Is This The Korean Civic Si? Yes And No - 2020 Kia Forte GT
video description
Date: 2020-05-15
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 10
Alex
The Civic Si has been the benchmark for compact performance sedans on a budget, now there's a Kia for that. The new Forte GT. Kia has managed to so drastically undercut the price of the Civic Si, that a fully-loaded 2020 Forte GT is actually less than a base Civic Si. In a segment where performance is just as important as affordability, the Forte GT might even be seen ad the new benchmark. It may not have the finesse of the Civic Si, but for the price you'll get features not offered on the Civic at any price, a better infotainment system, longer warranty, and. a bit more personality. The real win for the Forte GT is of course the price tag, because it neatly answers all the questions from GTI/GLI/Si fans. Is it as refined? No, but it's way less expensive. Is it as powerful as a GTI? No, but it's way less expansive. Does it have a limited slip? No, but it's way less expensive. That's the best argument to be had in the auto biz.
reply
The Civic Si has been the benchmark for compact performance sedans on a budget, now there's a Kia for that. The new Forte GT. Kia has managed to so drastically undercut the price of the Civic Si, that a fully-loaded 2020 Forte GT is actually less than a base Civic Si. In a segment where performance is just as important as affordability, the Forte GT might even be seen ad the new benchmark. It may not have the finesse of the Civic Si, but for the price you'll get features not offered on the Civic at any price, a better infotainment system, longer warranty, and. a bit more personality. The real win for the Forte GT is of course the price tag, because it neatly answers all the questions from GTI/GLI/Si fans. Is it as refined? No, but it's way less expensive. Is it as powerful as a GTI? No, but it's way less expansive. Does it have a limited slip? No, but it's way less expensive. That's the best argument to be had in the auto biz.
reply
Stephen
Coming from someone who drives a GTI and a KIA Sorento I have to say that KIA once again hits the ball out of the park with the new Forte, especially the GT model. If I won a raffle that gave me a choice among the vehicles Alex cites in the video I'd probably opt for the GLI based on my long experience with the GTI and its superb EA888 engine. But I'm not a recent college grad laboring under a massive student loan debt in what is (and will be for quite some time) an uncertain economic climate. Nor am I a family breadwinner with a budget that makes a several thousand dollar price difference a major issue. And for those and many other consumers the Forte's generous dose of features, enjoyable driving dynamics, and extensive bumper-to-bumper and power train warranties make a compelling case for the Forte.
reply
Coming from someone who drives a GTI and a KIA Sorento I have to say that KIA once again hits the ball out of the park with the new Forte, especially the GT model. If I won a raffle that gave me a choice among the vehicles Alex cites in the video I'd probably opt for the GLI based on my long experience with the GTI and its superb EA888 engine. But I'm not a recent college grad laboring under a massive student loan debt in what is (and will be for quite some time) an uncertain economic climate. Nor am I a family breadwinner with a budget that makes a several thousand dollar price difference a major issue. And for those and many other consumers the Forte's generous dose of features, enjoyable driving dynamics, and extensive bumper-to-bumper and power train warranties make a compelling case for the Forte.
reply
Greg
The manual Forte GT can be a bit of trouble to find. I bought it in Black but if you have a very specific color in mind. You will likely be driving a long distance or wait for an order to be fulfilled. I actually couldn't find any of the DCT variant with the GT2 package. It's also worth noting that while the manual cant get all the options on the GT2. It does come with more than the basic DCT. As far as options go, it sits right between the DCT GT and the DCT GT2. That's why it costs a bit more.
reply
The manual Forte GT can be a bit of trouble to find. I bought it in Black but if you have a very specific color in mind. You will likely be driving a long distance or wait for an order to be fulfilled. I actually couldn't find any of the DCT variant with the GT2 package. It's also worth noting that while the manual cant get all the options on the GT2. It does come with more than the basic DCT. As far as options go, it sits right between the DCT GT and the DCT GT2. That's why it costs a bit more.
reply
Marc
For a family man who desperately wants a small fun to drive car, but knows that I've got a family and gear to fit, I pay a LOT of attention to trunk size. The Forte's trunk is larger than a Camry's for example. And while I generally prefer sedans to smoke and mirror hatchbacks that end up being less cargo-friendly, I am curious how this compares to the Hyundai GT N-line hatchback. Same engine I think, no? It is also available with a manual transmission.
reply
For a family man who desperately wants a small fun to drive car, but knows that I've got a family and gear to fit, I pay a LOT of attention to trunk size. The Forte's trunk is larger than a Camry's for example. And while I generally prefer sedans to smoke and mirror hatchbacks that end up being less cargo-friendly, I am curious how this compares to the Hyundai GT N-line hatchback. Same engine I think, no? It is also available with a manual transmission.
reply
Dana
Great review Alex - spot on. We picked up one of these a few months ago after test driving similar offerings from Honda, Mazda, and Hyundai. The value really sold us, but it's hard to miss the fit and finish and the smile factor when you mash down your right foot. The tuned exhaust is a hoot to listen to - reminds me of MUCH more expensive vehicles from across the pond. Cheers and keep up the great work!
reply
Great review Alex - spot on. We picked up one of these a few months ago after test driving similar offerings from Honda, Mazda, and Hyundai. The value really sold us, but it's hard to miss the fit and finish and the smile factor when you mash down your right foot. The tuned exhaust is a hoot to listen to - reminds me of MUCH more expensive vehicles from across the pond. Cheers and keep up the great work!
reply
Carlos
I just bought one at a discounted price of 20k plus tax and fees. The best way to describe it is it's a great value, especially if you compare it to a Corolla SE and XSE sedans. As for the Civic Si, they have their own customers. So I can really give an opinion on that. All I can say, it's a fun manual transmission Turbo economy sedan.
reply
I just bought one at a discounted price of 20k plus tax and fees. The best way to describe it is it's a great value, especially if you compare it to a Corolla SE and XSE sedans. As for the Civic Si, they have their own customers. So I can really give an opinion on that. All I can say, it's a fun manual transmission Turbo economy sedan.
reply
TheEquationSlayer
As someone who's been considering a used Civic Si, I will say they hold their value absurdly well. So the price difference might end up being less than it seems. I also think an LSD is a big deal for those looking to track/autocross. I prefer the styling of the Forte though.
reply
As someone who's been considering a used Civic Si, I will say they hold their value absurdly well. So the price difference might end up being less than it seems. I also think an LSD is a big deal for those looking to track/autocross. I prefer the styling of the Forte though.
reply
runfromcheney09
The warranty argument has more bite this year vs. the GLI since VW backtracked their generous 6/70K bumper to bumper warranty and now only warranty their cars for 4/50K. The shortest warranty of the bunch.
reply
The warranty argument has more bite this year vs. the GLI since VW backtracked their generous 6/70K bumper to bumper warranty and now only warranty their cars for 4/50K. The shortest warranty of the bunch.
reply
Steve
it's nice but I'd rather have a GLI. it lacks the warranty but drives better and looks better. To me the only benefit of the turbo in this car is if you live at altitude and need that turbo on hills.
reply
it's nice but I'd rather have a GLI. it lacks the warranty but drives better and looks better. To me the only benefit of the turbo in this car is if you live at altitude and need that turbo on hills.
reply
swinglow33
The manual doesn't sell well because the way it's marketed, it's mostly available on lower trim models. Most people want the extra goodies and for that, you have to settle for the automatic.
reply
The manual doesn't sell well because the way it's marketed, it's mostly available on lower trim models. Most people want the extra goodies and for that, you have to settle for the automatic.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
