For between $13,695 and $18,195, you can purchase a brand new 2010 Kia Forte. This renamed Spectra marks the beginning of a new era for Kia in the segment. The Forte is a sharp looking, feature-packed and surprisingly inexpensive small sedan. Its good looks were born in a California design studio. It will attract your eye with its smooth, clean and somewhat assertive appearance, easily converting fans of the Chevrolet Aveo. It lacks clutter and any unnecessary flash. The fact that it has been presented with moderation intact will most likely mean that it will be around for a long time. It's a proportionate vehicle - everything seems just right. At first glance you may find it to be overly simplistic, but upon closer inspection, you will see that it is actually quite elegant and flowing.

The 2010 Forte from Kia is a wonderful blend of upscale features and no-nonsense practicality. There are two choices for engines: a 2.0L 156hp 4-cylinder for the EX and LX trims and a heftier 2.4L 173hp 4-cylinder for the sporty SX trim. Transmission wise, the EX and LX trims come stock with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox or optional 4-speed automatic - while the SX trim receives a stock 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic.

Especially when you consider the price point of the 2010 Forte, it's quite a sophisticated automobile - much more so than budget buyers are accustomedto. These little cars accelerate from standing still to 60 miles an hour in just slightly over 8 seconds. Responsive hydraulic steering performs excellently and ride quality is pleasingly smooth, especially at higher speeds. Dips and bumps over all terrains are absorbed effortlessly. The suspension system has been developed nicely and even performs well by not nosediving under extreme braking circumstances.

Passenger space is again surprising due to the tall roofline and wide body design. Although the Forte for 2010 lacks overly spacious seats, there is more than adequate shoulder, leg and headroom allow for plenty of comfort. In the rear of the vehicle, there is generous space for two grown adults or three children to ride comfortably. Vibrations and noise are muffled and smoothed away even on the roughest of roads. Further, cargo space is plenteous in the large trunk of the Forte.

A surplus of standard safety features also grace the Kia Forte. Active front head restraints, braking assist systems, electronic stability control, long side curtain air bags, double side airbags mounted in the seats, tire pressure monitoring and more all act in conjunction to keep you and your passengers optimally safe. Fuel efficiency ratings are excellent, especially if you purchase the EX Fuel Economy Package. So equipped, your Forte will deliver 27/36 mpg city/highway.

Taking advantage of the low base pricing of the 2010 Kia Forte allows you to opt for luxurious features including Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, voice-activated audio systems, upgraded upholstery, sport-tuned suspension, 17 inch alloy wheels, beefier brakes and much more. From every angle that you look at it, the Forte is a serious contender. It looks good. It's fun to drive. It's budget friendly. It's a loaded with standard features. There's not a lot more you can ask for realistically in any automobile.