Kia Forte SX 5-Door Hatchback - Short Take Road Test
It wasn’t so long ago that Kia was selling crummy Sephias and clunky Sportages to the double-coupon set. But the intervening years have proven that Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, are quick studies when it comes to meeting or exceeding industry standards. So when Kia benchmarks a car like the charismatic Mazda 3 five-door, as it seemingly did when designing its Forte hatchback, it’s no surprise when the result hits close to the mark. In this case, really close.
If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, we imagine Mazda was blushing the first time it saw the rear end of the 2011 Kia Forte five-door. With its forward-raked backlight, roof spoiler, triangular quarter-windows, and similar C-pillar treatment, the Forte hatch is stylistically reminiscent of the first-generation Mazda 3. Indeed, even as the Kia’s kicky rear end is attached to the straight sides and beveled mug of the Forte sedan, it says “Mazda” to us far louder than “Kia,” and we’re not sure that’s an accident. The Kia’s proportions seem even tidier than the Mazda’s, partly on account of the paring of more than seven inches of rear overhang from the Forte sedan’s silhouette.
See also:
Brake fluid
Checking the brake fluid level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir periodically.
The fluid level should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the
side of the reservoir.
Before removing the reservo ...
Child restraint system
Children riding in the car should sit in the
rear seat and must always be properly
restrained to minimize the risk of injury in
an accident, sudden stop or sudden
maneuver. According to accident s ...
Fuel filler lid
1. Stop the engine.
2. To open the fuel filler lid, pull the
release lever.
CAUTION
To avoid injury from sharp edges, it
is recommended that protective
gloves be worn if there is a need to
...