Featured Article
By Deb Semmler
Tribune Correspondent
07/27/2009
"The Spectra was a very nice car," said Keith Martin, sales consultant for Gurley Leep Kia in Mishawaka. "But with the new Forte, you get something bold and fresh as well as affordable."
With its chiseled lines, touches of chrome and raised rear end, the 2010 Forte looks like a car costing thousands more.
The interior is spacious, allowing head room for even the tallest drivers. And a change in the rear strut system allows for a trunk that can accommodate close to 15 cubic feet of luggage.
The Forte also has an impressive list of standard safety features, including a full array of air bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, a brake assist program as well as traction and stability control.
With as starting price of well under $14,000, the Forte LX and EX are powered by a 156-horsepower 2.0L, four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The higher end Forte SX gains a 173-horsepower, 2.4L four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Both get more than 30 miles per gallon on the highway and the EX can be equipped with a fuel economy package that boosts the mileage to 36 miles per gallon on the highway.
The base Forte LX is equipped with all of the safety features, as well as an AM/FM CD audio system with USB port and auxiliary input jack.
The EX adds air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, door locks and power exterior mirrors as well as the 60/40 split-folding rear seat and upgraded speakers.
The Fuel Economy Package boosts the miles per gallon to 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The sporty SX gets the larger engine, upgraded wheels, fog lights, a trip computer, and tilt and telescoping steering wheel. A luxury package adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and windshield de-icer.
"We're very excited about this new Kia," said Martin. "And with Kia's first plant opening in West Point, Ga., this fall, Kias will finally be made in the U.S."
The Gurley Leep Kia showroom at 120 W. McKinley Ave., Mishawaka, is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.