Forte Five-Door is pride of Kia family

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Remember when you were a teenager and your dreams of a car took the shape of either a two-door coupe or a convertible? Then you were presented with your first car — and it had four doors!

What a difference a few decades make.

It might be said that the Forte line within the Kia family of Korean vehicles was designed for those without much disposable income who would like a vehicle with at least the minimum of essentials. Truth be told, however, the Forte five-door fails that criterion in one respect: It’s designed to deliver a maximum of essentials.

It comes in two trim levels: EX and the SX. Each trim level has its own engine; the EX comes with a 2.0-liter CVVT DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder that puts out 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. The SX comes with a 2.4-liter that develops 173 horsepower and 168 pound feet of torque.

Both engines are bolted to either a six-speed manual overdrive or a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Though the horsepower numbers don’t sound like much, the vehicle’s curb weight is less than 3,000 pounds – so while it’s not a Corvette in Kia’s clothing, it will at least get out of its own way.

When I say fully equipped I’m not kidding. The EX contains almost every amenity its more “upscale” SX sibling has with very few exceptions, like “only” four speakers in the audio system and regular cruise control instead of steering-wheel controlled. Onto life-saving instead of lifestyle, EX and SX both contain the same plethora of safety equipment that one would expect to find in larger, upscale vehicles – things like electronic stability control, traction control system, side-impact door beams, etc.

The interior offers a lot for a vehicle in this segment. My test vehicle had the optional leather package that had a great feel and finish to it. The package also included heated front seats and auto-dimming rearview mirrors.

There’s a pretty decent amount of interior room – maybe not for four people that are my size but for folks with regular physiques. Total interior volume is 97.5 cubic feet while cargo volume is 19.4. The Forte five-door won’t use up all your gas money, either. Environmental Protection Agency estimates for the 2.0-liter engine are 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway (manual or automatic) and 22/32 for the 2.4-liter manual and 23/31 for the 2.4-liter automatic.

I don’t want to exclude exterior styling because the five-door is a looker. It has sweeping window arches, smooth fender flairs and body-color side mirrors and door handles. The rear is streamlined with angled, wrapped taillamps and an uncluttered rear fascia. SX models add a silver-finished exhaust tip. The SX also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels that give it a more athletic profile.

The base price of my SX test vehicle was $18,395, and with a power sunroof, the leather package and freight and handling ($695) the price came to $20,840. The EX starts several thousand cheaper. There are option packages that are exclusive to trim level and it’s even possible to get a technology package that includes a nifty navigation system, fully automatic temperature control and push-button start.

Finally, one shouldn’t discount the industry-leading warranty. Like all Kia models, the Forte five-door is covered by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. Also included is a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.

A word to the wise: Don’t discount the quality of a Korean vehicle. The company hasn’t earned record sales and profits because it spends its time correcting mistakes via warranty work. I don’t speak Korean but I think the Korean word for value is “Kia,” which translates well in any language.