Kia Forte

Angular Front Exterior View - 2010 Kia Forte 4-door Sedan Auto EX

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Shopping for a 2012 Kia Forte? MSRP: $15,200 - $19,600

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The compact Kia Forte four-door sedan and Forte coupe (known as the “Koup” in Kia-talk) replaced the previous Spectra model line for 2010, while a Forte5 five-door hatchback joined the lineup in 2011. Crisply styled and fitted with far more standard equipment, the name change serves to underscore the new and competitive nature of the car. It has to compete with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda Mazda3, among others, in a tough market segment shopped by price-sensitive buyers. The Kia Forte initially priced under $14,000 and has received rave reviews; and over the past several years, the Forte has gone a long way toward putting Kia on level playing ground with the big boys of the compact-car world.

The Forte four-door sedan and Forte Koup two-door coupe, like the similar Civic models, share little sheet metal. Both are neatly and handsomely styled, elevating Kia from the bland-box lines it so often offered. The standard engine is a 156-horsepower, 2.0-liter four, used in the base LX and mid-range EX models, whereas the sportier, top-line SX model gets a 173-hp, 2.4-liter four. For the 2010 and 2011 model year, the first two models came standard with a five-speed manual gearbox; a behind-the-times four-speed automatic was optional. The SX with the bigger engine had a six-speed manual standard, and its optional automatic added an extra gear, giving it five speeds.

All Forte models, even for 2010, got Bluetooth pairing, Sirius Satellite Radio, and steering wheel controls with voice activation. The mid-range EX model adds air conditioning and various power accessories; the SX model gets a sportier suspension and flashy alloy 17-inch wheels. The few options include a power sunroof, leather seats, and a Convenience Package that bundles several upgrades into the base LX.

There was also an uber-efficiency option for the EX trim level: The Fuel Economy Package paired the better five-speed automatic to the 2.0-liter engine, adding electric power steering, a smart alternator system, tires with low rolling resistance, and some aerodynamic tweaks as well. It paid off in fuel economy of 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, the highest of any Forte model.

Then the 2012 model year brought some important improvements. All Forte models were equipped with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions, with fuel economy ratings of 26/36 mpg for much of the model line. There was also a new Technology Package that brought navigation with SiriusXM Traffic, plus automatic climate control and push-button start.

Forte5 hatchbacks and Forte Koup models share the same set of powertrain options as the sedan, but they forego the base LX trim level. Their base EX trims include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a six-speaker USB/aux-in AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite audio system.

A completely redesigned 2013 Kia Forte family is already due next year.