Tests and Features

Comparative TestsKia Forte5 vs. the Mazda3 Sport: Double take
I test drove the Mazda3 Sport first, but I must admit that when I got behind the wheel of the Kia Forte5, there was something instantly familiar about it. It has a lot in common with the Mazda, which is high praise indeed. The Mazda3 Sport with the Convenience Package …
First Drives2011 Kia Optima: Automaker’s amnesia!
It seems that Korean automaker Kia has a case of amnesia. Company directors have forgotten that for years they specialized in medium-quality cars at best. Many of you will remember that the brand made its debut in Canada a little over 10 years ago and, at the time, its vehicles …
First Drives2011 Kia Forte5: A sedan with a bigger trunk
Not so long ago, Kia replaced the Spectra with a pretty sedan, the Forte. Since then and only since then have the words "pretty" and "Kia" been allowed in the same sentence. Next, the Korean brand launched the aptly named Forte Koup, a coupe derived from the sedan. And following …
First Drives2011 Kia Sportage: All the ingredients!4.5/5
For many years, Kia has been trying to become a manufacturer that has more than just low-priced cars. But no matter what the Korean manufacturer does, if their products aren’t up to snuff, there’s no way they can reach this objective. Fresh off the recent introduction of several interesting new …
Test Drives2010 Kia Forte SX sedan: Very interesting!4.0/5
Officially, the Korean brand Kia has been operating in Canada for more than ten years and there have been nothing but changes since! Over time, their products have evolved a great deal, to the point of disrupting the sales of some well established and reputed Japanese brands. From the 2000 …
Test Drives2010 Kia Magentis: Taking simplicity too far3.5/5
Despite a style makeover two years ago, the Kia Magentis still finds itself far from the limelight. Indeed, those in the hunt for an intermediate sedan tend to look to the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, among others. Even the Hyundai Sonata, which shares several mechanical …
Test DrivesThe 2010 Kia Forte Koup: The time has come4.5/5
The Canadian compact car market is very active, thanks to the economic crisis and the price of gas. Buying a small car represents a sensible and well-thought-out choice. Automobile manufacturers, with the exception of the three big American manufacturers, have taken note of the demand and are all offering economical …
Test DrivesKia Magentis: Subdued but well equipped4.0/5
This year, with its pleasant shape and welcoming passenger compartment, the Soul is without a doubt the darling of the Kia line-up, and the Forte has been successful too. Don’t forget however, that the Magentis has undergone substantial changes in the past months and it offers excellent value standard equipment …
First Drives2010 Kia Forte Koup: A Canadian premiere
Kia Canada Inc. invited Canadian automobile journalists to a day-long test drive of the brand new 2010 Kia Forte Koup that included a spin on the track at Mirabel’s ICAR Motorsport Complex. It was a wise decision indeed that was welcomed by Kia’s Canadian bigwigs, who make 40% of all …
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