One of the phrases that Kia is frequently using for its all new 2014 Forte5 is “ultra-hot,” even though it’s one that doesn’t necessarily apply to the power it delivers.
The 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds is a little off the pace in the hot hatch segment, with the Ford Focus ST and the Volkswagen GTI both quicker off the mark.
That said, this is still the first Forte5 that can even be considered a contender in the hot hatch club, so perhaps there is something to that hot description after all.
The Forte has been given a redesign for the 2014 model year and comes in three different body styles: the sedan, 2-door Koup, and a 5-door hatchback.
Also changing are the dimensions of the Forte 5-door hatchback. The wheelbase is a good 2 inches longer than the outgoing model, while the length is up by a half inch.
The car is also a slight touch wider and lower than before. That said, the mass remains pretty much the same, thanks in large part to the increased use of high-strength steel, which adds up to less structural metal overall.
Forte5 SX Performance Figures
If it’s the performance version of the Forte5 you seek, look no further than the SX.
It boasts a 1.6L 4-cyliner turbo that delivers 201 horsepower versus 173 from last year’s naturally aspirated 2.4L four-cylinder, and 195 lb-ft of torque versus 168.
The torque runs from 1750 rpm to 4500 rpm which is perfectly managed by the standard 6-speed manual transmission (there is an option for a 6-speed automatic). That all adds up to a car that feels a whole lot faster than it truly is.
Improved Ride Quality
All this talk about acceleration is steering us away from the new chassis, which is basically a revised version of the outgoing model’s front-strut, rear-torsion-beam suspension.
The result is an improved ride quality and agility. This is a car that certainly rolls a little more than the aforementioned competitors, but it’s not so bad as to be excessive.
The car rides on from a set of 225/40-18 Nexen CP67 all-season tires, which can best be described as adequate, although not something you might want to take racing.
2014 Forte5 SX Turbo Photos
The hydraulic gear on the old model has been replaced by electric power steering, and is one of the biggest improvements to the new Forte5.
The car also comes standard with the FlexSteer system, giving the driver a selectable steering-assist set-up. The three settings that come with the system are Normal, Comfort, and Sport.
As you can see, the all-new Forte5 SX turbo has a lot to offer, so it should be considered a welcome addition to the hot hatch family hatchback category.
A nice looking design, both inside and out, as well as a fun to drive attitude are sure to make this Kia model a hit with the ever-growing hot hatch crowd.
Hopefully the Nexen tires on this aren’t as worthless as the ones on the sedan. Total junk tire.