10-2 is a decent starting point for reasonable control, because it provides ample leverage for most people, and promotes heads up driving. 9-3 is the preferred method for most performance oriented drivers and race cars. Because it offers the best feedback, and because you can do a full arm cross-up to catch a big drift without having to re-position your hands, allowing for much faster reaction times. According to the NTHSA and the IIHS, you should be driving at the 8-4 position. Their reasoning is that in new cars with "smart" airbags that use multi stage, variable pressure detonations that open very rapidly, and then fill out more gently to match the impact of the crash, having your arms at 10-2 could cause significant injury during the initial inflation of the bag. From breaking your arm, to causing your arm to fly back in your face causing severe facial trauma, and also possibly reducing the effectiveness of the airbags deployment in general. By placing your hands at the 8-4 position, when the airbag deploys, your hands will be pressed into your lap, and out of the way. They will also already be slightly bent in the natural "at rest" arm position, so there is significantly less chance of bending the elbow joint backwards, or sideways, and severely injuring it, or breaking it.
At first glance, I was like, "OH SNAP! That KIA looks HOT!" Didn't know this model was coming out until I checked my YT feed and your vid' popped-up! Great review!
Nice and fair review. "We" currently own a '12 SX 5 door. Certainly no "hot hatch" even with the 2.4 but it's a fun, reliable, livable car. 62,000 trouble free miles. Other than a set of tires, just routine service and two brake light bulbs. Fit and finish still like day one. Next year, I'll be looking to add "my" car to the driveway. Always loved 3 and 5 door hatchbacks. My first new car was an '85 GTI and owned 3 other VW's since. Other cars I've considered: Mazda 3 - 5 Door. Really like the styling and the Ivory leather interior option. What I don't like is the tablet-tacked-on-the -dash look of the radio/nav screen and the MMI-style controls on the console - RIGHT BY THE CUPHOLDERS. As careful as you may be, you'll inevitably spill a Big Gulp on them and spend big bucks to replace it.(former service advisor so I know of what I speak ;) ) GTI 5 Door. Nicer materials and nicer to drive. Cons: To get a GTI equipped as a loaded SX, it's $33,000. Lesser warranty. So a 15-16 SX 5 door is my best option. I'll live with a bit less refinement but I'll also live with several thousand $$ in my pocket.
Nice "real" review. Maybe I'm partial because we own a 12 SX 5 door. 61,000 bulletproof miles. Tires and a couple of brake light bulbs. I've owned 4 VW's in my life. My 1st new car was an 85 GTI. I love hatchbacks. Also, I'm 48 so unlike what some other reviewers have stated comparing the SX to the GTI and Focus ST, not everyone needs the "hot" in their hatch. To be fair, I really like the GTI and yes it's a "nicer" car in both materials and driving feel, but in the cost comparison, a 5 door GTI (even non performance package) equipped like a loaded SX is $33,000. For the $$ difference, I can live with the difference in "feel." If you want a warranty that comes close to Kia's, you have to add an extended at $1500-$2000. Plus with the factory incentives Kia dealers usually get, you can easily deal a loaded SX out the door for under $25,000. There will soon be a new 5 door SX parked next to our 12.
How about a compromise on the proper steering wheel position: 9:30 and 2:30! By the way, Dave, it seemed like you had a lot of fun recording this review. Maybe a little too much fun. And two questions question: 1) Is there a button on the driver's door to activate the power-folding mirrors, or is it a function you have to enable in the vehicle settings? 2) Was that a trunk pass-through when you folded down the center armrest?
This is the same as the Ceed in Europe. I find the Ceed to be better looking, and seems have some better details in the finishing. Hands: 9-3. I've commented on your (bad) hand position more than once, Dave. You are constantly driving with one hand on the wheel and one on the center console.
Hey Dave, I just noticed you kind of look like Rand Santel who's also on TH-cam here. Btw, this car is great value for the money. I drive an SX with a manual myself.
Hiblario I have two suppliers and one supplier isn't as willing to send me cars... but I have a solution and you will soon see more variety on my channel later in April and throughout the rest of the year. Sorry about that... once we get a little bit bigger, I'm hoping we'll be getting other manufacturers.
Strangely, with the Forte the 1.6 liter turbo is actually rated at noticeably worse fuel mileage than the 2.0. The 1.6 auto is 21/29 where the 2.0 is 24/34.
Once you break the car in, you can typically get better then rated milage. It's worse though because the gearing is more aggressive on this car; specifically the first 3 gears. However, light foot with Eco on the hwy will easily net 30-35mpg.
@everymandriver - if i have not gotten my '13 Optima SXL, i probably would have gotten this baby :) ... i don't really care much for the power, but heard its quite a fun vehicle for its own good... haha ROLLIN' ON... EIGHTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENS!...
Dave I am a big fan I thought 27K was a bit much for a KIA for the same price you can have a 2015 Mustang ecoboost with 310 lb ft or tourque different car I know but 27 I think is a bit much for this segment I hope you can relay that to KIA thanks.
+Everyman Driver He meant drive it *in* the video. Though I don't know why that would matter to a person watching. I just bought a Forte5 SX Turbo GDI. Got ripped off by a few thousand over MSRP because, well, they got me, bastards. The 2015 model had 131 miles on it and had sat so long the battery was dead. Yet I paid a premium. Oh well, believe me, they have heard my complaints! Even offered me $650 back, though after going through the math and all but admitting they got me for thousands, it was too insulting to accept.
10-2 is a decent starting point for reasonable control, because it provides ample leverage for most people, and promotes heads up driving.
9-3 is the preferred method for most performance oriented drivers and race cars. Because it offers the best feedback, and because you can do a full arm cross-up to catch a big drift without having to re-position your hands, allowing for much faster reaction times.
According to the NTHSA and the IIHS, you should be driving at the 8-4 position. Their reasoning is that in new cars with "smart" airbags that use multi stage, variable pressure detonations that open very rapidly, and then fill out more gently to match the impact of the crash, having your arms at 10-2 could cause significant injury during the initial inflation of the bag. From breaking your arm, to causing your arm to fly back in your face causing severe facial trauma, and also possibly reducing the effectiveness of the airbags deployment in general.
By placing your hands at the 8-4 position, when the airbag deploys, your hands will be pressed into your lap, and out of the way. They will also already be slightly bent in the natural "at rest" arm position, so there is significantly less chance of bending the elbow joint backwards, or sideways, and severely injuring it, or breaking it.
At first glance, I was like, "OH SNAP! That KIA looks HOT!" Didn't know this model was coming out until I checked my YT feed and your vid' popped-up! Great review!
Nice and fair review. "We" currently own a '12 SX 5 door. Certainly no "hot hatch" even with the 2.4 but it's a fun, reliable, livable car. 62,000 trouble free miles. Other than a set of tires, just routine service and two brake light bulbs. Fit and finish still like day one. Next year, I'll be looking to add "my" car to the driveway. Always loved 3 and 5 door hatchbacks. My first new car was an '85 GTI and owned 3 other VW's since. Other cars I've considered: Mazda 3 - 5 Door. Really like the styling and the Ivory leather interior option. What I don't like is the tablet-tacked-on-the -dash look of the radio/nav screen and the MMI-style controls on the console - RIGHT BY THE CUPHOLDERS. As careful as you may be, you'll inevitably spill a Big Gulp on them and spend big bucks to replace it.(former service advisor so I know of what I speak ;) ) GTI 5 Door. Nicer materials and nicer to drive. Cons: To get a GTI equipped as a loaded SX, it's $33,000. Lesser warranty. So a 15-16 SX 5 door is my best option. I'll live with a bit less refinement but I'll also live with several thousand $$ in my pocket.
You still sound like a news reporter and that's not a bad thing. Your car reviews are good especially the off-road ones in Spokane WA.
Has never skipped leg day. Nice review.
Yes! Thank you!
Great review! I've waited a while for a review like this! Thanks!
Nice "real" review. Maybe I'm partial because we own a 12 SX 5 door. 61,000 bulletproof miles. Tires and a couple of brake light bulbs. I've owned 4 VW's in my life. My 1st new car was an 85 GTI. I love hatchbacks. Also, I'm 48 so unlike what some other reviewers have stated comparing the SX to the GTI and Focus ST, not everyone needs the "hot" in their hatch. To be fair, I really like the GTI and yes it's a "nicer" car in both materials and driving feel, but in the cost comparison, a 5 door GTI (even non performance package) equipped like a loaded SX is $33,000. For the $$ difference, I can live with the difference in "feel." If you want a warranty that comes close to Kia's, you have to add an extended at $1500-$2000. Plus with the factory incentives Kia dealers usually get, you can easily deal a loaded SX out the door for under $25,000. There will soon be a new 5 door SX parked next to our 12.
How about a compromise on the proper steering wheel position: 9:30 and 2:30!
By the way, Dave, it seemed like you had a lot of fun recording this review. Maybe a little too much fun.
And two questions question: 1) Is there a button on the driver's door to activate the power-folding mirrors, or is it a function you have to enable in the vehicle settings? 2) Was that a trunk pass-through when you folded down the center armrest?
This is the same as the Ceed in Europe. I find the Ceed to be better looking, and seems have some better details in the finishing.
Hands: 9-3. I've commented on your (bad) hand position more than once, Dave. You are constantly driving with one hand on the wheel and one on the center console.
I'm lusting after this car SO much, only thing that would make it better is a manual
It's not a bad looking vehicle for what it is!
Hey Dave, I just noticed you kind of look like Rand Santel who's also on TH-cam here.
Btw, this car is great value for the money. I drive an SX with a manual myself.
supercooled I just visited Randy Santel's TH-cam Channel... that guy is a champ!
Great review. This car Is so overlooked.
First time watching. Great review! Subscribed
ricky wyman Welcome aboard... we upload new videos multiple times a week!
You had me at "Arizona Wildcats."
Please comment on the road and wind noise in your reviews. Thanks & great job!
would you recommend this car or the mazda3?
Hooray another Kia review. Come on Dave.
Hiblario I have two suppliers and one supplier isn't as willing to send me cars... but I have a solution and you will soon see more variety on my channel later in April and throughout the rest of the year. Sorry about that... once we get a little bit bigger, I'm hoping we'll be getting other manufacturers.
29 mpg seems pretty low. My 17 Forte LX gets upwards of 40 mpg.
I prefer the middle ground. 9:30 2:30
Left hand at 1. Right hand on you chin. Gangsta style.
Haha LOVE the comedy touches in the video!
Can I convert my KIA Forte 2012 to a monster street car?
Dave your a trip lol i see you balling out with the watches though
AntsAfan301 Time management :-)
Strangely, with the Forte the 1.6 liter turbo is actually rated at noticeably worse fuel mileage than the 2.0. The 1.6 auto is 21/29 where the 2.0 is 24/34.
Yeah, I thought that was really weird also. I just thought it would have BETTER gas mileage.
Once you break the car in, you can typically get better then rated milage. It's worse though because the gearing is more aggressive on this car; specifically the first 3 gears. However, light foot with Eco on the hwy will easily net 30-35mpg.
6 and 12 for hand position
Two fingers at 7:30 o'clock...power steering exists for a reason...
9 & 3 because at 10 and 2 the airbags will blow your arms off.
9 & 3 FOR SPORTY DRIVNG. 12 O'CLOCK FOR GANGSTER CRUISING. OR BE LIKE ME AND 6:30 BECAUSE I'M LAZY.
I wish this car is available in my place :(
@everymandriver - if i have not gotten my '13 Optima SXL, i probably would have gotten this baby :) ... i don't really care much for the power, but heard its quite a fun vehicle for its own good... haha ROLLIN' ON... EIGHTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENS!...
It's the Cee'D.
Technically that was 5 words, and it depends on the wheel but usually 10 & 2.
Nope. Just 4. "and" isn't included in word count.
Lol in the review I mean in the review!
For 28k could get a GTI S performance package 2 doors. But this Kia looks anwsone too! :)
jrarael90 yea but can get with no tec pack and the price falls to 21-22k
My hand position is always at 5 and 7.
ya thats what we were taught in driving class
+SilverWolf25 Right. 10 and 2 was before air bags came along.
Dave I am a big fan I thought 27K was a bit much for a KIA for the same price you can have a 2015 Mustang ecoboost with 310 lb ft or tourque different car I know but 27 I think is a bit much for this segment I hope you can relay that to KIA thanks.
U should take the new ford expedition off road!:D love ur reviews specaly your off road ones:)
Hands should be at 9 & 3!
I have a Pontiac Vibe AWD that I really like. I'd get another one but they don't make it anymore. If this was AWD I'd be all over it
Performance driving academies will tell you 9 and 3
How can this be a review... When you never even drove the carrrrrrrrr!!!! Lol
***** Excuse me? Never DROVE the car? How did I drive from Phoenix to Tucson and back? I'm 100% positive I drove it.
+Everyman Driver He meant drive it *in* the video. Though I don't know why that would matter to a person watching. I just bought a Forte5 SX Turbo GDI. Got ripped off by a few thousand over MSRP because, well, they got me, bastards. The 2015 model had 131 miles on it and had sat so long the battery was dead. Yet I paid a premium. Oh well, believe me, they have heard my complaints! Even offered me $650 back, though after going through the math and all but admitting they got me for thousands, it was too insulting to accept.
Those pacquiao calves tho
10 & 2
Black socks with shorts Dave? Come on man!
Eric Brouet Athletic socks. They come in colors other than white :-)
WOOHOO Tuscon Az shoutout
Adam Cooprider Word!
Nice car but the cas milage
Nice car. Very cool. ;-)
10 & 2 (nice legs)
Nice watch there Dick Tracy : )
Statimtek It's call a Timex Ironman ONE GPS+ :-)