-door was the latest
edition to Kia's Forte line-up, which includes the Kia Forte
Sedan, the Koupe, and the hatchback. The Forte 5-door has a sporty
styling that's not over-the-top. The 5-door comes in two trims,
the EX and the SX. The EX comes with 16" alloy wheels, while the
SX sports 17" alloy wheels. The car handles well with responsive
breaking and acceleration.
The Forte 5-door has Bluetooth
connection, an AUX port, and iPod connection. You also get 3
months of free Sirius satellite radio. You can get the touch
screen navigation and rear assist camera, optional, on either
trim.
Also optional on the SX trim:
leather seating with red stitching, and heated front seats. The
Forte comes equipped with front door bottle holders and dual rear
cup holders.
The Forte 5-door fits five people.
If you have car seats to install, then you can only install two in
the back. The rear has 60/40 split seats. If you need more cargo
room in the back, the back seats fold down with a quick pull of
the straps.
LET'S TALK SAFETY. The
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org), has not
rated the Kia Forte 5-Door model. The Forte 5-Door does come with
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), making it easier
and more convenient to secure child seats.
THE ENGINE. The EX comes with
a 2.0L Inline 4 cylinder engine. If you're looking for more power,
then you should consider the SX, with a 2.4L that delivers 173hp.
|
MODEL CODE |
MODEL |
DESCRIPTION |
MSRP |
|
C5562 |
Forte EX |
2.0L I4 - 6 A/T |
$18,100 |
|
|
C6582 |
Forte SX |
2.4L I4 - 6 A/T |
$19,600 |
|
photos:
kiamedia.com
