This is my Kia Forte LX. It has a 6 speed manual and not a whole lot else. It’s pretty comfortable, at least compared to the ST. Driving dynamics are for shit. Manual is in my opinion is terrible. I am glad I have this, I essentially drive in a 3rd world country (Surrey, sorry Haadoke) so wanted something that I didn’t care about.
It doesn’t feel like my car.. more of a permanent rental. The payments/insurance is mostly covered by my car allowance. The mileage and depreciation can be written off on my income tax. The gas is fully paid by my firm. So I don’t see any real financial impact from it, further reinforcing the permanent rental feel.
What it does have is Bluetooth, a trip computer, steel wheels and power locks/windows. No key-less entry, AC, backup camera or touchscreen.
I bought the car, brand new for $11720CDN or $9019.86USD plus taxes. Insurance cost me $2752.32 for a year.
The steering wheel has call controls and trip controls. I really like the trip controls because not only does it track my mileage, it tracks the elapsed time of the trip. This is great because all of my time and mileage is billable.
I cleaned the interior, but it could probably use another dust/vacuum. New cars are always disgusting.
The car can only be locked/unlocked from the extiorior via the keyholes. No remote to be seen. I don’t really care about this, but a remote would have been nice.
The trunk is the biggest I have ever had (compared to the Fiesta ST and CX-3). It will eventually be filled with lots of equipment. That’s just my jacket, man purse and “claim bag”
