The Undercard Champ: Kia Forte SX Sedan

We tested the 156 horsepower 2.0 liter Kia Forte EX sedan earlier in the year and were so impressed with the car and its willing engine that we ended up buying the 2-door version called the Koup with the same engine. Now we drove the more desirable SX version which has a vigorous 2.4 liter inline-4 with 173bhp, the same powerplant used in the Sorento and Hyundai Tucson, which can either be married to a 6-speed manual or in our test unit, a 5-speed manumatic compared to the 2.0 liter’s options of a 5-speed manual or archaic 4-speed slush box. Both the good looking sedan and coupé are offered in the Philippines but are unfortunately on the highest end of the price point in the market. Thankfully we enjoy at least 5 of the 7 year warranty offered in the US market to help compensate. The front brakes are marginally bigger on paper by 0.8 inches; 11.8 inches up front and the same 10.3 inches units at the rear compared to the 2.0 liter variants, but look more attractive and substantially bigger when seen through the 17” wheels. Functionality-wise the systems work equally with just a slight more resistance to fade on the SX. The brake system does work similarly with the EX because the SX also has to carry more weight due to the mechanical upgrades. Other bonuses of the SX are the added standard equipment like a moon roof, a 6 CD-in dash changer and leather seats. We mentioned this before but begs to be reminded again that the good looking design, strong warranty, and quality hardware are already plenty arguments for the car but when you also add the individualization and diversity of available colors and materials to choose from, even for a moment, you are given a sense that your buying a much more premium vehicle which essentially creates the elusive pride of ownership. The Forte SX, with this level of up rated hardware, makes everyday commuter driving feels a bit more entertaining. The caveat though is that you then get encouraged to drive harder exponentially only to find out that the rear end will throw out the towel earlier than you would expect. However, having said that, we are describing aggressive driving best suited in a circuit. Ultimately the SX is the more desirable model to have with the most bang for your buck. It would definitely be the quickest and most spirited in its class if offered in our market. Hopefully with more aggressive pricing, Kia Philippines may yet still be coerced into importing a few halo units. Originally posted in C! Magazine April 2010 Edition Author: Kevin Limjoco