Apart from the Honda and Toyota sedans, other vehicle models in the compact car category also include the Mazda3 and Kia Forte, which are both available in Nigeria. While similarly priced, these compact four-doors offer differing key features that could make the difference between which one you choose.
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So, between the 2021 Kia Forte and Mazda3, which of them is the better compact car to buy in Nigeria today?
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About the 2021 Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is the least expensive of the two cars. It’s also less aesthetically pleasing than the Mazda3. It’s not that the Forte is poorly designed, it’s just a bit plain compared to the Forte. But neither its exterior nor its price means this compact is low-quality.
2021 Kia Forte Powertrain
The standard Kia Forte comes with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It has a six-speed manual transmission. The fuel economy is 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
These are not spectacular numbers, but you can get better performance from higher trims. For example, with a 1.6-litre turbo-four, the T trim line produces 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The GT comes with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission to power its 17-inch alloy wheels.
2021 Kia Forte Interior
The base-model Forte has an 8.0-inch touchscreen, four-speaker sound system, Bluetooth capability, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It boasts many standard safety features, including lane-keeping assistance and forward collision mitigation. And the Forte’s interior and trunk are quite spacious. The upgraded GT trim comes with even more interior features, such as a six-speaker sound system, wireless charging, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and split-folding seats.
The EX trim also comes with wireless charging, a power sunroof, and a telematics system to control the cabin’s temperature through a smartphone app.
2021 Kia Forte Safety Features
The Kia Forte’s safety ratings are not as impressive as the Mazda3’s. The Forte earned good scores in its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests and is a Top Safety Pick, but it didn’t receive the highest designation. Further, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Forte 4 out of 5 stars, making it a safe vehicle to drive.
About the 2021 Mazda3
The 2021 Mazda3 comes in a sedan or hatchback body style. It’s well-designed with an attractive exterior. However, that design also introduces blind spots.
Powertrain of the 2021 Mazda3
This compact sedan’s handling is regarded as superb, whether you’re driving the standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder model (with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive) or the 2.5-litre turbo (with all-wheel-drive).
The base model will give you 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency is 25 to 27 mpg in the city and 35 to 36 mpg on the highway.
Interior of the 2021 Mazda3
The base Mazda3 has an 8.8-inch infotainment system that, surprisingly, doesn’t come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, the interior is relatively spacious. The 2.5 Turbo trim fills its equally roomy cabin with heated front seats. Plus, the infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Even higher trims, such as the 2.5 S Premium, include a 12-speaker sound system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and built-in navigation. However, the cabin doesn’t effectively filter out wind and road noise.
Safety Rating of the 2021 Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a safe car. In fact, it earned better safety ratings than the Kia Forte. The Mazda earned the highest rating in six IIHS crashworthiness tests. The IIHS named the Mazda3 a Top Safety Pick+, an honour validated by a perfect 5-star NHTSA safety rating.
Which Compact Car Should I Buy: Mazda3 or Kia Forte?
Both the Mazda3 and Kia Forte are reliable, affordable sedans, and chances are you’ll be largely satisfied with either. But whether you opt for a Forte or a Mazda3 will depend on your priorities.
If you’re on a budget and looking for a reliable vehicle you intend to drive for a long time, opt for the Kia Forte.
But if you’re looking for something a more upscale and feature-rich compact, the couple extra thousand you’ll spend on the Mazda3 is entirely worth it. Plus, you’ll get a safer car with better handling.
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