Kia Forte 2019 Philippines Review: Many new features that you can't resist

Kia is among the brands that have gained popularity in the Philippines in recent years. The Korea-based manufacturer continues to innovate their products in order to meet the needs of not just their clients, but also of changing the industry and environmental standards.

The Forte is one of their models that have long been gone in the market and is now making a comeback. Launched during the recent 16^th MIAS (Manila International Auto Show), the 2019 Kia Forte Philippines impressed the audience with its new and improved eye-catching look.

Kia Forte 2019 showcased at MIAS 2019

Now let’s take a closer look at this new sedan through our Kia Forte 2019 Philippines review brought by Philkotse.com.

Before starting to have a deeper look, it is worth to note that the Kia Forte 2019 is available in LX, EX, and GT variants.

The C-type compact sedan is crafted with hot-stamped and advanced high-strength steel, for increased torsional rigidity. It is also a material that can absorb jolts efficiently. In the event of untoward incidents like collisions, the passenger cell remains intact.

2019 Kia Forte - Review & Road Test

The 2019 Kia Forte exterior's sporty vibe is led by a tiger nose grille that is perfectly balanced with its sharp and dynamic lines. To make sure that it looks good at every angle, Kia loaded it with sleek projector headlights and a front bumper that seems to integrate seamlessly into the rest of the body.

Kia Forte 2019: C-type compact sedan

More than looks, the 2019 Kia Forte offers practicality in spades, with ample space for both passengers and cargo. First, there are two cup holders in the front, which are located between the passenger seat and hand brake. Just further above the cup holders, there is a compact bin where you can store small items.

Folding down the central armrest between the rear seats reveals two more cup holders for convenience, although this reduces the seating space at the back. The trunk itself is cavernous at 502 liters, easily expandable with the 60/40 split-fold rear seats for carrying longer items.

The 60/40 split-fold rear seats

>>> Refer to our cars for sale section to widen your choice.

The Kia Forte 2019 interior is loaded with features that will surely provide comfort, one of which is the 3.5-in. multi-function LED display that shows essential information such as speed, temperature, and distance at a glance.

The 8-inch touchscreen display’s multimedia connectivity will keep everyone entertained despite heavy traffic, while the automatic climate control helps keep the heat at bay. The GT and EX variants of this new Kia Forte come with extra vents for the benefit of the rear passengers.

The front console is user-friendly and loaded with features

>>> Related: Kia Forte for sale by reliable sellers on Philkotse

A 1.6L D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) or T-GDI (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection) gasoline engine powers the 2019 Kia Forte drivetrain, delivering a maximum output of 204PS and torque of 265Nm at 6,000RPM.

It is also highly responsive, thanks to the six-speed automatic transmission (EX and LX) or the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox on the GT variant.

2019 Kia Forte can produce a maximum output of 204 PS

The features intended for the safety of the driver, passengers, and the pedestrian are always the most critical points of buying a car, and the Kia Forte 2019 offers its fair share. It comes standard with an anti-lock braking system and six airbags. EX and GT variants also come with Electronic Stability Control.

>>> Related: Kia Forte 2017 for sale

There’s also a rear camera display with integrated parking guide, useful when backing into (or out of) a parking space. Hill assist control is also offered on the EX and GT, as well as a front and back parking distance warning system on the latter.

Lastly, the GT is equipped with an electrochromic rearview mirror, enhancing driver safety by automatically dimming in case of high beams coming from the rear. This prevents glare and discomfort which might affect driving.

Anti-glare and auto dimming rear view mirror

The 2019 Kia Forte comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, and is available at the following prices:

>>> View full price list of Kia Philippines

We all have our own car preferences because of our different lifestyles. That said, the 2019 Forte looks to be a well-rounded offering from Kia; its size, capacity, and features are suitable for a wide range of customers, whether singles, couples or a family of four.

The LX is ideal for those who are likely to spend most of their time on flat terrains, such as city streets and highways. Meanwhile, the hill assists feature on the EX and GT models is useful for those who will be driving on uphill areas such as Tagaytay, Baguio, and Benguet.

The EX and GT models are best suited for uphill drives

The Kia Forte 2019 Philippines is surely among the best vehicles that you can bring home! Kia made sure that its comeback to the market is not without fanfare. Loaded with features that bring comfort, performance, and safety, the 2019 Kia Forte presents a good value proposition in its class.