We head to Monterrey, Mexico to check out the refreshed 2017 Kia Forte.
Kia has five sedans on offer with the Forte occupying the compact sedan segment. It slots in between the more city-like Rio and the mid-size Optima, with the larger Cadenza and premium K900 occupying the upper echelons of the lineup.
For 2015, the Forte rang in as the 10th best-selling compact sedan in Canada. So far in 2016, it ranks 11th in a neck-and-neck race with the Subaru Impreza, just behind the Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra and Ford Focus.
There are plenty of changes to the second-generation 2017 Forte, but they are all subtle in nature. In the front, the hood has been increased in length and there's a revised front bumper that features Kia's new signature “tiger-nose” grille.
The front bumper has been redesigned to be more aerodynamic, create less noise and help enable better fuel economy.
In the rear, the Forte gets a new bumper, redesigned taillights and more trunk room.
Depending on which trim level you choose, the Forte can look a lot different based on what type of wheel it sits on. For the base LX model, it comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels. If you move up the chain, even to the LX level, it will be fitted with 16-inch alloys or stunning 17-inchers from EX and up. Moving up to the alloys gives the Forte a significant boost in the looks department.
Compared to other sedans in the segment, the Forte doesn't make a big statement in its design. The changes for 2017 are more to refine the look than to make a big splash. The styling can hold its own; it’s an attractive car. Just don't expect it to stand out from a crowd.
A 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine takes over from the 1.8-litre unit as the Forte’s standard powerplant. Its performance numbers increase slightly to 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, but it's improvements are more about the addition of variable valve timing and the Atkinson cycle’s greater expansion ratio than compression ratio, which improve its efficiency. If you want more power, you can opt for the 2.0-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) four-cylinder engine that produces 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
A six-speed manual transmission is retained, but only in the base LX trim. The rest of the Forte sedans get an improved six-speed automatic transmission that uses an electronic multi-plate clutch. It is said to increases heat capacity and direct connection, making a direct impact to improve fuel economy.
We took the 2.0-litre Atkinson engine for a spin on the handling course set up by Kia Canada, as well as on the streets of Monterrey. It seemed a bit sluggish to get moving, but showed its true nature as a cruiser that specializes in fuel economy. It rendered a smooth ride in the 40-80 km/h range when you maintain a constant speed and we were able to achieve an impressive 6.8 L/100 km fuel consumption rate on a short loop around the city.
I will stress that a base-level Forte should not be purchased for its performance level. That said, if you would like a little more oomph in your drive, Igo for the EX trim level or above to get the 164-hp 2.0-litre GDI engine. It's quicker off-the-line with a more spirited run evidenced in the handling course. It was more fun drive, enabling a more fluid pace navigating through the pylons, as well as producing less engine noise.
I won't fault the Forte too much on the handling course, which was very tight. However, the same imprecise feel was apparent on the streets, requiring one to turn the wheel what seemed a lot more than usual. The high level of road grip that hard-core driving enthusiasts crave is just not there. There are three drive modes to choose from – Normal, Eco and Sport – but they won't alter the experience by much, as only minor changes are felt in the suspension setup.
Apart from the drivetrain, the other focal point of the Forte’s refresh is its interior. Kia has refined the space with a revised centre fascia, new seat patterns, air vent garnishes and more eco-friendly materials that surround the cockpit. Once again, the changes show improvement but they're on the conservative side. I can understand why Kia may not want to push the envelope on the outside; however, the inside is always an area that can create some spark.
I can understand why Kia may not want to push the envelope on the outside; however, the inside is always an area that can create some spark. The top-of-the-line SX trim gets more of an upscale feel with soft leather throughout. Otherwise, apart from the base-cloth-trim LX, buyers get premium black cloth with piped stitching.
Most versions feature an upgraded seven-inch touchscreen that is easy to use. Push-buttons are placed in an organized fashion below the screen to access the radio, phone, climate controls or any apps that include Android Auto. If you're an iPhone carrier, Apple CarPlay should be coming soon to the Kia brand. There are also multiple buttons on the steering wheel that also access the touchscreen.
Kia’s concern for safety has helped lead the brand to the top ranks in recent J.D. Power studies. The 2017 Kia Forte features a host of safety technologies, mostly found in the higher trim levels. Blind Spot Detection comes with the EX-luxury stage; while SX customers are treated to Automatic Emergency Brake, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Bending Lighting and a smart trunk release.
The Forte has ample room, both front and back, to provide a comfortable environment for adults of average size. Not only is there adequate headroom and legroom, there's also a plenty of width in the front seats to nestle in nicely for a long drive. Rear seat passengers are comfortably situated with legroom to spare on either end, while the middle seat can be occupied if needed.
As for cargo space, there's 421 litres to work with, so feel free to pack a few large suitcases for a long road trip.
Monterrey is where the 2017 Forte sedan is being produced. Kia has already started production on the sedan within the 1,700-acres site of the state-of-the-art Kia Motors Mexico (KMM) manufacturing facility, located in the state of Nuevo León in the north of the country.
Kia invested $3-billion to build KMM in Monterrey. Currently it has 7,000 employees working within the facility and Kia projects the plant will create a total of 14,000 new jobs for the city. The facility has a potential maximum capacity of 400,000 units a year, with 73 vehicles produced per hour. The 2016 production plan is a total of 105,000 units. In addition to the Forte, upcoming projects will include the Forte5 hatch and Rio. A third vehicle is a possibility down the road, but Kia wouldn’t disclose which one.
Whether its stamping, welding, painting or assembly, the robotics widely employed at KMM for greater efficiency. There are some sections that use only robotics and others where humans work along with them.
2017 Forte prices start at $15,945 for the base LX manual, but if you don't want to shift for yourself the floor price begins at $18,495. If you're already up to that level, the volume model – the LX – with all its extras is just $1,500 more at $19,995. The range-leading SX tops out at $27,295.
Within all these trim levels, there are plenty of value-laden packages. The LX is where the seven-inch touchscreen, rearview camera and heated front cloth seats with stitching come into play. If you would like the more powerful engine, step up to $21,795 for the EX – still a reasonable price for all of the extras received.
The Forte sedan is well into production at KMM and will be arriving at Canadian dealerships at the end of July. The Forte5 hatch will be released in August, followed by the two-door Koup in late August/early September.
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