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If absolute power corrupts absolutely, I'm guilty.
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Stylish Kia Forte Sedan Challenges Toyota and Honda ModelsKia is pushing limits and raising expectations with its new compact Forte sedan. The 2010 Forte, which replaces Spectra, could cause Toyota to put some style in the next Corolla and make Honda look over its shoulder to protect the Civic's turf. Forte — pronounced For-tay — is the first compact, Kia says, to offer a USB port, satellite radio and Bluetooth phone connection as standard equipment. Also standard are safety features: such as six air bags, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. Available in LX, EX and SX models, prices range from $14,390 to $18,890. The EX test car has a starting price of $17,490 and was $18,090 with the Fuel Economy Package, $600. The LX is the price leader with crank windows, limited color choices and limited access to conveniences. The EX piles on the extras, and SX pushes sporty with a slightly larger engine, tighter suspension and larger front brakes, and 17-inch wheels with performance tires. The fuel economy package applies such refinements as a five-speed automatic, electric power steering and "silica" tires to stretch mileage to 27/36. The 16-inch, low-rolling resistance tires can be noisy on concrete highways, but that is more than overcome by the six-speaker audio system with steering-wheel controls. Forte's cabin architecture pushes limits for size — 40 inches of headroom, 43.3 inches of legroom in the front and 35 inches of rear legroom, on a three-seat bench that doesn't cheat on thigh support or comfortable back angle. The trunk is wide and accessible with 14.7 cubic feet of space. A folding back seat is standard on EX and SX, optional on LX. A fold-down armrest with cup holders is a good territory divider for siblings. Missing from the back seat is a head restraint at the center position. DESIGN Kia is also showing ability in design. The Forte is an attractive car with interesting lines and angles that won't appear gimmicky and tired before the warranty expires, which is five years for basic coverage and 10 years for powertrain. The two-tone interior design is fresh with a quality appearance to plastics and alignment of parts. The seat fabric appears durable with a meshlike weave to the center portions. The EX seats have supportive bolstering and seat bottoms to hold full-figured American occupants. Driver controls are logically placed and boldly presented with large (but not tacky) graphics and controls. Sightlines are good for over the shoulder and front fenders. Nice touches on all models include lighted gauges, grab handles at all passenger seats, and fabric-covered visors with extenders and large, covered mirrors. Storage areas are carved into most available spaces, including the door panels and a shift-console bin with two 12-volt plugs and an iPod connector. Turn-signal indicators are integrated with the outside mirrors. SPECS BOX 2010 Kia Forte EX Body style: compact, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive sedan Engine: aluminum 156-horsepower, DOHC 2.0 liter four-cylinder with continuously variable valve timing Transmission: five-speed automatic EPA fuel economy estimates: 27 mpg city, 36 highway; 87 octane recommended DIMENSIONS Trunk space: 14.7 cubic feet Front head/leg/shoulder room: 40/43.3/55.7 inches Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 37.8/35/54.7 inches Length/wheelbase: 178.3/104.3 inches Curb weight: 2,740 pounds FEATURES Standard equipment includes: remote locking, air conditioning, power windows-locks, map lamps, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, tweeter speakers, floor mats, six-speaker CD-MP3-satellite audio system, Bluetooth phone connection, 60/40 folding back seat, power mirrors with exterior signal indicators, visor extenders with covered vanity mirrors Safety features include: six air bags (including side curtains), front active head restraints, 5 mph bumpers, ABS with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability and traction controls PRICING Base: $17,490, including $695 freight charge; price as tested, $18,090 Options on test car: Fuel Economy Package, $600, adds five-speed automatic
Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.Maynard@uniontrib.com. COPYRIGHT 2009 THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM. 
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