Car 2013

2014 KIA Forte Sedan Test

We had the opportunity to evaluate the 4-door sedan redesigned the Korean manufacturer business. KIA came to the U.S. determined to stand out from other manufacturers and it is getting with products like this.

The 2012 was a year of growth for KIA (15% to be exact), reaching the No. 8 among the largest manufacturers / important in the United States.

KIA has promised a complete renovation and improvement of all family members. Now it was the turn to Forte, KIA economic sedan which was presented to the public by the 2014 Sorento at the 2012 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Outside find a more dynamic compared to the previous generation thanks to more complex lines, lower bumper, broad shoulders, accentuating chrome trim some of the finishes and extensive use of LED technology for your headlights and rear.

Inside the cabin is much more welcoming thanks to the use of better materials and the application of a more sophisticated design than we had seen in past products of KIA. Ergonomics was a priority improved seat comfort, approached the instruments toward the driver, and increased legroom, head and shoulders of all occupants.

The new 2014 Kia Forte Sedan has two options 4-cylinder engines. The first is the 1.8 of 148 horsepower and 131 pounds of torque, which can be coupled to the 6-speed manual transmission standard or automatic 6. The second-optional is the 2.0-liter direct injection capable of generating 173 hp and 154 pounds of torque; this only has the option of 6-speed manual transmission.

Both engines are relatively light thanks to the use of aluminum in the block and in the induction system. In total, KIA managed to reduce 80 pounds versus the previous generation.

Our driving experience took place on the platform EX (2.0 liters) and we were surprised by several unexpected factors. The first was the low noise levels in the cabin while driving through the city dweller and motorway. The second was its excellent maneuverability and performance under normal driving and sports.

KIA informed us that the 2014 Kia Forte Sedan used a new exterior noise insulation and suspension bushings-reconfigured-got more effective for handling and smoothness.

Moreover, the new system installed to adjust the steering system "Motor Driven Power Steering". This can be easily configured by the driver via a button on the steering wheel (Comfort, Normal & Sport). This system only changes the feel of the wheel, but remains unchanged vehicle performance.

The Korean brand is very satisfied with the result of their efforts to improve the aerodynamic performance of Forte (0.27). This platform used a "anybody" panels under the vehicle, new exterior panels and small details.
Another major improvement was the increase in tensional rigidity by 37%, achieving exceptional maneuverability in the segment.

The new 2014 Kia Forte Sedan offers many additional options unique in the segment in which it competes. Some of them are the ventilated power seats, heated and memory, lights inside of exterior door handles, etc...

The base price of the new 2014 Kia Forte Sedan is $ 16,000 in the LX version and $ 18,000 in EX. This makes it one of the best-if not the-best options in the economic sedan segment.