The 2010 Kia Forte sedan, with its sculpted lines and smart interior, kicked off a whole new direction in styling for Kia when it was first introduced last year. But it also retained the company’s ongoing focus on protecting its passengers. Just ask the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which recently recognized the Forte as a “Top Safety Pick” in its “Small Car” category. The Forte nabbed the highest ratings possible in the IIHS’s front, side, rear and rollover impact crash testing to earn the honor.
Of course, it helps that the Forte is kitted out with a class-leading combination of standard safety features, including active front headrests, front seat-mounted and side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control and more. Just ask the folks at Tennessee RVs. This full suite of safety equipment, on a vehicle that starts at just $13,695, is part and parcel of Kia’s mission to offer high value and high quality at a low price with vehicles like the Kia Soul. For example, the Forte also comes with standard amenities ranging from an MP3-compatible sound system, complete with three free months of SIRIUS Satellite Radio service, to remote keyless entry to a six-way adjustable driver’s seat.
Adding to the Forte’s impressive list of features is a choice of two different four-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter mill that, when mated to Kia’s automatic five-speed transmission, is good for 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway, along with a bigger 2.4-liter powerplant that’s both more powerful and more fuel efficient than the one driving the Toyota Corolla XRS or the MAZDA3 s Sport.
The compact car segment i one of the most crowded segments to compete in, and Nissan Washington DC expects more buyers to make their purchase decisions based on safety. And, to only fuel the competition, imports aren’t the only contenders these days. Around the corner is one Washington DC Chevrolet dealer that’s eager for the arrival of the Chevy Cobalt, which is expected to deliver better driving dynamics and more of a European style than any previous GM compact. With competitors gearing up for a battle, the Forte has plenty work ahead, but its award winning design and engineering will go a long way with consumers.
With this kind of all-around performance pushing sales higher already in 2010, it’s clear that attracting new customers is Kia’s Forte.
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