The only two hatchbacks I would want to get are the 2017 Kia Forte 5 SX or the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback. Kia does need to refine the engine because it's MPG is poor compared to the competition.
I've owned my 2016 Forte 5 LX for about a couple months now....I feel it's pretty balanced compared to it's competitors. It has the features you want without bumping up the price to the extreme. The engine does feel a bit gruff and power comes on gradually, yet I felt it was pretty peppy on the freeway. I don't mind the pseudo Euro styling...although I have to say Mazda does sexier flowy curves. Handling is crisp enough to keep up with Honda or Mazda honestly. However you can definitely feel the difference in how sporty Mazda is. Honda in my opinion didn't have enough road feel for my taste. They've always been that way as long as I've driven one. MPG could improve, yet with the horse power given I can see how gas consumption can rise. Overall I'm still enjoying my Kia Forte 5 and feel they'll continue to improve each year. Excellent value as well with the long life warranty...I've not had a major issue with mine yet.
Just wanted to say this even tho the video is old but the transmission is setup for fuel economy not performance. However you also have paddle shifters do if you need the downshift you can just tell the transmission to downshift and if it can it will. You just need to ask the car for it but it absolutely will.
I did a comparison build and price on both 2016 Kia Forte and Honda Civic top end sedans (SX versus EX Honda Sensing). The Honda is a few thousand dollars more. For that kind of money, I can put up with a little "fun" to drive. In fact, if fun is important to me, I'd go for a Camaro or Mustang.
Hi, I really liked your review. I agree with you on Steering wheel, Susupension tuning and overall fine tuning of a car as a unit. It looks great on paper and it does well in many departments but it just not there yet. Engine needs more refinement, Kia has issues with their steerings and its well documented on many models. I wish they solve these small issues and I will buy this car in a heart beat. I am now looking out for 2017 model with 7 Speed DCT. Hopefully they have solve some of these issues. Anyways keep the good work up. Cheers!
I can't find a single review showing details of the trunk. Can the seats fold down COMPLETELY flat in the back to more easily hold cargo? I don't understand why so many reviewers completely overlook the trunk. Very annoying.
Autotrader has a Forte5 SX review and they show the Forte with the back seats completely put down, they said quote "With 26 cubic feet, it rivals full size sedans. There is so much room, it's like a miniature SUV".
Where this car shines is attainability if you wait a year and get it used.....ccompared to the rivals that outdo it when new, you can save 5-8 thousand with a car under 30k whereas the mazda and hondas would have depreciated around 4-5 and would have above 30k. With that kind of savings you can upgrade suspension bits, leave the steering in sport mode and enjoy the little things you would not have gotten. That's what I did....now I do sometimes wish I had gotten the Mazda but I fell in love with the turbo and the rear passenger ingress.. It's tighter in the 3. Didnt look at the civic because it's a first year release, and I'd rather wait until the powertrain is field tested and the hatchback is out.
My bestfriend mother has the EX but it has the SX options and packages and I'm in love with it I honestly can't wait till I am able to afford the Kia forte5 SX turbo where I'm from no has this car everyone is into German cars and I'm all about being different and this car would fit me anyways 😇
The Kia has many styling cues from VW Golf/GTI of years past which is something I'm noticing and wished Kia had given more thought into. They say Kia/Hyundai has a tendency to copy their rivals which again isn't necessarily bad if the competition's formula for success is paying dividends. It is a very understated yet highly functional design so it can't be all bad. At the end of the day, it is a car that gives its buyer a balanced package without paying premium dollars.
Good review. This car is actually very appealing, especially when considering all the equipment you can get with it at a reasonable price point. I test drove the sx turbo hatchback version with the automatic and manual transmission. Good car, but just not quite there yet. The new 2017 model will have the new Kia/Hyundai 7 speed dct, which in my opinion will help a lot as far as getting the 201 hp to translate into a more powerful feeling car that gets the power down on the road more efficiently. It should also help with the mpg #'s. I thought the fact that this is a 4 cylinder turbo that takes regular unleaded is a big plus for this car, since other 4 cylinder turbo's say premium unleaded "recommended" (if not required for optimum performance). I think this car is in an unusual position as far as being somewhat competitive to the VW/GTI and Ford Focus ST as far as hatchbacks go, but again; just not quite there yet. I think the new transmission coming for 2017 will help close the gap a little more between it and the VW/GTI and Focus ST. Many people may scoff at that, but I think Kia has come a long way with this car, and if you take into account the price point this car can be had at, it can be a viable alternative. To me its about 90% of the performance of a GTI, for about $5000 less, and you get more equipment and options with the Kia, and a much better warranty. I completely agree with the comments about the new Honda Civic. Although I haven't driven the new Civic, I would imagine its 174 hp 1.5L turbo feels better and smoother than this Kia's current 201 hp 1.6L turbo. I have said it before, and I will repeat it: I'm very interested in seeing what Honda finally comes up with for the new Civic SI. That car should change everything in this category of sporty economy cars and so called hot hatchbacks; if/when they decide to release that version of the new Civic.
Yes I agree. It needs a refresh to be more competitive from a performance perspective, and definitely from a value perspective. Especially with the newer offerings now available such as the redesigned Honda Civic. Kia's top trim level package is very interesting. It has things like the heated steering wheel you pointed out in the review, heated rear seats, and cooled driver seat that is also adjustable with 2 memory settings. These are all little conveniences that you dont expect from an economy car. I also should mention that I recently test drove the 2016 Hyundai veloster turbo with that new 7 speed dct, and it did really seem to make a difference as far as the power delivery and overall gear aggressiveness.
Every review I have read says something like "This car is good but not quite there. Such and such is missing or can be improved upon. The next year's will address that." The only problem is, people can't keep waiting for next year! I just bought the 2016 Forte sedan SX with a big manufacturer discount. I would love to have the new safety features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, etc. that are available with the 2017 model. But if I wait, there won't be any big incentive on the new 2017 models. Also some reviewers will say that a new model design always comes with bugs so I should wait for a year or two for Kia to work out the bugs. So am I to wait until 2019????
Wait, I am confused did you review the 201hp Forte5 SX turbo? Or...? Because the GTI actually has a20 more horsepower, but in a race I was able to keep up with a GTI no problem. However, I have the SX Turbo, which as 195 pounds of torque. I believe you have the standard 185 naturally aspirated Forte5, NOT the turbo SX version so comparing it to the GTI is ridiculous!
The only two hatchbacks I would want to get are the 2017 Kia Forte 5 SX or the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback. Kia does need to refine the engine because it's MPG is poor compared to the competition.
Its boring because you got the automatic! I test drove one last night with the 6 speed Manual transmission and it was fun to drive... A lot of fun.
I've owned my 2016 Forte 5 LX for about a couple months now....I feel it's pretty balanced compared to it's competitors. It has the features you want without bumping up the price to the extreme. The engine does feel a bit gruff and power comes on gradually, yet I felt it was pretty peppy on the freeway. I don't mind the pseudo Euro styling...although I have to say Mazda does sexier flowy curves. Handling is crisp enough to keep up with Honda or Mazda honestly. However you can definitely feel the difference in how sporty Mazda is. Honda in my opinion didn't have enough road feel for my taste. They've always been that way as long as I've driven one. MPG could improve, yet with the horse power given I can see how gas consumption can rise. Overall I'm still enjoying my Kia Forte 5 and feel they'll continue to improve each year. Excellent value as well with the long life warranty...I've not had a major issue with mine yet.
Just wanted to say this even tho the video is old but the transmission is setup for fuel economy not performance. However you also have paddle shifters do if you need the downshift you can just tell the transmission to downshift and if it can it will. You just need to ask the car for it but it absolutely will.
I did a comparison build and price on both 2016 Kia Forte and Honda Civic top end sedans (SX versus EX Honda Sensing). The Honda is a few thousand dollars more. For that kind of money, I can put up with a little "fun" to drive. In fact, if fun is important to me, I'd go for a Camaro or Mustang.
+Peter Shum you seem to have made a good analysis tailored to yr needs. it will inevitably generate the best possible purchase.
I think you nailed it on the head when compared to the Mazda3 and the new Civic. It doesn't need the extra warranty. Great review.
+MrViyasan :)
Hi,
I really liked your review. I agree with you on Steering wheel, Susupension tuning and overall fine tuning of a car as a unit. It looks great on paper and it does well in many departments but it just not there yet. Engine needs more refinement, Kia has issues with their steerings and its well documented on many models. I wish they solve these small issues and I will buy this car in a heart beat. I am now looking out for 2017 model with 7 Speed DCT. Hopefully they have solve some of these issues.
Anyways keep the good work up.
Cheers!
+Mogambo thanks for the props!
U don’t have sportmatic shifting ?
I believe the German cars seem more powerful because the torque kicks in at lower RPM's.
could be, thx for watching!
195 foot pounds at 1400 rpm, turn off the traction control.
I can't find a single review showing details of the trunk. Can the seats fold down COMPLETELY flat in the back to more easily hold cargo?
I don't understand why so many reviewers completely overlook the trunk. Very annoying.
duly noted
Autotrader has a Forte5 SX review and they show the Forte with the back seats completely put down, they said quote "With 26 cubic feet, it rivals full size sedans. There is so much room, it's like a miniature SUV".
@@JB-gf5mg thanks man, that's what I was looking for
Where this car shines is attainability if you wait a year and get it used.....ccompared to the rivals that outdo it when new, you can save 5-8 thousand with a car under 30k whereas the mazda and hondas would have depreciated around 4-5 and would have above 30k. With that kind of savings you can upgrade suspension bits, leave the steering in sport mode and enjoy the little things you would not have gotten. That's what I did....now I do sometimes wish I had gotten the Mazda but I fell in love with the turbo and the rear passenger ingress.. It's tighter in the 3. Didnt look at the civic because it's a first year release, and I'd rather wait until the powertrain is field tested and the hatchback is out.
it is practical and is the best ergonomic proposition of its rivals. Sitting in front or in back, it is very good.
My bestfriend mother has the EX but it has the SX options and packages and I'm in love with it I honestly can't wait till I am able to afford the Kia forte5 SX turbo where I'm from no has this car everyone is into German cars and I'm all about being different and this car would fit me anyways 😇
+Ahmad Harris and also, dont forget the killer-peace-of-mind warranty. It also looks very good.
absolutely
I have this car. your review is good but how does the mazda3 beat this?
I guess the interior is slicker, the drive is bit more high level. But it is debateable for the overall. It really is my opinion...
The Kia has many styling cues from VW Golf/GTI of years past which is something I'm noticing and wished Kia had given more thought into. They say Kia/Hyundai has a tendency to copy their rivals which again isn't necessarily bad if the competition's formula for success is paying dividends. It is a very understated yet highly functional design so it can't be all bad.
At the end of the day, it is a car that gives its buyer a balanced package without paying premium dollars.
good artists copy, great artists steal
Funny, you didn't look like an Apple hipster in the video.
ha ha ha, I think it is Pablo Picasso no?
Good review. This car is actually very appealing, especially when considering all the equipment you can get with it at a reasonable price point. I test drove the sx turbo hatchback version with the automatic and manual transmission. Good car, but just not quite there yet. The new 2017 model will have the new Kia/Hyundai 7 speed dct, which in my opinion will help a lot as far as getting the 201 hp to translate into a more powerful feeling car that gets the power down on the road more efficiently. It should also help with the mpg #'s. I thought the fact that this is a 4 cylinder turbo that takes regular unleaded is a big plus for this car, since other 4 cylinder turbo's say premium unleaded "recommended" (if not required for optimum performance). I think this car is in an unusual position as far as being somewhat competitive to the VW/GTI and Ford Focus ST as far as hatchbacks go, but again; just not quite there yet. I think the new transmission coming for 2017 will help close the gap a little more between it and the VW/GTI and Focus ST. Many people may scoff at that, but I think Kia has come a long way with this car, and if you take into account the price point this car can be had at, it can be a viable alternative. To me its about 90% of the performance of a GTI, for about $5000 less, and you get more equipment and options with the Kia, and a much better warranty. I completely agree with the comments about the new Honda Civic. Although I haven't driven the new Civic, I would imagine its 174 hp 1.5L turbo feels better and smoother than this Kia's current 201 hp 1.6L turbo. I have said it before, and I will repeat it: I'm very interested in seeing what Honda finally comes up with for the new Civic SI. That car should change everything in this category of sporty economy cars and so called hot hatchbacks; if/when they decide to release that version of the new Civic.
+Boateng 2018 well, I think it needs a refresh to remain the value leader. It isn't behind by a lot but it needs a nudge
+Boateng 2018 I agree with a lot of what you say
Yes I agree. It needs a refresh to be more competitive from a performance perspective, and definitely from a value perspective. Especially with the newer offerings now available such as the redesigned Honda Civic. Kia's top trim level package is very interesting. It has things like the heated steering wheel you pointed out in the review, heated rear seats, and cooled driver seat that is also adjustable with 2 memory settings. These are all little conveniences that you dont expect from an economy car. I also should mention that I recently test drove the 2016 Hyundai veloster turbo with that new 7 speed dct, and it did really seem to make a difference as far as the power delivery and overall gear aggressiveness.
Every review I have read says something like "This car is good but not quite there. Such and such is missing or can be improved upon. The next year's will address that." The only problem is, people can't keep waiting for next year! I just bought the 2016 Forte sedan SX with a big manufacturer discount. I would love to have the new safety features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, etc. that are available with the 2017 model. But if I wait, there won't be any big incentive on the new 2017 models. Also some reviewers will say that a new model design always comes with bugs so I should wait for a year or two for Kia to work out the bugs. So am I to wait until 2019????
Drive a manual and you can downshift all you want.
yes, thx for watching
The manual for this specific trim level he was testing is absolute dog shit.
Screw Mazda they suck I test drove one and loved the petal shifting he's not even using them
Same exact car as the Hyundai Volester.
doesn't the veloster have a much harder suspension? thx for watching
Veloster based on Hyundai Accent. This car sister to Hyundai Elantra
Wait, I am confused did you review the 201hp Forte5 SX turbo? Or...? Because the GTI actually has a20 more horsepower, but in a race I was able to keep up with a GTI no problem. However, I have the SX Turbo, which as 195 pounds of torque. I believe you have the standard 185 naturally aspirated Forte5, NOT the turbo SX version so comparing it to the GTI is ridiculous!
sx turbo mot as fast as GTI... you raced defective Gti or older. thx for watching
So you didn't have an Forte5 SX model then with the turbo?
2015 Forte5 SX 0-60 in 7 seconds. 2015 VW GTI -0-60 in 7.5 seconds.www.zeroto60times.com/vehicle-make/volkswagen-0-60-mph-times/
try them both... the GTI is in another world performance wise
What are you watching the video on ? When he pops the Hood you can clearly see it says Turbo GDi.