The local compact-sedan scene has remained relatively unchanged over the past few years. When you bring up the segment, the first nameplates to come to mind are the usual industry staples: Honda Civic, Toyota Altis, Mazda 3. Anything past them is a distant second.
But could all this change with the arrival—or rather, the return—of the all-new Kia Forte?
Yes,
Let’s
Power-wise, the Civic’s 1.8-liter SOHC gasoline engine (139hp and 174Nm) easily trumps the Forte’s 1.6-liter DOHC (126hp and 155Nm). The Kia’s upside is that it has a slightly more polished interior featuring more leather bits and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. It also runs on larger 17-inch alloy wheels compared with the Civic’s 16-inchers.
The Forte also rides slightly higher with a 150mm ground clearance versus the Civic’s 133mm, though both share the same wheelbase length at 2,700mm. And then, of course, there’s the price difference: The Kia is a bit more expensive at P1,195,000 versus the Civic’s P1,168,000 price tag.
Anyway, take a look at the specs we’ve gathered for you below and let us know via the poll which compact sedan you would choose:
Honda Civic 1.8 E CVT |
Kia Forte 1.6 EX AT |
|
| Price (Philippine Peso) | 1,168,000 | 1,195,000 |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Engine | 1.8-liter SOHC gasoline | 1.6-liter DOHC gasoline |
| Power | 139hp @ 6,500rpm | 126hp @ 6,300rpm |
| Torque | 174Nm @ 4,300rpm | 155Nm @ 4,000rpm |
| Fuel tank capacity (liters) | 47 | 50 |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Paddle shifters | N/A | N/A |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Ventilated disc/solid disc | Disc/disc |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut with stabilizer | MacPherson strut with stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multilink | Coupled torsion-beam axle |
| Wheels | 16-inch alloys | 17-inch alloys |
| Tires | 215/55 R16 | 225/45 R17 |
| Seats | Fabric | Fabric |
| Steering wheel | Urethane with tilt and telescopic adjustment | Leather with tilt and telescopic adjustment |
| Ignition | Push-start | Key |
| Audio system | 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers | 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers |
| Climate control | Automatic | Automatic |
| Backup camera | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | Driver and passenger | Driver and passenger |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4,633 x 1,799 x 1,416 | 4,640 x 1,800 x 1,450 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 133 | 150 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,700 | 2,700 |
