Korean automotive companies aren’t necessarily known for their design prowess (yet).  That could all change with the introduction of the Kia Forte.

Your first impression will probably sound like this: “Hey, isn’t that a Honda/Subaru front end with a Mazda/Nissan/other OEM name body?”  Yeah, it probably is.  But, Kia has managed to do it very well, culminating in a product that can change the consumer’s mind about the little company.

Since we initially only have exterior images to look at, we’ll crit this.

Read on for the full crit/examination of the car…

The first thing you may notice about this vehicle is its decidedly un-Korean styling.  Aggressive, edgy, chamfered, and yet not as “out there” as K-styling has been in the past.  It has a clear Acura/Honda aesthetic to it, and who could blame them: with gas prices soaring, Honda is known as one of the best MPG companies on the planet.  Any little resemblance could do Kia good.

There are definite features of this design that are good, and others that need work.

The Good:

D) The chamfer that hugs the A-Pillar and wraps under greenhouse, elongating to the back, forms the basis for the shoulder line.  The line wraps completely around the vehicle and creates an extremely nice “water line” design element for placement of other vehicle features (lights, grille, etc).  It is very reminiscent of the Dodge Journey’s similar line.

E) The lower bodyside is broken up by the all-too-common reverse surface chamfer.  However, it works here, playing into the elements of the lower fascia.

The Tweak-worthy:

A) The front fender tapers back awkwardly compared to the shoulder/A-Pillar chamfer line, creating discontinuity in their angles.  Either the A-Pillar chamfer needs to change its angle to be less vertical, or the fender needs an adjustment the other way.

B)  The C-Pillar is VERY thick.  The proportion of its size to the A-Pillar is just wrong and makes the A-Pillar look fragile.  Perhaps a surface break is needed, or an extension of the windows rearward will do the trick to take the fat off of the chicken thigh.

C) The bevel flat around the tire opening is competing against the door’s cut line.  This creates a nightmare for surfacers, and an eyesore for anyone who might actually notice it.

Overall:

This is not an Optima.  This is something from Kia finally worth talking about.  This, if it is the new look for Kia, will do very well on the market and help the brand start to chip away at some of the Japanese products.  A good, solid entry on an updated aesthetic for Korea.