Test Drive review: Spunky little Kia Forte is as fun as you like

— -- There's a lot to recommend the 2010 Kia Forte sedan. The EX midlevel test car was lively, even though powered by the base, 2-liter engine. Tuned to deliver a lot of scoot with only a little pedal. The brakes likewise did a lot for not much pedal push. And the steering. Straight ahead without twitching and tugging the wheel.

The leather seats. Sweet. No six-ways-from-Sunday lumbar supports, magic massage devices or other gadgets some automakers use to justify high prices. Credit the lack of furbelows for adding to Kia's comfort. Straightforward, nicely shaped, sufficiently supportive seats.

Overall, Forte didn't match the classy feel of the Honda Civic nor the inviting agility of the Ford Focus, two of its main rivals. But it felt roomier than either, and the manufacturers' specifications show that in most ways, it is.

The test car's base engine was more powerful than in the Civic or Focus. And the bigger engine that comes in the SX model (2.4-liter, 173 hp) handily out-powers either competitor.

The extra power minimizes the bust-a-gut struggle you endure from less-potent engines. While you might not be a hard-throttle driver, the Kia's extra power nonetheless gives Forte an attractive, easygoing personality.

Let's be clear. It was no rocket. But its admirable scoot was delivered promptly.

Forte was graced with details that make a car a good daily companion, but don't make the list of marquee items.

For instance, the inside door grab-handles were big, fat and right where you naturally reach.

Instruments and controls were simple, sensible and handy. Even the lowly turn signal lever is placed just right.

Forte's extra bins and cubbies make a big difference. No need to hog a cup holder to stash your cellphone, sunglasses, iPod, checkbook, what have you.

The safety belts in the back seat were well-placed for easy latching by a youngster. (That's quite important when fetching the little rascal in the car-pool line after school, with all those Type-A parents behind you in their hulking SUVs or minivans. They are crazed with stress because they, too, had to play hooky from work for the grab-n-go or have so many things left to do that they'll never get them done, and they are just about that far from exploding if you tarry a moment. God forbid you should have to get out and belt the child yourself.)