KIA FORTE5 SX
Powerful SX Trim Is Impressive Hatchback
With an impressive 201horsepower upgrade turbo engine and fitted with an equally nice dual- clutch automatic transmission with a manual shift mode, the new Forte5 SX is significantly different from its siblings in the Kia Forte stable.
The Forte5 SX is equipped with a full load of modern safety, convenience and comfort f eatures that make it one of the surprises f or the model year and one of the best cars f or 2018.
Base Price
Buyers f amiliar with Kia’s brand of value are taken by the brand’s comfort as well as performance. The base price was $ 24,695, which included full basic safety equipment, rear- view camera, a sport- tuned suspension system, f aster steering, bigger front brakes, 18- inch alloy wheels, pushbutton starting, SXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery and heated front seats.
My fully loaded tester came with a bottom- line sticker price of $ 28,295. The Forte5 SX with the dual- clutch automatic transmission has a starting price of $ 2,200 less than the model with the six- speed manual gearbox. However, the manual version comes with more standard equipment, though it doesn’t include such things as blind- spot warning and rear cross- traffic alert.
Styling
I appreciate what the Forte5 delivers in terms of exterior style and the ability to set itself apart from a crowded field of milk toast offerings. This is hatchback profile with sharp lines and distinction – including front and rear bumpers with f og lights, alloy wheels, glossy black mirrors and chrome dual exhaust tips.
On the inside of the cabin you will find great fit and finish, outstanding quality soft- touch surfaces, leather seats with contrasting piping and safe surround of glass that delivers an open f eel f or the passengers.
Front seats provide excellent support and comfort for long trips and the rear seats provide plenty of head and knee room. There’s 23 cubic f eet of cargo space behind the rear seatbacks, which is nearly double that of some compact sedans. Fold the seatbacks and the cargo area more than doubles to 56 cubic f eet. There’s no spare wheel and tire under the cargo floor; the Forte5 uses a pump and repair kit.
For the driver, I appreciated the intuitive stack of controls under the 7- inch touchscreen. Look f or audio, navigation and other functions with easy to operate designs.
Forte Performance
The Forte line is a part of Kia’s impressive lineup of compact sedans and hatchbacks. The South Korean manufacturer delivers the U. S. market the 2018 Forte5 SX as a distinctly different Forte choice.
From the ground up, the Forte5’ s light curb weight, 3,123 pounds, and the snap- shifting dualclutch automatic transmission combine to offer aggressive acceleration that is fun and worth trying out, as 0- 60 mph arrives in about 6 seconds. Look for city/ highway/ combined fuel consumption of 25/ 30/ 27 mpg.
On the road, the Forte5 SX can hold its own with even some of the most purpose- built sports sedans and hatchbacks. This SX trims is the sporty superstar of the line that also doubles as a wonderfully satisfying daily driver.