2019 Kia Forte Turbo GT Technology & Safety Review

Let me start this technology and safety review by saying this: P1,650,000 isn’t a small amount of money for a compact sedan. Even with the increase in excise tax rates at the onset of 2018, the once-staple family cars aren’t supposed to hit this mark unless they have something exceptional to offer to car buyers.

The Kia Forte Turbo GT, in my full review, has hit that mark with full conviction, even with the flaws that come with it. One of the main reasons why the Korean compact sedan stands by its hefty price tag was the set of features that it comes with as a range-topper.

Here’s a closer look at the rave-worthy features of the Forte Turbo GT, along with the things that need improvement on.

What’s included: all-LED exterior lighting, power-adjustable front seats, automatic headlights, speed-sensing door locks, auto up/down driver’s window, electro-chromatic rearview mirror, cruise control, rear parking camera with front and rear sensors, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-start ignition, and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto.

Quite a lot, right? All of these features work seamlessly, plus the infotainment has tactile knobs, which I prefer. However, there are things that I tend to nitpick – the light for the vanity mirrors (driver and front passenger) have a switch, which means an additional step when you’re trying to look at yourself at night.

What you won’t like: Electronic parking brake with brake hold is expected at this price point, as well as rain-sensing wipers; Apple Carplay is glitchy

The presence of mechanical hand brake isn’t a bad thing, really, but considering the Forte Turbo GT’s price point, it is surprising that electronic parking brake with brake hold isn’t included. It could have been an additional convenient feature, especially when driving the car within heavy city traffic.

Moreover, during the test period, I was only able to use Apple Carplay once. The USB connection seems to be glitchy, which Kia should look into, I reckon.

What’s included: full set of airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, seatbelt reminders, and ISOFIX child seat tethers.

Dual front, side, and curtain airbags are all included in the Forte GT. It also comes with additional passive safety treats listed above. What’s quite a shocker is that the middle rear passenger would be relegated to having just a lap belt – which isn’t good news in case of head-on collisions.

All is almost well and good for the range-topper but going down a trim level means that you’ll lose the side and curtain airbags, as well as the stability control and hill-start assist.