Even if a car's main duty is to provide an
economical, Eco-friendly, and all-around budget minded means of transportation,
having a sporty and aggressive edge is pretty much mandatory. Ever since the
big-and-burly pony sportscars such as the Camaro and Mustang made their
introductions during the late 1960s, even the most family-friendly of vehicles
have loved small injections here and there of sporty and properly amped
goodness. The redesigned Kia Forte
was picked by Motortrend as
one of the year's best because of its looks inside and out, and we all can
agree here at Jim Butler of St Louis
that first impressions are worth their weight in gold.
The crisper exterior was described by these auto
aficionados as having a “mature and upscale design, cleverly riffing on
established Kia design cues without looking like a cookie-cutter car.” Air
vents inside were described as “Mercedes-Benz-like,” and this is where the
traits of the new Kia really begin to emulate the players in the auto game that
manufacture the tantalizing numbers that reside in the ultra-upper-price range.
There are other added touches such as a shelf located right under the
temperature controls, which houses a wireless charging pad, cleverly
acknowledging that everyone loves to have a designated and easy-to-find place
to stow their phone.
The Motortrend
crew's EX Launch Edition tester saw them sampling premium features such
as heated and cooled front seats, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, a
Harman Kardon audio system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It is no secret
that the Stinger was the inspiration for many the design cues the Forte
evokes, and before this took place, it looked a bit more like an Optima that
had been shrink-wrapped. On the new model, the headlights are much more
separated from the grille, and the hood has creases now that give it a more
athletic and poised stance.
The 2019 model is now 3.2 inches longer than its
predecessor, and the taillights have also gained a new light signature. Now
taking up said real estate is a new light bar that connects the taillights, and
just south of this is a brand new redesigned bumper. There is also a standalone
infotainment screen, new shifter, and a wireless charging tray directly
underneath the climate controls. Sedans still mean serious business, and
everyone that puts time into representing our brand knows that the Stinger was
a product that saw many long hours in its making. The Forte
exhibits many of the same sporty and standout traits while touting a bit lower
of a price tag, and we guarantee that after a test drive, you will consider it
as your best resolution and eye-catching gift to your closest!
