Used 2012 Kia Forte5 for Sale near Louisiana

Kia has expanded its Forte line to include a hatchback, unimaginatively christened the 5-Door. Names aside, the hatch adds cargo space and versatility and should appeal to families on a budget.

The 5-Door comes in 2 trims: the EX, with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 156 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque, and the SX, with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 173 hp and 168 lb-ft. The front-wheel-drive car is also features a 6-speed automatic transmission, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters standard in the SX. The EX sits atop 16-inch tires, while the SX has 17-inchers. The EPA rates the EX with a middle-of-the-pack 26 mpg city/36 highway and the SX at 23/32; an optional fuel economy package for the EX ups mileage by 1 mpg.

Outside, Kia has kept the Forte clean and tight, and the 5-Door is no exception. It has no wind-swept curves or jutting angles, and that's a good thing. Unlike other wagons that tend to have an elongated tail section, the 5-Door is well-proportioned while still having almost 20 cubic feet of rear cargo space. When the 60/40 split rear seat is folded, the advantages of this compact hatch are readily apparent.

The interior is clean and uncluttered, although the red LED digital lighting used on the center stack and generous helpings of plastic remind you this is not a luxury vehicle. Still, it is quite roomy with 55.7 inches of shoulder room in the front seats and just an inch less in the rear.

Kia appeals to the discerning budget buyer with a host of features that used to be reserved for higher-end vehicles: Bluetooth, a USB port, keyless entry and a 6-way adjustable driver's seat are a few of the standard options included. The 6-speaker sound system has a feature to automatically increase volume at higher speeds to overcome increased engine noise. Navigation and a rear-view camera are part of an optional Technology package.

The 5-Door's drive is reported to be fun, yet unremarkable. It is recommended that buyers opt for the SX with its more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension for a better ride.

It's no-nonsense name may not inspire, but perhaps that is the point: The Kia Forte 5-door is a good hatch at a reasonable price that will get you, your family and your gear from point A to B relatively comfortably. The host of standard features, as well as Kia's extensive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty add to the car's value.