Forte bests competition in value and features, EPA fuel efficiency
The Kia Forte — available at Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield Valley — outperformed four competitors in Motor Trend’s Big Test comparison for compact sedans. The judges at Motor Trend ranked five competitors — Kia Forte, Dodge Dart, Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra — in six standard categories. The six categories Motor Trend generally measures for its Big Tests are Ride and Handling, Performance, Efficiency, Cockpit/Cabin, Safety and Value.
In Ride and Handling, the Kia Forte held its own and was one of the top choices for the judges. The ride for the judges was “firm, almost sporty” and the steering was weighted and responsive.
The Kia’s performance may have given it an upset in this category. It had the quickest 0 to 60 mph time by half a second and the shortest stop by two feet. The Forte also put up the quickest time on the figure-8 track. The transmission on streets shifted quickly, according to the judges.
The Forte’s fuel efficiency returned 24.4 mpg, and this compared well to its EPA city mpg rating of 24. The Kia has the most horsepower of its competitors and second-highest torque. Judges also noted the Forte’s rear seat space as one of the roomiest, but where the Forte shone brightest were some high-end features not found easily in its segment such as heated and cooled front seats and power-folding mirrors. In safety, the Forte earned five stars in its side testing and four from the rollover test.
What blew the judges away in the competition was the Forte’s overall value. The power seats, heated steering wheel and best warranty along with its fuel economy put Kia ahead in the value category.
The judges selected the Kia Forte as the best overall compact sedan in the test. Final standings were:
— 5th place: Nissan Sentra
— 4th place: Honda Civic
— 3rd place: Dodge Dart
— 2nd place: Mazda3
— 1st place: Kia Forte
To learn more about the Kia Forte and its fantastic value, contact the sales staff at Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield Valley at 888-392-6606. You can view our online Forte inventory here or stop by our dealership in Chesterfield Valley at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. At Jim Butler Kia, we want you to make your Forte purchase with confidence, so if you’re in the Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights or even just a short drive from downtown St. Louis, stop on by to view the Fortes on our lot.
