KIA Forte GT Sedán 2020 debuta

[Lexman.]

 

Keeping their respective distance, it can be said that the GT is for KIA, what the ST are for Ford, the R / T for Dodge and even the FR for SEAT. That is, these are cars that, although they have a good performance, are perfectly usable on a day-to-day basis.
 

In fact, to affirm its enthusiastic image, in recent months, the brand has given greater prominence to the sports line, and what better proof than its most recent launch, the KIA Forte GT Sedan 2020, the new “bad boy”, which , although it does not look like it, it has its own personality that allows it to join the Forte GT Hatchback and the Stinger GT itself.
 

At first glance, it looks like a Forte GT-Line, but adds a couple of distinctive elements such as a more aggressive grille with red and dark chrome frames, LED optical groups, functional air intakes, dual exhaust pipes, as well as Spoiler and rear diffuser.
 

Inside doors, the highlights are the leather seats with red stitching, D-wheel, Harman Kardon audio system and an eight-inch touch screen. In comfort, connectivity with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, wireless smartphone charger, dual zone air conditioning, as well as KSA to connect functionality with MyKIA + is included.
 

Regarding safety, a start-up assistant on slopes, 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS brakes, Isofix anchoring system, stability management system (VSM) and four-wheel disc brakes are included.



 

As for the iron, there is good news, since the aggressive image of the Forte GT Sedan, is backed by the well-known 1.6 l GDi Turbo four-cylinder engine capable of producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Unlike its brother hatchback, this three-volume version is coupled only to a seven-way double clutch automatic transmission.
 

According to KIA, this sedan that has a trunk of 502 liters capacity, is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.5 seconds, while the fuel efficiency is 17.07 km / l in the combined cycle.

 

By chance or perhaps as a declaration of intent, but the presentation of the KIA Forte GT Sedan 2020 was held at the Miguel E. Abed Autodrome in Amozoc, Puebla, track, where we recently drove the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, a model that together with Nissan Sentra NISMO and Honda Civic Sedan Turbo, are indicated by the South Korean brand as the direct rivals of the last member of the GT range.
 

It was in this scenario, where we realized that the Forte GT Sedan, more or less maintains the manners of his brother hatchback. In fact, its acceleration, although progressive, is also not aggressive or unleashed, but it provides enough power both to have a little fun, and to make overtaking on the road with full safety.
 

To keep everything under control, the Forte Sedan GT uses a McPherson suspension system forward, while the rear is independent multi-link. This configuration, together with the characteristics of a sedan, allows you to take the curves better planted than the hatchback.



 

It really pleases how the car cheats you a little by letting you slightly dislodge the rear before the electronic assists enter. It lets you play with total security. In addition, the sound of the escape, although it sounds a little forced at times, increases the sensations of speed. The operation of the change paddles is adequate, but when they reach 7,000 rpm, it does not retain the selected speed, protecting itself from abuse.
 

By the way, the brake discs are larger than a "normal" Forte which is evidenced by its good resistance to fatigue), at the same time as for Mexico the decision was made to mount 225/45 R17 tires. In the United States, the wheels are 18 inches, but the brand considered that, although visually they contribute a lot, they compromise their daily walk due to the state of the roads of our country.

PRELIMINARY CONCLUSION

 

Now, with our experience at the Miguel E. Abed Autodrome, if we make a slight comparison with the Jetta GLI, we have a slightly less refined, effective and technically complex car, but instead it is more fun. It is not a remote control automaton like the Volkswagen, and that has its charm. Fun under control. Of course, the interior quality and equipment, are slightly below, which explains its tag of $ 451,900 pesos.
 

In front of the Nissan Sentra Nismo, you have the advantage of having more power and a robotic transmission (here it is more a matter of taste) also gives the impression of being better balanced. Finally, the fair thing would be for the Civic Si to be offered in Mexico, which with its 205 horses would be a frontal rival of this KIA.



Under the hood, the Forte GT features a 1.6 l GDi engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, which is coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch housing. @KiaMotorsMexico says it rivals VW Jetta GLI, Nissan Sentra Nismo and Honda Civic Turbo.