the drive toward youth

2014 Kia Forte EX

When this cute little 2014 Kia Forte EX pulled up in front of my house in Abyss Blue, it pretty much screamed, “Here I am! Look at me!”

“Wow,” I thought. “That car is adorable – for Sara.” I was sure I would feel self-conscious test-driving it for the week because it had so much swagger.

Well, you know what happens when you assume.

It turns out the Forte and I are actually a perfect match. I may look middle-aged on the outside but, inside, I feel like I’m still 25. This Kia may be a hot little number with the body of a two-door on the outside but, inside, it’s wise and solid and has features that are well-suited to more, ahem, mature needs.

For example, because I am apparently no longer paying attention to my gas usage, the Forte gently sent me this message:

Gas warning in 2014 Kia Forte EX

It then gave me options for nearby gas stations so I could fill up immediately and forget about it for another 300 miles or so. I loved that, especially since I’ve always warned my kids that I would pick them up anywhere on a minute’s notice except if they were out of gas because there’s no excuse for letting the tank get to empty.

And notice that nice, large, easy-to-read screen, by the way. I didn’t have to squint to see what it was asking me, and it was so simple to get directions – and follow them – with the help of the top-notch navigation system.

Having test-driven a number of higher-end Kias, I take for granted some of their most valuable features, like the rear camera, front door handle light and auto-dimming mirror, but I still appreciate them every single time. The compact Forte – which glides right into small Southern California parking lot spaces – also boasts SUV-sized side mirrors, complete with turn signal indicators, and it even has these extra little windows that give you a better view of what’s going on around you. I’ve never seen those before. At first, I thought they were silly but, as the week went on, they became more and more awesome.

Features of the 2014 Kia Forte EX

The only criticism I do have of the Forte is its surprising lack of pick-up. For such a sporty car, it doesn’t always move too fast. But, hey, neither do I.

Because I felt so comfortable in the car, I spent much of the week behind the wheel, happily cruising up and down the 5, with my iPod cranked up and my hot flashes in check, thanks to the “cool” seat setting. I felt 30 years younger. I was convinced that great driving experiences were my forte but, in truth, the Forte was my great driving experience.

IPOD in 2014 Kia Forte EX

47 thoughts on “the drive toward youth

  1. That is a sweet looking car. I will have to keep that in mind when I am looking for a new car. My neighbor across the street recently bought a KIA with a glass roof and I thought it looked just amazing.

  2. I tried out the Chevy Volt and loved it, yet it wasn’t quite me. I own a Nissan Rogue and won’t buy another like it because the windows have a serious blind spot. I like your comment about the windows, now that I realize how important that is to me.

    1. The window thing was so weird because I really didn’t see the point of it at first. It’s such a good idea, though, as I realized pretty quickly.

  3. Yes, indeed, that’s a screaming blue car! So cute, though. And I love the low-gas message. Does it do the same when your tires need air? I’m rather phobic about not having properly inflated tires. No particular reason except for the stat I recently learned about the number of accidents related to improperly inflated tires. I need TPMS in my next car so my husband and I can stop arguing about the freakin’ tires.

    Excuse the rant…

    Love the post! And the car!

    1. OMG Now I’m freaked out about the tires, too. That is a fantastic idea, Lisa, to have the car tell you about low tires just like it tells you about low gas. KIA, are you listening? I know my husband’s car tells him the pressure of each tire when he starts the car but that wouldn’t mean anything to me. It needs to spell it out! Thanks for reading and suggesting! xo

  4. I love the tech, but it is way too bright for me. I love a sky blue car. On the good end, I’m glad car manufacturers are making blue cars again. I’m hoping to drive my Subaru into the ground, but then who knows?

  5. I do adore a sporty little thing with spunk, flash, a cooling system that rocks and sound that makes me want to sing. Oh, I love the car too! MUST check it out!

  6. That looks like a great little car. I love how bright and easy to see the navigation system is. That would be my favorite feature. I am NOT good at directions so it would be really helpful for me.

  7. i love that you have the gogos in a review. awesome. i <3 them

    i never ever notice my gas until the light's on and the kids are all "MOM! The light is on!!"

  8. What a fun car! I love all the gentle reminders….main could I use that! I hate getting gas and am often running on fumes!

  9. What a cute little car – I’ve resisted small cars because I’m so used to the bigger models, but my next car may be a smaller one like this.

    Does the car remind you to throw out your empty water bottles too? I could use that 🙂

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