Lately here in the offices at Jim Butler Kia, we've taken many inquiries about the new Stinger. Many excited customers are asking about it in droves, and it is no surprise that they would: it is Kia's true and successful stab at an aggressive car that is a poised-for-victory sports sedan. Affectionately known as the “BMW Fighter” and Car and Driver made the claim that the car “floats like a butterfly, and stings like a bee”. Very quick-step agility and precision throttle-mapping combined with engine-sound enhancement make the Stinger a new auto that is going to be etched in the memories of drivers for a long time, and make 2018 a banner year for technological prowess and development.
This powerful punch of aggression is making its way to other Kia models, and at the Detroit Auto Show next week, the Forte will sport some similarly sporty changes. The headlights, front fascia, and shoulder lines all have a heavy dose of Stinger inspiration, and the taillights have a sense of blending right into the creases in the body. Drivers in St Louis who are looking for a car that is more than just A to B without flair will be delighted; from the appearance of the rims on up to the slant present to the front of the side windows complete a vision that just a decade ago would have seemed off-the-charts futuristic.
From the “floating” styled infotainment screen to the layering on the dash and the door panels, you'll also love how the interior meshes with the overall design. Weighing in at around 3000 pounds, the Forte has a pretty impressive power-to-weight ratio, and the SX trim is where you really begin to roll up your driving sleeves and get to business. Sport-tuned suspension, slightly bigger front brakes, and a quicker steering ratio will no doubt add exhilaration and a sporty essence to every single drive. The Forte does a superb job of keeping road noise to a minimum, and the very solid chassis keeps all occurrences of vibration under control.
Some of our customers thought that previous models of the Forte looked a bit animated, and seemed like it had a bit more playful instead of serious stance. The new model has a more sophisticated appearance, and awards buyers on the hunt for an economy-class car with stellar design and materials. Even if your passengers are 6 feet tall, they will still have ample room in the Forte, and also be able to make use of the cargo space behind the rear seat on trips that take you outside the metro into the wild. Solidly on the development path to a true “hot hatch”, Kia does a great job with the Forte of providing those of you out there with a passion for speed but a slight dashing of domestic responsibilities with an eye-popping and thrill-filled counterpart!
