Kia Forte5 vs. the Mazda3 Sport: Double take

I test drove the Mazda3 Sport first, but I must admit that when I got behind the wheel of the Kia Forte5, there was something instantly familiar about it.  It has a lot in common with the Mazda, which is high praise indeed.

The Mazda3 Sport with the Convenience Package test driven in this comparison was a mid-level version, while the Kia Forte5 was an SX deluxe trim level and was much better equipped than the Mazda.

Aesthetically, both are five-door hatchbacks and have a pleasant, even similar, shape. As for the Mazda3 Sport, at 4,505 mm, it features a more generous overall length compared to the Kia Forte5’s 4,340 mm.

Although both cars are safe and come with six airbags, the Mazda3 Sport offers a little more in the way of technological driving aides.

Very similar conveniences

Accessibility isn’t an issue in either car. The Mazda’s driving position is slightly better, but the Kia’s is very good too. I must say that the Kia Forte5’s soundproofing seems a little better, although the difference between the two combatants is very minimal. I found the seats and bench more comfortable in the Mazda, as the Kia’s all-leather seats are much more firm.

Both cars feature very functional and user-friendly dashboards. Most of the controls are well-located, well-sized and couldn’t be easier to read. The Kia Forte5 SX had a large LCD screen.  As for the Mazda3 Sport GS, it didn’t have a multifunction screen and I should mention that the Mazda3’s screen is small and too far away. Neither car is about to win any awards for its ¾ rear visibility, but the Kia Forte5 has a slight edge in this regard.

These two five-door hatchbacks with open cargo areas have very roomy interiors – 2,750 litres for the Mazda and 2,678 litres for the Kia. The storage compartments are a little more generous in the Kia Forte5. On the other hand, when the backseat is occupied, the Mazda3 Sport offers the most cargo space, with 481 litres versus 438 for the Kia. In any case, once the seatbacks are up, the vast majority of hatchbacks have less loading capacity than a traditional four-door sedan.

Road test:

Two efficient engines
The Kia Forte5 SX has a 2.4-litre 173-hp four-cylinder under the hood, while the Mazda3 Sport’s four-cylinder features a 2.5-litre capacity and 167 horses. In both cases, the torque is 168 lbs-ft at 4,000 rpm. Both of these engines run on regular gasoline. The Mazda’s engine is smoother and both are relatively quiet, although the Kia’s is a little less discreet.

In both cars, the engines are paired with an automatic transmission. The Kia has six speeds and wheel-mounted paddle shifters while the Mazda has only five speeds. They are two very efficient transmissions, with the South Korean getting the nod for its more modern approach.

Both cars come factory-standard with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, developing 156 horses for the Kia and 148 for the Mazda. Six-speed manual transmissions are also offered for both.

Very similar fuel consumption

I used these two cars in very similar environments, mimicking your average joe’s typical week of driving.

My fuel consumption was as follows:
Kia Forte5 SX:           7.2 l/100 km (highway) and 9.2 l/100 km (average).
Mazda3 Sport GS:     7.6 l/100 km (highway) and 10.5 l/100 km (average).

Thus, I noted that the Kia Forte5 is a little more economical than the Mazda3 Sport. Honestly, I would have expected a bigger difference given the fact that the Mazda3 is powered by a relatively thirsty engine and a gearbox with only five speeds.

Very similar handling

On paper, their independent suspensions are very similar, but the Mazda did a better job of cushioning its firmness. That said, the handling is safe and sound on both cars, although the Kia is slightly behind its rival in this regard.

Both of these competitors offer four disc brakes, but the Mazda3 Sport brakes more firmly and confidently than the Kia. The Forte5’s braking is a little less prompt but it’s well adapted. The winter tires on both of these cars constitute a very good choice since they aren’t too noisy, but the Kia tires seemed a little too firm.

Results of the head-to-head test drive:

Kia Forte5: Advantages
Complete 5-year warranty
Lower fuel consumption
Several storage spaces

Mazda3 Sport: Advantages

Dynamic ride
Reliable 2.5-litre engine
Very roomy

Kia Forte5: Disadvantages

Reduced cargo volume
Firmer seats (leather)
Firmer winter tires

Mazda3 Sport: Disadvantages

Fewer storage spaces
Less fuel efficient
Screen that is small and too far

Conclusion

These two rivals are practically clones in the compact five-door hatchback category. However, the Mazda3 has already built its reputation, whereas the Kia Forte5 still has everything to prove...