Kia Forte III (facelift 2021) 1.6 GDI (201 Hp)


Overall Rating

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Safety N/A / 5
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Engine N/A / 5
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Value N/A / 5
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Performance N/A / 5
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Comfort N/A / 5
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People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
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Kia Forte:

The Kia Forte , known as the K3 in Asia, the Forte K3 or Shuma in China and Cerato in South America, Australia, New Zealand and Russia, is a compact car manufactured by South Korean automaker Kia from mid-2008 until 2024, replacing the Kia Spectra. Throughout its production, it was available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback variants. It was not sold in Europe, which got the similarly sized Kia Ceed....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III (facelift 2021) Overview:

Kia Forte (III (facelift 2021)). With 264 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1356 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.6 GDI (201 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 8 stars

Performance Verdict

Delivers the same robust 201 Hp as its DCT counterpart, offering exhilarating performance. When paired with a manual transmission (implied by the lack of DCT/IVT), it provides maximum driver engagement and control.

Fuel Economy

The listed fuel economy of 9 l/100 km is higher than the DCT version, which is unusual for a manual. This might be due to specific testing conditions or market variations, but it's less efficient than the DCT.

Best Use Case: Driving Enthusiast / Track Day / Manual Control

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Stylish and modern exterior design
  • • Excellent value for money with generous standard features
  • • Available powerful turbocharged engine (GT trims)
  • • Comfortable ride quality for a compact sedan
  • • User-friendly infotainment system

Cons:

  • • Base 2.0 MPI engine can feel underpowered for some
  • • IVT transmission may not appeal to all drivers
  • • Interior materials can feel less premium in lower trims
  • • No all-wheel-drive option available
  • • Rear torsion beam suspension limits dynamic handling compared to rivals

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2019 - October, 2021).

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Forte
Generation:III (facelift 2021)
Modification (Engine):1.6 GDI (201 Hp)
Start of production:October, 2021
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Engine systems:Start & Stop System
Power:201 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:126.3 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:264 Nm @ 1500-4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Gamma II / G4FJ More details about the engine Gamma II / G4FJ
Engine displacement:1591
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC, D-CVVT
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6.9 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:77 mm mm
Piston Stroke:85.1 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9 l/100 km
Emission standard:ULEV70
Weight-to-power ratio:6.7 kg/Hp, 148.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.1 kg/Nm, 194.7 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1356
Max. weight:1760
Max load:404
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:433 l
Fuel tank capacity:53 l
Size:
Length:4641 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1801 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1435 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2700 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1544 mm
Rear (Back) track:1560 mm
Front overhang:902 mm
Rear overhang:1039 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):135 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.6 m [above average]
Approach angle:14.1°
Departure angle:19°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs, 304.8 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 261.62 mm [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size225/40 R18
Wheel rims size7.5J x 18
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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