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Motor Trend
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2025 Kia K4 GT-Line First Test Review: Average Compact Car?
Pros Features-per-dollar value Huge screens Decent trunk space Cons Laggard acceleration times Baffling climate display placement Low roof Although it still has room to improve, the turbocharged version of the K4 compact sedan looks way hotter and features an equally handsome cabin with enough modern tech to rival the best in the class—and even classes above. You also get plenty of space and an above-average driving experience with the turbo, even if the Honda Civic is better in most ways. 0:00 / 0:00 Yet that's not representative of the K4 lineup as a whole, as most trims feature the naturally aspirated engine. And that's why we're testing this non-turbo K4 GT-Line. While it's not the top model in the range (that's the Turbo GT-Line), the GT-Line is just one rung down. It features a 2.0-liter inline-four and CVT instead of a 1.6-liter turbo-four and eight-speed automatic transmission. Should Have Kept the Gas Tank The base engine carries over from the Forte, and it predictably returns similar fuel economy. Most nonturbo 2024 Fortes returned 39 mpg highway, identical to the 2025 K4. The 2.0-liter K4 gets 29 mpg in the city, but the tank size shrunk from 14.0 to 12.4 gallons. For comparison, the nonhybrid 2025 Toyota Corolla FX sedan—which also features a 2.0-liter engine, CVT, and FWD—gets 31 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. With its 13.2-gallon tank, though, the Toyota gets another 40 miles of estimated driving range. Dulled by Weight Turns out our K4 is heavier than both its predecessor and the Toyota bogey, which impacts virtually every aspect of the vehicle's performance, not just fuel economy. A 2019 Forte EX was the last 2.0-liter nonturbo version of the sedan tested by MotorTrend and it weighed just 2,885 pounds, 256 lighter than the K4. Unsurprisingly, the K4's acceleration is sluggish and, for some drivers, likely on the verge of being too slow: 0–60 mph in 9.1 seconds. The Corolla FX is quicker by a second (8.1 seconds), the Corolla XSE and old Forte by 0.9 second (8.2 seconds), and the K4 Turbo by a full 2.0 seconds (7.1 seconds). There's no launch control, and whether in Normal or Sport drive mode, the routine is the same for the swiftest takeoffs: Rev to 2,100 rpm and let go of the brake. Mass also takes a toll on turning. Whether turbo'd or not, every GT-Line comes with an independent rear suspension where lower K4 trims feature a torsion beam. The multilink arrangement helps with both normal and limit handling, but other systems—namely the K4's transmission tuning and traction control—don't like the car going too fast. Stability-control interventions in particular limited the K4's potential. Like the turbo model, this K4 has responsive but artificial-feeling steering, and ride comfort should be acceptable for most shoppers. Some noise and harshness do transmit into the cabin, however, especially at high speeds and over certain stretches of compromised pavement. A Better Binnacle? Inside, the standard BMW-like curved display houses two 12.3-inch displays, a standard one for the driver and one for touchscreen infotainment. They look great; resolution is excellent, and the screens dwarf the 7.0-inch driver display and 10.5-inch touchscreen in the top Corolla. Our only complaint is that the backup camera is letterboxed and displays only in the center of the touchscreen, but its feed is tack-sharp at least. The 5.5-inch touch-sensitive climate-control display between the two larger screens needs to move, though. It's bisected by the squircle-shaped steering wheel, and when the driver's right hand is on the wheel at 2 o'clock, the controls are completely obscured. Some redundant physical toggles on the center stack are helpful, but we'd rather be able to see the touchscreen. As it is, you have to peer around the steering wheel to see which controls to use. Generous Feature Set This trim includes GT-Line styling, remote start, automatic headlights and high-beams, and a smart trunk (which means it will pop when you stand nearby for three seconds, but it isn't fully powered). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, two front and two rear USB-C ports, heated front seats, and a power driver's seat are included, as well. And driver assists are plentiful. Our test vehicle had the optional $1,100 Premium package. It brings faux-leather seat trim, ventilated front seats, a sound-absorbing windshield, and eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio. Our car also had the $900 sunroof package. For as loaded as the K4 GT-Line comes, though, there's not much going on behind the first row. The back-seat area has just USB ports and a small cubby at the back of the center console. The trunk has even fewer frills, with nary a cubby or elastic net in sight. Regarding space for people and stuff, the K4 has much more rear legroom than the Corolla (38.0 inches vs. 34.8 inches) and greater cargo capacity (14.6 vs. 13.1). A K4 hatchback is coming, too, which should deliver even more useful space. Verdict The turbo version of the K4 was a 2025 Car of the Year finalist. With less power, though, the sedan is less compelling. It's more efficient than the K4 Turbo, but some ergonomic missteps—including a low roofline that can make it harder to get in and out of—keep it from greatness. Of course, the K4 GT-Line balances these demerits with sensational value. The as-tested price for our car was roughly $1,400 less than a similarly equipped Corolla XSE. That's a not-insignificant amount of money for budget-conscious shoppers, and it's even better when saving bucks gets you a modern car that looks good, offers decent cargo space, and is packed with modern tech and convenience features. The regular K4 may not deliver the driving thrills of the Turbo—or the class-leading Civic—but it's still a satisfying small car if you can handle life in the slow lane.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Cape Verde to use M-League connection to beat Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Cape Verde are counting on their M-League connection against Malaysia in two international friendlies in Kuala Lumpur. The African side, ranked 72nd in the world, will face Harimau Malaya at KLFA Stadium on Thursday and on June 3 at the National Stadium (behind closed doors). Among their key players is Selangor forward Alvin Fortes. The Netherlands-born Fortes has 11 caps with Cape Verde. Newcomer Stephane Cueni, a Swiss-born midfielder who recently completed his nationality switch, was also named in the squad, The Blue Sharks are using the matches against Malaysia as preparation for their World Cup qualifiers in September. They currently lead Group B after defeating Mauritius 1-0 and Angola 2-1 in March. Their squad include European-based players Logan Costa (Villarreal), Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), and Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew).
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Selangor's Fortes hopes to fly high for Cape Verde in friendly
PETALING JAYA: Alvin Fortes has returned to the international football fold after seven years. And it is the perfect birthday gift for him. The Selangor winger will turn 31 on Sunday and will be expected to feature for his nation Cape Verde in their upcoming three friendlies, which include two games against Harimau Malaya. Cape Verde will play Malaysia at the Cheras Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on May 29, and then a closed-door friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 3. They will then travel to Kutaisi, Georgia, to face the national team at the Ramaz Shengelia Stadium on June 8. Fortes, who impressed for Selangor last season on the domestic and international stage, is known for his wondrous left foot and amazing dribbling ability. For the Red Giants in all competitions, Fortes played 35 matches, scoring 17 goals. So it wasn't a surprise to see him return to international duty and he intends to make an impression for the world No. 75 side. 'It is great to be back after a long time. It feels long but it feels good to be back after making my debut in 2018,' said Fortes, who played for 13 clubs including Selangor throughout his professional career. 'It is always a dream to fight for my nation Cape Verde. I will give all my power and soul to put my country's flag high. 'And yes, it would be nice to take on the nation where I am currently plying my trade. 'There would be an element of familiarity but I know I have to do my best because they will put up a good performance. 'Also, it would be nice to take on some of my friends, especially the boys from Selangor. 'We will produce an amazing game and make the fans happy.' Cape Verde is not only blessed with the talents of Fortes, but they also have several top-quality individuals playing in Europe. In defence, the star of the team would be centreback Logan Costa, who recently helped Villarreal qualify for the Champions League. The Yellow Submarines are currently fifth in the league with one game left and Costa, 24, has been ever-present for them throughout the season. Then in midfield, Yannick Semedo, 29, from Portuguese club Vizela, Elson Mendes, 19, from French club Sochaux and Laros Duarte, 28, from Hungarian side Puskas Akademia will be tasked to orchestrate the team's movement with their passes and tempo. Up front, veterans Ryan Mendes, 35, and Garry Rodrigues, 34, both plying their trade in Turkey, will be tasked to look for goals.
Reuters
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Marlins reinstate C Nick Fortes, place 2B Otto Lopez on IL
May 4 - The Miami Marlins activated catcher Nick Fortes from the 10-day injured list Sunday morning. To make room for him on the active roster, starting second baseman Otto Lopez was placed on the 10-day injured list. Fortes, the Marlins' Opening Day catcher, posted six hits in 20 at-bats with two doubles, one triple and one RBI in seven appearances before going on the IL April 10 with an injured left oblique muscle. The 28-year-old missed 20 games as the Marlins went 7-13 without him. To prepare for today's return, he rehabbed for two games at Triple-A Jacksonville and went 0-for-6. Fortes figures to split time with 23-year-old rookie catcher Agustin Ramirez, who has delivered a .256/.293/.615 slash line with three homers and five RBIs in 10 games during his first stint in the bigs. The 26-year-old Lopez hits the injured list, retroactive to Saturday, with a sprained right ankle. Lopez started the season hot with a .400 average to go with two homers, six RBIs and one stolen base during five games in March. Since then, he has batted .191 (17-for-89) with no homers, five RBIs and two steals. Rookie Javier Sanoja, 22, has filled Lopez's spot at second base the last two games and provided two doubles, two runs and one RBI in seven at-bats.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norfolk housing authority program helps first-time home buyers
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is offering first time homebuyers $60,000 in down payment and closing costs assistance, thanks to the HOME Investment Partnership Program. Lashawn Fortes, the NRHA homeownership director, said she's thankful to be able to educate residents in the community about the various resources that the housing authority provides. 'I remember when I bought my first house, I qualified for everything, but I wasn't educated to know what was available,' Fortes said. The HOME Investment Partnership Program, known as HOME, was put in place by the city of Norfolk and the city's housing authority to expand the supply of decent affordable housing to low-to-moderate income households who choose to purchase a home in the Mermaid City. 'It's an allocation set aside for low- to moderate-income families to help them with that gap of financing for home ownership,' Fortes said. Besides being a first-time homebuyer to qualify, your income must be below 80% of the area's median income, and you must live in the home for a set period of time. According to Fortes, in the past you had to reside at the home for 15 years, but in the future, you will only have to reside at the home for 10 years. Funding is first-come, first-serve, and there is a waiting period. But it's waiting that Norfolk residents like Martha Richardson, who along with her husband moved from New York City to Virginia, say is worth it. 'When my husband came down [on] his first trip, he loved it,' Richardson said. 'Actually, Virginia is for lovers because the minute he stepped in here he was in love.' After months of renting, she wanted to own her own place, but she wasn't sure where to turn, that was until she got information about the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. With help from the program, Richardson bought her first home. 'It does help,' Richardson said. 'You're not only educated, [but] you're also given monetary assistance to help you with that big first step.' Said Fortes: 'Right now in this market, people are like, 'Do I buy or do I wait?' And that's a personal preference, but we educate them on the pros and cons.' Learn more about the . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
