The Forte is a competitive small car but lacks refinement. Handling is responsive but the ride is stiff. The base engine is a 156-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers just average acceleration and is quite loud when revved. Expect 28 mpg overall on the sedan and 26 mpg overall for the hatchback, both with the base engine and six-speed automatic. The cabin has a good view out, simple controls, and decent rear seat space. The coupe version, called Koup, handles well and with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder it is quicker than the sedan, but the manual transmission is imprecise. The Forte gets a redesign this spring, sharing a platform with the current Hyundai Elantra.
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