The fight for
supremacy in the compact sedan segment is a serious affair. In order for
a new model to rise to the top, it needs to distinguish itself. That's
why when Kia introduced its first Forte to the world in 2009, it
featured a dapper, Euro-inspired suit tailored by famed Audi alum Peter
Schreyer. It was a bold move for the brand mostly known at the time for
cheap, conservative econo-boxes. But the new-kid-on-the-block novelty
soon wore off as newer compact competitors hit the streets. The young
Forte needed to grow up -- fast.
Catapulting the all-new 2014 Kia Forte ahead its
chief rivals would require a lot more work. Improving the new Forte's
ride quality, passenger comfort, and overall surefootedness were the top
goals of Kia's global engineering team. Its wheelbase was extended 2
inches to 106.3, and its body lengthened and widened by 1.2 and 0.2
inches. Height was chopped 1 inch, while front and rear tracks vary by
tenths of an inch, depending on wheel choice. Ground clearance dropped
by nearly half an inch.
The 2014 Forte's
front McPherson strut suspension now employs larger bushings in an
effort to improve steering clarity, and a recalibrated rear torsion beam
helps with providing a pliable ride. Kia upped the Forte's torsional
rigidity by 37 percent by using high-tensile steel in 60 percent of its
chassis. Cavities between the structure and body panels were filled
extensively with advanced foam to minimize noise, vibration, and
harshness (NVH). An electronically boosted Motor Driven Power Steering
(MDPS) unit replaces the outgoing, less efficient hydraulic setup. A new
standard (for the EX trim) FlexSteer programming changes steering
effort based on mode (Comfort, Normal, or Sport), with Sport having the
highest boost resistance.
The first generation's SX trim and its
173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder were axed for 2014. Instead, a
reworked and equally as powerful 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder with
variable valve timing and a six-speed automatic gearbox gets the highest
level EX going (a 1.8-liter MPI with six-speed auto or manual transmission motivates the LX). Torque is down compared to
the elder 2.4-liter by 14 lb-ft, but, as engineers pointed out, the mill
is smaller and lighter thanks to a 30 percent less massive intake
manifold. An aluminum bedplate ups engine block rigidity by 30 percent,
which also cuts NVH. Given that the 2014 Forte weighs around 50 pounds
less than its predecessor (depending on trim and amenities), fuel
efficiency is expected to be on par with the outgoing EX's 26/36 mpg
ratings in the city/highway.
Designers at Kia's
California studio took the lead on styling. They emphasized athleticism
and dynamism with the brand's newest take on its "Tiger Nose" grille.
Sweptback projector halogen headlamps (xenon HIDs are optional) with LED
eyebrows flank the trademark grille, while broader shoulders, a
sculpted hood and side panels, "complex curves" at the rear, and a
steeply raked windshield evoke a modern, confident flair. The lean, long
profile now includes small windows ahead of the rearview mirrors. The
standard 16-inch alloys up the styling ante, but it's the optional
17-inchers wrapped in 215/45R-17 rubber that best fill the Forte's
wells. Brighter LED taillights with 81 individual diodes arrive with the
optional Technology Package selected. Like the Rio, Optima, and
Cadenza, boxiness is out and sleekness is in; the first generation Forte
looks positively plain by comparison.
Inside, there are
new plastics with varying degrees of softness. The material still
overwhelmingly populates the space, but there's no blatant feeling of
cost-cutting here. The most notable improvements are the smallest ones: A
black monochromatic scheme, the neatly positioned switchgear, available
chrome button surrounds, and the optional 4.2-inch LCD cluster set
between the tachometer and speedometer are welcome touches. Designers
implemented a rippling water motif (ahem, Nissan Cube, anyone?) on the
dash and doors for added flair, and for sportiness, they angled the dash
10 degrees toward the driver.
Of course, the
Forte EX is stuffed with creature comforts galore. Pick either LX or EX
trim to get Bluetooth device connectivity, multifunction steering wheel,
satellite radio, power windows and locks, air conditioning, and a 60/40
folding split rear seat. Stepping up to the EX gives a Google-powered
UVO infotainment system with eServices, remote keyless entry, cruise
control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and rearview
camera. The most sought-after option groups, says Kia, will be the
Popular and Technology Packages. They add features including navigation,
power folding mirrors, xenon headlamps, heated front and rear seats,
ventilated 10-way adjustable power driver seat, and dual-zone climate
control, among many others. There are also puddle and door handle lamps
for the most discerning of compact sedan buyers.
Most of the mechanical changes impressed me
during my three-hour test drive. The chassis feels solid and calm in
sweeping fast-paced corners, and its ride stays comfortable on choppy
highways or city streets -- a testament to the suspension retuning and
extended wheelbase. The first-generation's lively driving personality
lives on, except now, your lower back won't suffer as a result of what
was an often jostling ride, though the new seats aren't all that
supportive. Roll onto the throttle judiciously and you'll notice smooth
shifts and a nice dose of torque low in the band, so you won't need to
wring out every rpm up until the 6750 redline
to find gusto.
One major gripe:
The Forte's FlexSteer system lacks any notion of consistent, tangible
feel no matter the mode or vehicle's speed. There is always an
artificial tug to on-center when you don't want or expect it. Sometimes,
the boost seems to modify mid-rotation as if your passenger were
throwing a secret on/off switch.
That said, all-around visibility from inside is
spectacular, as is front passenger comfort. Kia's multimedia/navigation
system is as easy to use as they come -- it's clear, intuitive, and
quick-thinking. The available rear climate control vents and center
armrest, not to mention, a respectable amount of headroom (37.3 inches),
are standout backseat elements. To ease loading and unloading of the
14.9 cu-ft cargo space, engineers widened the trunk opening by 2 inches.
The forgettable, Plain Jane Forte no longer
exists. In the four years since its inception, Kia's four-door has
matured splendidly. Save for a lackluster helm, the Forte thoroughly
covers all the right compact sedan bases. And with starting price of
around $19,000 for the EX (plus, Kia's generous 10 year/100,000 mile
warranty), we're guessing they'll move off dealer lots without much
fuss.
Courtesy of Motor Trend
