Story & photo by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
ACCORDING to Chinese culture, people associated with the lucky number “3” have strong personalities. They also possess mystical abilities and powerful creativity. With an instinct for art, they prefer to create the sense of beauty in life.
The number “3” for Koreans, particularly a specific carmaker, means something else, however.
While other car manufacturers usually introduce new vehicles with only one or perhaps two body styles, Columbian Autocar Corp. (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Korean vehicles in the country, recently unveiled the comeback car Kia Forte in three types.
To cater to consumers with different personalities and tastes, CAC reintroduced the Forte in four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and the two-door Koup versions.
“The three Kia Forte variants relate to different markets, but at the end of the day, they all carry the renowned Kia name and, with it, is a guarantee of refreshing interiors, compelling styles and powerful road performance,” CAC President Ginia Domingo said.
First on this list is the entry-level four-door sedan variant. The 1.6 EX A/T carries a price tag of P965,000. Among the three, this car is the most elegantly styled and the most versatile. It’s patterned for individuals who want to stand out from the rest of the sedans offered in the market. At first glance, its classic timeless exterior is what Kia thinks a typical four-door sedan should offer.
It is then complemented by standard 205/55R16 tires, and available in five colors: Temptation Red, Planet Blue, Aurora Black, Snow White Pearl and Metal Stream.
Inside, the driver is instantly treated to bliss, thanks to the Smart Key passive-entry system with push-button engine start/stop. Moreover, it gives him or her a list of plush standard features, including dual-zone climate control and a tilt/telescopic steering column with leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel.
It also has satellite controls for the audio system, as well as access to the FLEX Steer system that varies effort and feedback from the motor-driven power-steering (MDPS) system.
Under its hood, the Forte sedan is only available with a 1.6-liter Gamma 16-valve four-cylinder engine that breathes 130 hp at 6,300 rpm and 157 N-m of torque at 4,850 rpm. Power is channeled through the front wheels using a six-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and cruise control.
Next, the range-topping Forte hatchback is a European-inspired five-door, which offers ample space for the driver, passengers and luggage, while providing the usual sporty, dynamic and polished look of a hatchback. Meanwhile, holding the road on all fours are its 215/45R17 tires.
The hatchback sports the 2.0-liter Nu 16-valve four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. While the sedan and Koup only both receive dual SRS airbags, ABS and a rear-parking camera, the hatchback levels up a notch higher with front and rear proximity sensors that go with the rear-parking camera, as well as Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist (HAS) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
Officially the flagship model of the Forte family, the hatchback retails for P1.19 million and comes in Racing Red, Planet Blue, Aurora Black, Snow White Pearl and Metal Stream colors.
Last and certainly making the Forte family an amazing threesome, the Koup comes as a rare find among vehicles of its segment. First, it brings back the two-door appeal of compacts last seen in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Although serving only as the midrange model, the Koup is still sleeker and sportier compared to its other two siblings. Even if the Koup is shorter by 30mm overall, it still offers ample legroom for both the driver and rear passengers. Being sports-oriented like the hatchback, it also suits 215/45R17 tires.
Although the Koup’s convenience features can also be found in the sedan, it’s still considered lucky to get even more luxurious touches, such as a one-touch driver and passenger window.
The Koup comes to life through its 2.0-liter Nu 16-valve four-cylinder engine that boasts of 161 hp at 6,500 rpm and 194 N-m of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Like the sedan, it’s mated solely to a six-speed automatic, which is controlled by paddle shifters along with sport mode and cruise control.
It is offered in Racing Red, Snow White Pearl and Aurora Black, and retails for P1.09 million.
“The all-new Forte truly exudes a dynamic presence on the road, and we can’t wait for everyone to try a different driving experience aboard any of the three Forte variants,” Domingo added.
Talented and able, the new Kia Forte is, indeed, sexier in threes.