Next to an attractive financing package and brand loyalty, a better level of features might help to persuade the customer to buy the car.
And that’s where the new Forte 2.0 SX from Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd may hold the trump card.
Since its entry some two years ago, it had no formidable rival (price-wise) until recently when the Proton Inspira, the localised version of the Mitsubishi Lancer, stormed in.
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The Forte’s ability to hold sway over buyers has become more urgent, and the introduction of a six-speed automatic transmission is expected to brush up its appeal.
This is a compact gearbox that Hyundai has developed in-house and has applied about 300 patents for.
Some of its engineering highlights are that it weighs 5kg lighter than existing five-speed automatic transmissions, has 62 fewer parts, and is marginally shorter by 6mm.
In performance, Hyundai says its new six-speed transmission is far superior to a four-speed automatic, boasting an 8% improvement in fuel economy; and being 15% faster in the 0-100kph sprint and 17% quicker in 60-100kph passing acceleration.
Other relevant notes are that the first gear ratio is made 11% taller than in the older transmission for better uphill performance and standing starts, while the sixth gear is set 2.5% longer to improve fuel economy and provide a better top speed while running at lower engine revs.
Hyundai says the torque converter, which transfers the power from the engine to the front wheels, is made more compact and light without sacrificing its robust and durable qualities.
That is important when the new six-speed automatic transmission has to handle 156bhp at 6,200rpm and 194Nm of torque at 4,300rpm from the 2.0-litre variable valve Theta II engine with double overhead camshafts.
The proof of the pudding is in the driving: you hear less of the engine as you mosey along and it turns at lower revs, both in urban traffic and on the highway.
At 100-110kph, the engine is hardly stretched turning at an easy 2,100 to 2,300rpm, and that’s where you gain in fuel economy.
If you have a full passenger load, you might notice the transmission hunting for the right gear to handle the momentum on the various degree of road incline.
This is smoothly executed and you probably won’t notice it as the gear ratios are pretty close and the difference in engine revs is quite negligible.
When it comes to driving fast through winding roads, it would be best to take control though. That is to select the gear yourself rather than let the transmission do the work.
Merely push the gearshift to the right and you have two options to do the manual shift: you can push or pull the gearshift to upshift or downshift, or you can use the steering wheel paddles.
By doing the gearshifts manually, you won’t feel the jerk that occurs when you floor the accelerator and the transmission automatically selects a low gear suddenly. It is not only uncomfortable but stability can be affected, making the stability control system work harder to keep the Forte stable.
As our drives were mostly urban in nature, and a short drive through a winding Ulu Langat stretch to gauge the Forte’s dynamic character, we were not able to gauge the fuel economy aspect. There is a fuel mileage indicator but some robust driving saw mileage dropping sharply as expected.
In dynamic performance, the Forte is an understeerer with the traction control system activated and the tyre screeches readily as you push the car through a corner.
Switching the system off brought on a more neutral character that allowed us to push the car a little quicker.
Six-speed transmission aside, the Forte 2.0 SX is not short on features to complement its bold and forward profile. The 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tyres add well to its brash looks.
Stepping inside, the black leather seats provide the overall ambience in premium standing, while the metal floor pedals lend a sporty touch. There are many convenience features that make driving the Forte a pleasure.
The pushbutton start-and-stop item is our favourite. As long as you have the key fob in your pocket or handbag, you merely need to press this button to start or stop the engine. Similarly, you lock or unlock the car doors via a button on the door handle.
Another likeable item is the backview display that appears on the rearview mirror when reverse gear is engaged.
We feel this is the best location for the display (unlike many cars in which it appears on the centre dash screen monitor) as it is just a little above eye-level.
A chink in the armour would have to be the electronic window winder: it only goes one-touch down. It would be great if it would go one-touch up as well.
The Forte is roomy enough for four adults to travel in comfort, although five would be cosy.
The 60:40 split rear seatrests allow for longer items to be carried when needed. Our previous experience with the Forte in a drive from Penang to KL some two years ago highlighted a quiet ride on highways.
At RM97,800, the locally assembled Forte 2.0 SX is cheaper against the Japanese rivals, while its six-speed autobox should stand it well against the Proton Inspira 2.0 CVT.
