Topic: Test Drive: 2014 Kia Forte

[mixmanmash]

My Sonata had an IRS and it was jumpy over broken pavement. It was multilink in the back IIRC. Maybe shocks are to blame here.

Probably has a lot to do with spring rates and the dampening rates on the shocks/struts.

[bd2]

Sounds like the power numbers really don't really deliver that in actual output.  Pretty lackluster fuel economy compared to the competition.  Torsion beam setup?  Sounds like it's lifted from the Elantra GT so I would fully expect the rear end wiggle.

Seriously, when a Mazda 6, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima can all deliver better fuel economy than this econobox, there is something wrong.

Sure, Kia bundles a ton of features, but how about addressing some of the basics such as steering feel, suspension and fuel economy?  Back up that sexy exterior style with some proper underpinnings.

Well, according to the Motor Trend comparison, the Forte had the quickest acceleration time (7.8s 0-60) and yet managed the 2nd best observed MPG (24.4) while the Civic was much slower (9.1s) but had worse fuel economy nos. (23.5 MPG).

In terms of ride/handling it appears that the Forte finished right behind the excellent Mazda3.

It's a shame that Kia isn't bring over the better cee'd (with the IRS) hatch (not only looks better than the Forte but has a nicer interior - the dash design of the Forte is underwhelming to say the least).

[bd2]

considering the number of Corollas and Jettas sold (and Kia/Hyundias for that matter), people don't really care...yes, the IRS systems are better in terms of dynamics, but the vast majority of people shopping for cars in this class don't have "Driving Dynamics" high on their list (if at all)...it's not like these cars are terrible, they are still good...others with IRS setups do handle better on those broken pavement surfaces, but it is likely down on the list of "I care about that" to most customers.

The issue is that Kia/Hyundai can't get theirs setup right to not have he hopping issue.  Nissan Sentra has been torsion beam for generations and they don't have this issue.

[bd2]

considering the number of Corollas and Jettas sold (and Kia/Hyundias for that matter), people don't really care...yes, the IRS systems are better in terms of dynamics, but the vast majority of people shopping for cars in this class don't have "Driving Dynamics" high on their list (if at all)...it's not like these cars are terrible, they are still good...others with IRS setups do handle better on those broken pavement surfaces, but it is likely down on the list of "I care about that" to most customers.

The issue is that Kia/Hyundai can't get theirs setup right to not have he hopping issue.  Nissan Sentra has been torsion beam for generations and they don't have this issue.

Not according to the Motor Trend comparison -

In terms of ride and handling, the worst was the Nissan Sentra. There wasn't a large difference in ride quality among the group, but the Sentra was at the bottom of the spectrum. Where it really disappointed was in handling. The Sentra received constant complaints of terminal understeer, egregious body roll, and lifeless steering, and it lacked grip. Said associate online editor Karla Sanchez: "This car handled so terribly, I couldn't wait until the loop was over."

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1303_compact_sedans_the_big_test/viewall.html#ixzz2V7bJuPEU

[Sir Osis of Liver]

It may understeer and wallow, but it doesn't sidestep going across a compression ridge in a corner.

Sent from my Galaxy S 3 using Tapatalk 2

[GS]

My Sonata had an IRS and it was jumpy over broken pavement. It was multilink in the back IIRC. Maybe shocks are to blame here.

Probably has a lot to do with spring rates and the dampening rates on the shocks/struts.

Agree.  That's why we got rid of our 2011 Sonata.  New Forte has a more settled ride than the IRS Sonata, even though it has the torsion beam rear suspension.

[GS]

Ugh!  The sedan is just plain ugly from all except the front view.  The hatch looks a little better.  Kia, forget the Nike like check mark on the sides.  It is just too much styling gone wrong.

Agree that the Nike mark is not that great.  We got our Forte in white so that it doesn't jump out at you.  Otherwise, we like the styling and most reviewers have termed it among the best looking compact sedans.  Sure, it copied the Focus/Fusion rear tail light design, but we think that's a form of flattery since they look good.  Had lots of positive comments from strangers on the car so far.  Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. 

[dirtyjeffer]

our 2011 Elantra Touring doesn't have the "crashy hoppy rear end", so whatever it uses seems to work quite well...despite it's rather "plain" looks, it is actually a REALLY good and practical vehicle...too bad they stopped making it...it would have been a great vehicle to keep in the stable of options...not a lot of decent inexpensive wagons out there.

[Noto]

Here's my take on the Forte...

The styling is really good, I love the feel of the 2.0L engine (as adequate, not thrilling...but it's still economical, best in class or not), great space in the cabin, way too much black inside, great available options (if you're willing to pony out that kind of cash for them  ), but the small Kia 'oversights' or 'cost-cutting' still make me wonder...

I don't like:

1) Torsion beam - sort of akin to other manufacturers keeping drum brakes - yeah, they work, but they're not meeting performance expectations as built up by the competition.
2) Vague steering - makes for a lot of inputs necessary on highway drives if nothing else...
3) That price - wow...I mean, that's almost in "wow" territory for the near $30k Toyota Corolla XRS (RIP).
4) Agree about the spare tire - I rented a 2013 Forte (no spare), had a flat in Toronto just before the drive back to Windsor (almost 400km)...used the sealant and drove the entire way back.  Smart?  No.  Ruin the tire?  Probably.  Did I care?  Not at all.  When I got back, I told the rental company what I did to the tire and that was that.  Full disclosure.  Still, a full-size spare should be standard.  Always.

[SaskSpecV]

our 2011 Elantra Touring doesn't have the "crashy hoppy rear end", so whatever it uses seems to work quite well...

Multi-link rear suspension on the ET.  Hyundai cheaped out for the new gen Elantra family - though I doubt many customers actually notice.
The ET does have a surprisingly good balance of ride quality and nimbleness (for a budget compact), just needs better steering feel.

[Solstice2006]

our 2011 Elantra Touring doesn't have the "crashy hoppy rear end", so whatever it uses seems to work quite well...despite it's rather "plain" looks, it is actually a REALLY good and practical vehicle...too bad they stopped making it...it would have been a great vehicle to keep in the stable of options...not a lot of decent inexpensive wagons out there.

True that, had been on my radar before I bought the Mazda5, but decided to get something a little higher, will consider it again to replace the Nissan Sentra.  Depends on finances, if finances are better Acura TSX Wagon from the US, or "settle" for a midsize sedan and get a Mazda6!