2015 Kia Forte5: stylish, spacious compact hatchback

Kia’s tiger-shark grille, flared wheel arches and upswept body lines enhance the Forte5’s sporty look.

HAS ANYONE noticed that the 2015 Kia Forte hatchback looks like a bigger clone of the 2015 Kia Rio hatchback? The five-door, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive Forte and Rio have similar swoopy profiles and well-kitted, high-tech, spiffy interiors.

But because the Forte is a compact car and the Rio a subcompact, the similarities end when it comes to the drivetrain and physical dimensions. 

The 2.0-liter,DOHC in-line 4 cylinder engine delivers 161 ps and 194 Nm max torque.

The Forte5 (that’s the hatchback’s insignia) is powered by a 2-liter, inline four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve engine delivering  158.79 horsepower and  194.24 Newton-meters max torque through a six-speed automatic transmission (AT) and paddle shifters, while the Rio hatch has a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder Gamma engine producing  105.53 HP and  135.38 Nmmax torque via a four-speed AT with manual mode.

Both engines are gasoline-fed with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and a timing chain system.

The overall length x width x height of the Forte5 is 4,350 mm x 1,780 mm x 1,450 mm, while the Rio’s is 4,030 mm x 1,720 mm x 1,455 mm.

The wheelbase of the Forte5 is 2,700 mm compared to the Rio hatch’s 2,750 mm but the Forte 5’s wheel tread (front/rear) is 1,557 mm/ 1,570 mm, while the Rio’s is  1,520 mm/ 1,525 mm. 

The Forte 5’s minimum ground clearance is 150 mm and the Rio’s is 140 mm.

Tiger shark

LED rear combination tail lights, a rear spoiler with high mount stop lamp and twin tailpipes.

The 2015 Forte is offered in three body styles: four-door sedan, two-door Koup, and five-door hatchback, which was the test unit.  The signature tiger shark radiator grille, upswept look, sharp styling elements and long, low roofline of the Forte5 make it an eye-catching vehicle.

Illuminated door handles, LED rear combination lamps, rear spoiler with integrated high-mount stop lamp, power-folding door mirrors with built-in LED turn signal and auto fold function are features usually found only in more expensive cars.

The design finesse is continued in the spacious interior. The handsome cabin is furnished with a mixture of high-quality materials plus well-designed, user-friendly high-tech features that would not be out of place in a premium brand compact car. 

The simple, straightforward dashboard features a DOT Matrix type LCD instrument cluster with large, logically positioned knobs that are easy to understand and use. 

The leather-wrapped steering wheel has audio and cruise controls and paddle shifters, while the gearbox housing the leather-wrapped gearshift lever is bordered with chrome trim.

Metal pedals and red stitching on the black leather bucket seats enhance the sporty ambience inside.

Value-packed

The Forte5 is extremely well-kitted inside with user-friendly advanced technology.

The Kia Forte is one of the most value-packed compact cars, with a Bluetooth hands-free connection and iPhone-ready connectivity as standard features together with an integrated AM/FM radio, CD player, MP3, USB and auxiliary ports, six speakers, tilt and telescopic adjustable, multifunction steering wheel, smart key with push start/stop button and proximity sensor and auto light control.

The thick, well-bolstered leather seats are comfortable, and the rear seat splits 60:40 and can be folded forward to increase cargo volume, which in the hatchback is 23.2 cubic feet with the rear seat in place. 

Comfy black leather seats with rear aircon vents and the rear seat folding 60/40 to increase the cargo area.

Taller passengers would find the Forte5’s legroom and shoulder room adequate, although headroom is limited by the low, sloping roofline.

Added sound deadening tamps down powertrain noise, but road noise sometimes still enters the cabin. 

The 2-liter engine does not provide blazing acceleration, but it’s not sluggish, either.  The powerplant is strong and rev-happy, although it gets somewhat noisy during hard acceleration. 

The six-speed AT with sport mode and paddle shifters is responsive, giving smooth gear changes and downshifts during passing and merging situations. 

Driven around corners, the Forte5 feels steady and handles reasonably well, although it’s not sporty or exhilarating.

Ride quality

Cargo space measures 657 liters when the rear seat is in place.

The suspension (MacPherson strut in front and coupled torsion beam axle at the rear) provides satisfactory overall ride quality, although sometimes rather firm and unrefined.  On rough roads and choppy pavement, riding comfort is definitely compromised. 

Safety-wise, aside from a four-sensor, four-channel antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and dual front airbags, the Kia Forte5 has electronic stability control, a front clearance and rear parking assist system, keyless entry with burglar alarm and Isofix child anchors.

The 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted with ventilated disc brakes in front and solid discs at the rear.

Summing up, at P1.19 million and with a 5-year warranty, the 2015 Kia Forte5 is worth considering as a stylishly sporty-looking, extremely well-equipped daily driver that is spacious enough for family use and out-of-town trips on holidays and weekends.