Kia Forte: Variants explained

Inspired by Kia’s flagship performance oriented grand tourer, the Stinger, the Kia Forte has gone on to become one of the most stunning looking midsize sedans in the market right now. With taut lines and premium fit and finish, the Kia Forte offers you the premium feel of cars from the segment above.

Like in most of the international markets, the Kia Forte is available in the Philippines in three different variants – entry-level LX, mid-level EX, and the top-of-the-line GT. Apart from the expected differences between all the three variants in terms of features, there are a couple of mechanical differences between them as well. Read on to know about them.

Base variant – LX

Starting off with the most affordable of the lot, the Kia Forte LX is well equipped enough to give the high-end variants of the entry-level sedans a run for their money. Priced at Php 1,095,000, the Forte LX comes fitted with a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder dual VVT petrol engine. This engine is coupled with a six-speed torque converter and pumps out a maximum power output of 128 PS along with a peak torque of 155 Nm.

On the outside, the Kia Forte LX gets projector headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and LED combination tail lamps at the rear. Step into the cabin and the LX variant is decently equipped with features like a 2-DIN infotainment system, steering mounted audio and Bluetooth controls,

electrically adjustable rear view mirrors, tilt adjustable steering, height adjustable driver’s seat, 3.5-inch MID screen in instrument console, 60:40 split folding seats at the rear, dual cup holders in front console as well as rear armrest, and manual AC. The Kia Forte LX has been equipped with basic safety essentials like dual front SRS airbags, reverse parking sensors, and ABS with EBD.

Mid-level variant – EX

Positioned above the entry-level LX variant, the Forte EX retains the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with the six-speed gearbox from the former. The Kia Forte price for the EX variant is Php 1,195,000.
In addition to the projector headlamps as well as LED combination tail lamps at the rear, the EX variant also gets chrome waistline garnish around the windows. The wheels are upsized from 16-inch units to 17-inch ones.

When it comes to the interior, the EX variant adds in some premium features like an eight-inch touch screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, reverse camera with parking guidelines, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents, push-button start with keyless entry, electrically foldable rear view mirrors, full leather upholstery,

automatic headlamps and wipers, cruise control, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and one-touch electric sunroof. The list of safety features also sees the addition of Electronic Stability Control and Hill Start Assist. The color options in the EX variant have been shared with the LX variant.

Top-spec variant – GT

The top-of-the-line GT variant is not only the most premium variant of the Kia Forte here but it also is the sportiest looking variant as well. Inspired by the Stinger GT, the Forte GT also comes with a powerful powertrain as well as its own set of cosmetic additions. This variant will set you back by Php 1,650,000.

The Kia Forte specs tell that while the GT variant comes with the same 1.6-litre dual VVT petrol engine, the mill here is turbocharged. Due to this, the performance numbers see a major bump as it now produces 204 PS of maximum power and 265 Nm of peak torque. The six-speed torque converter has been replaced by a more advanced 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.

Another major differentiating aspect in the Forte GT is the cosmetic additions. On the outside, the GT variant has been blessed with red-accented radiator grille, glossy black intakes, GT badges on the side sill garnish, dual exhaust pipes at the rear, and a boot mounted rear spoiler. On the inside, the GT variant welcomes racing-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel, contrast red stitching on the dashboard, steering wheel and seats, paddle shifters, alloy foot pedals, and sporty front seats.

The list of comfort and convenience features sees the addition of an electrochromic rearview mirror, wireless smartphone charger, ventilated front seats with lumbar support & memory function, and LED illumination within the cabin. Lastly, when it comes to safety features, the GT variant gets side and curtain airbags as well as front parking sensors along with the safety features that we have already seen on the LX and EX models.

Also Read:- Kia Seltos: Variants explained