Owning
The Kia's length, width and stretched wheelbase provide excellent legroom in the rear. The boot is also generous, with a 420-litre luggage capacity. In the front, though, the cabin doesn't give you the same sense of space, because the driving position is flawed. Upper-range LS and V6 models get an electric driver's seat as standard, but it doesn't adjust low enough. The amount of reach and rake movement on the steering wheel isn't sufficient, either, so you end up feeling cramped. Seats don't offer much side support either. And although the Kia is very well screwed together, it is summed up by annoying touches such as the aftermarket-style radio and indicators that are on the wrong side of the steering wheel - which ruin the everyday ownership experience. The weighting of the controls could also be better. But equipment levels are very good indeed, though arguably they have to be, given some steep list prices. Depreciation will also be a bit steep, while returns of 38.8mpg from our diesel test car were disappointing - though it had very few miles on the clock. Looser engines often return better figures.
See also:
Driving your vehicle
Before driving
Key positions
Engine start/stop button
Manual Transaxle
Automatic transaxle
Four wheel drive (4WD)
Brake system
Cruise control system
Economical operation
Special driving condi ...
Seat
Driver’s seat
1 Seat adjustment, forward / backward
2 Seatback recliner
3 Seat adjustment, height*
4 Seat heater switch*
5 Headrest adjustment
Front passenger seat
6 Seat adjustment, forwa ...
Overview
Kia introduced the all-new 2010 Kia Forte (pronounced for-tay) compact sedan
at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Forte blends Kia's exciting new design direction
under the tutelage of Peter Schreyer, K ...


