Kia Forte5 the complete package

you, on regular octane game and its fuel economy is rated at 9.4/7.9/100km (city/hwy), which is really not far off the base engine rating. My numbers came in closer to the city average, probably reflecting the evil grin on my face as I squirted this puppy out of the corners.

The SX matches the power increase with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that allows cog changes through shifter paddles on a new flatbottomed D-shaped steering wheel.

The SX also incorporates a dual exhaust system, bigger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and, to set off the sport motif, a sport bumper and grille up front bracketed by Xenon HID headlights, along with a unique rear spoiler and LED light bar taillights in back. A lane-keep assist system is also added into the mix for 2017.

Inside, the Kia Forte5 hosts passengers in a roomyfor-a-compact cabin, with all-black environs, leather-appointed with contrasting piano black glosses and scattered chrome highlights. The instrumentation is a just-right mix of buttons, knobs and touch screen surfaces that allow driver operation without the distractions of menu-scrolling, hunting, pecking and near-death experiences.

Second row accommodation is do-able and the cargo area swallows up to 657 litres of luggage, expanding to 1,597 litres with the second row folded. It’s a very complete package. I could go on and on but, to sum up, with its maximized five-door interior space still blending well with compact nimbleness, and bolstered by an SX bump up in performance and handling, this Forte5 certainly offers Kia customers a hot hatch that lives up to its name.