Topic: Test Drive: 2014 Kia Forte

[Autos_Editor]

After comparing the top two sellers in the compact car segment, we look at the newest arrival in this crucial segment, the 2014 Kia Forte.

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[hemusbull]

I like the Euro game here - great hatch, two engine choices, one of which is the most powerful in class plus extraordinary  design statement are the next step of the compact competition game! Where are you guys from Honda, are you sleeping?

[mixmanmash]

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.

[GS]

Picked up our 2014 fully-loaded SX three weeks ago.  Lots of research done before the purchase, replacing our 2011 Sonata which always felt big and ponderous and had a very harsh and jittery ride.  Forte is a major improvement.  Handles much easier and soaks up imperfections and bumps in a much better manner.  The acceleration is excellent for us, with tested times 0 - 100 in the 8 second range with the 2.0 GDI engine.  Sure the steering is still somewhat numb, but switching to Sport setting helps a lot in the enjoyment factor.  Car is stylish, full of features not found on the Sonata Limited, rides nicely and so far in break-in mode (using paddle shifters to run in the 2000 - 4000 rpm range) we've averaged just under 9l/100kms, with mileage expected to improve as we let it rev lower now in auto mode now that the first 1000 kms have been put on.

Only disappointment is the air compressor and sealant instead of a spare tire!  Purchased an aftermarket steel wheel and a full size spare.  The sealant idea is a joke, since it often will ruin a tire if used and you still could get stranded for hours somewhere waiting for a tow.  All to save about 30 lbs in weight and rip off customers.  Many Kia's coming with this in the future, so buyer beware.   

[aaronk]

Picked up our 2014 fully-loaded SX three weeks ago.  Lots of research done before the purchase, replacing our 2011 Sonata which always felt big and ponderous and had a very harsh and jittery ride.  Forte is a major improvement.  Handles much easier and soaks up imperfections and bumps in a much better manner.  The acceleration is excellent for us, with tested times 0 - 100 in the 8 second range with the 2.0 GDI engine.  Sure the steering is still somewhat numb, but switching to Sport setting helps a lot in the enjoyment factor.  Car is stylish, full of features not found on the Sonata Limited, rides nicely and so far in break-in mode (using paddle shifters to run in the 2000 - 4000 rpm range) we've averaged just under 9l/100kms, with mileage expected to improve as we let it rev lower now in auto mode now that the first 1000 kms have been put on.

Only disappointment is the air compressor and sealant instead of a spare tire!  Purchased an aftermarket steel wheel and a full size spare.  The sealant idea is a joke, since it often will ruin a tire if used and you still could get stranded for hours somewhere waiting for a tow.  All to save about 30 lbs in weight and rip off customers.  Many Kia's coming with this in the future, so buyer beware.

Always good to hear from an owner - surprising about the tire though, and something to beware of for future buyers. So let me get this right - there's room for a spare under the storage bay in the trunk, but it's just empty except for a compressor and the sealant?? I would have done exactly what you did, gone out to get a real spare.

[ChaosphereIX]

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.

I totally agree, but unfortunately this is the way it seems the car market is going when you are shopping non-premium. The gadgets and doodads are priority, and as long as the car is quiet and comfy, the drivers dont care about its handling or performance. These are not enthusiasts, but a-b drivers who would rather have bluetooth and cooled seats standard rather than an IRS or a proper set of brakes...

[Rupert]

I don't know what a propper set of brakes means. The best brakes I have experienced recently was on the 06 Accent and that had drum rears. My latest all disc NA vehicle is poor on this score.
I like this car and suppose that IRS done right might improve the handling but doing that might not be all positive...if the rear wheels develop camber and rapid tire wear. A light weight flex beam rear axel has it's good points for FWD. (what it is that flexes is unknown) More weight used to be a salesmans bragging point but not any more one thinks. It's 'weight reduction' now boys. Like the refined looking dash layout still I preferred the single large speedo design that Kia has with RPM afterthought. Never think of it (RPM) actually, still I suppose with paddles...How is highway driving quietness and does steering stay on centre...not requireing constant input. If these are attributes that are present, then somewhat less refined road feel (if the case) would be ok.

[jyarkony]

I don't know what a propper set of brakes means. The best brakes I have experienced recently was on the 06 Accent and that had drum rears. My latest all disc NA vehicle is poor on this score.
I like this car and suppose that IRS done right might improve the handling but doing that might not be all positive...if the rear wheels develop camber and rapid tire wear. A light weight flex beam rear axel has it's good points for FWD. (what it is that flexes is unknown) More weight used to be a salesmans bragging point but not any more one thinks. It's 'weight reduction' now boys. Like the refined looking dash layout still I preferred the single large speedo design that Kia has with RPM afterthought. Never think of it (RPM) actually, still I suppose with paddles...How is highway driving quietness and does steering stay on centre...not requiring constant input. If these are attributes that are present, then somewhat less refined road feel (if the case) would be ok.

Highway driving quietness is decent, and probably near the top of class, and highway stability was good (not great, though, so i wonder how it would be on the smaller, higher profile tire in base trim...), but the steering in Normal and Comfort are so loose, that it sometimes seems like you're making steering correction even when you're not actually doing any steering... Sport is a bit heavier, but there still a mushy feeling to it, but at least there is less play in the wheel as you cruise on the highway - it's kind of a psychological effect, but it helps make it feel more stable.

[mixmanmash]

I don't know what a propper set of brakes means. The best brakes I have experienced recently was on the 06 Accent and that had drum rears. My latest all disc NA vehicle is poor on this score.
I like this car and suppose that IRS done right might improve the handling but doing that might not be all positive...if the rear wheels develop camber and rapid tire wear. A light weight flex beam rear axel has it's good points for FWD. (what it is that flexes is unknown) More weight used to be a salesmans bragging point but not any more one thinks. It's 'weight reduction' now boys. Like the refined looking dash layout still I preferred the single large speedo design that Kia has with RPM afterthought. Never think of it (RPM) actually, still I suppose with paddles...How is highway driving quietness and does steering stay on centre...not requireing constant input. If these are attributes that are present, then somewhat less refined road feel (if the case) would be ok.

Lol, sounds like you really don't know decent brakes.  Come drive my 2002 protege with Hawk HP+ pads, SS brake lines, 4 wheel disc and you'll know what a decent brake setup is.

My protege has IRS and doesn't have rear tire camber wear, despite having more negative camber than factory specs....  It's all in the proper design and setup.  Improper toe has a more drastic effect on tire wear than negative camber.

Clearly, Nissan can get their torsion beam setup right on the Sentras for generations.  WTF is Hyundai/Kia's problem?

[Fobroader]

I don't know what a propper set of brakes means. The best brakes I have experienced recently was on the 06 Accent and that had drum rears. My latest all disc NA vehicle is poor on this score.
I like this car and suppose that IRS done right might improve the handling but doing that might not be all positive...if the rear wheels develop camber and rapid tire wear. A light weight flex beam rear axel has it's good points for FWD. (what it is that flexes is unknown) More weight used to be a salesmans bragging point but not any more one thinks. It's 'weight reduction' now boys. Like the refined looking dash layout still I preferred the single large speedo design that Kia has with RPM afterthought. Never think of it (RPM) actually, still I suppose with paddles...How is highway driving quietness and does steering stay on centre...not requireing constant input. If these are attributes that are present, then somewhat less refined road feel (if the case) would be ok.

Hahaha....really, your basis of comparison is a Accent....ummm...ok. 

[Solstice2006]

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.

I totally agree, but unfortunately this is the way it seems the car market is going when you are shopping non-premium. The gadgets and doodads are priority, and as long as the car is quiet and comfy, the drivers dont care about its handling or performance. These are not enthusiasts, but a-b drivers who would rather have bluetooth and cooled seats standard rather than an IRS or a proper set of brakes...

I know what you are trying to say, but I think that statement is going a little over the top.  Not every car manufacturer has it's priorities like that.  If you want some examples, look at Mazda, VW, and Subaru (I remembered this time).  Cars and CUV with great handling, improving fuel efficiency in their lineup recently in the past couple of years, each offering something unique that the bigger companies don't.

[ChaosphereIX]

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.

I totally agree, but unfortunately this is the way it seems the car market is going when you are shopping non-premium. The gadgets and doodads are priority, and as long as the car is quiet and comfy, the drivers dont care about its handling or performance. These are not enthusiasts, but a-b drivers who would rather have bluetooth and cooled seats standard rather than an IRS or a proper set of brakes...

I know what you are trying to say, but I think that statement is going a little over the top.  Not every car manufacturer has it's priorities like that.  If you want some examples, look at Mazda, VW, and Subaru (I remembered this time).  Cars and CUV with great handling, improving fuel efficiency in their lineup recently in the past couple of years, each offering something unique that the bigger companies don't.

I do agree there. Like the handling of the Mazdas very very much. The new Jetta doesnt handle so well, but the GTI is of course sublime...have only ever been in one WRX, and it was a hoot as well.

[conwelpic]

Always good to hear from an owner - surprising about the tire though, and something to beware of for future buyers. So let me get this right - there's room for a spare under the storage bay in the trunk, but it's just empty except for a compressor and the sealant?? I would have done exactly what you did, gone out to get a real spare.

this is what's under the rear floor and the tire mobility kit is standard on all trim levels.  You will find many other manufacturers doing the same thing so its not just KIA and even high end vehicles too.  This is not the case on every model of KIA, the Rondo has a compact spare standard for example.  You get more storage and you may never need it, its been a couple of decades since I had a flat, but my Soul does come standard with the compact spare, but not sure on the 2014 version as the specs are not out yet.

[toolatecrew]

Saw one of these on the road yesterday. Very nice looking car for the class. Tons of features.
I'm holding on waiting for the hatch with the Turbo in hopes that it has an improved suspension to go with the extra power.

[GS]

Yes, the big styrofoam "holder" is now removed from our car.  In place fits a full size spare.  What do I do with this monstrosity?  Maybe the dealer will take it back (with the sealant and pump) and give me some money back - the fiends.

As to brakes, they are excellent and the reviews I've red back that up.  Steering is numb as Jonathan says, but liveable.  Handling otherwise is quote good, but not as good as my RSX of course.  It's not just an A - B car for me.  My wife maybe; it's her car actually.  But I enjoy the paddle shifting both for going faster and for engine braking.  Performane is quite good with 173 hp and highway driving is smooth and quiet.  We're happy.  Anyone want to buy some styrofoam?

[Vanstar]

I had a Forte rental last week, with all of like 200 km on it. It was a nice little car with plenty gee-gaws and doo-hickies, about which I am not concerned. Two major deal breakers for me:

1) The cowl is so high that it was looking out of a gun-slit.

2) The steering feel was so bad I could never own one, even on the "sport" setting.

It is not a bad little car and I am sure with 0% for a billion months and loads of thing-a-majigs it will sell quite well.

[sacrat]

Yes, the big styrofoam "holder" is now removed from our car.  In place fits a full size spare.  What do I do with this monstrosity?  Maybe the dealer will take it back (with the sealant and pump) and give me some money back - the fiends.

As to brakes, they are excellent and the reviews I've red back that up.  Steering is numb as Jonathan says, but liveable.  Handling otherwise is quote good, but not as good as my RSX of course.  It's not just an A - B car for me.  My wife maybe; it's her car actually.  But I enjoy the paddle shifting both for going faster and for engine braking.  Performane is quite good with 173 hp and highway driving is smooth and quiet.  We're happy.  Anyone want to buy some styrofoam?

Is the spare bolted down somehow or does it flop around in the well?  Glad to hear you like it overall...

[dirtyjeffer]

i've never used a spare tire...considering most people can't change the tire on their own, most people neglect checking the spare tire (and some vehicles it is hidden underneath the vehicle and very difficult to get at), most people have wireless phones now (to call for help), too many people get hit on the side of the road when changing their tire, and most new vehicles include road side assistance, the "need" for a spare is nowhere near what it would have been 20, 30 or 50 years ago...good riddance i say.

[SaskSpecV]

i've never used a spare tire...considering most people can't change the tire on their own, most people neglect checking the spare tire (and some vehicles it is hidden underneath the vehicle and very difficult to get at), most people have wireless phones now (to call for help), too many people get hit on the side of the road when changing their tire, and most new vehicles include road side assistance, the "need" for a spare is nowhere near what it would have been 20, 30 or 50 years ago...good riddance i say.

I couldn't disagree more.  Just because many motorists are unaware of the basics of proper vehicle safety (of which changing a tire certainly qualifies), it doesn't mean that MNFRs should jettison an otherwise essential piece of safety equipment.  And with our increasingly craptacular roads, damage to tires is certainly common.

I remember how "non-essential" a spare tire was when driving the Spec V to Red Deer a few years ago.  Late on a Friday night and had a blow out on the highway (sidewall ripped up - no hope for tire sealent).  No cell reception, no one around for miles - and no problem, just jacked it up and put on the donut.  Made it a long trip (80 km/h on the donut!) but I got there.  I've also had to put the spare on the F150 (though not the ET).

Lack of a spare tire (or at least room for it) is a deal breaker for me. 

[Fobroader]

i've never used a spare tire...considering most people can't change the tire on their own, most people neglect checking the spare tire (and some vehicles it is hidden underneath the vehicle and very difficult to get at), most people have wireless phones now (to call for help), too many people get hit on the side of the road when changing their tire, and most new vehicles include road side assistance, the "need" for a spare is nowhere near what it would have been 20, 30 or 50 years ago...good riddance i say.

I couldn't disagree more.  Just because many motorists are unaware of the basics of proper vehicle safety (of which changing a tire certainly qualifies), it doesn't mean that MNFRs should jettison an otherwise essential piece of safety equipment.  And with our increasingly craptacular roads, damage to tires is certainly common.

I remember how "non-essential" a spare tire was when driving the Spec V to Red Deer a few years ago.  Late on a Friday night and had a blow out on the highway (sidewall ripped up - no hope for tire sealent).  No cell reception, no one around for miles - and no problem, just jacked it up and put on the donut.  Made it a long trip (80 km/h on the donut!) but I got there.  I've also had to put the spare on the F150 (though not the ET).

Lack of a spare tire (or at least room for it) is a deal breaker for me.

  1000% I wouldnt even consider a vehicle without a full size spare. Having blown plenty of tires in the backcountry or on lonely roads with no cell reception, roadside assistance is useless to me. If you only drive around downtown of a major city, fine, for us that dont work in an office tower, we need actual tires. Oh, not knowing hot to change a tire, burn your man card