2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Gt Performance Limits Power During Hard Acceleration

 

Advantages👍

• Handling.

You get a Kia Forte GT by taking a fine, simple compact car, tweaking the suspension a little, upgrading the engine and transmission, and putting a great set of tires on it. It's not a sports sedan, but it corners well and is more fun than the typical small sedan if you're on a compact car budget.

• The Value.

Our 200 horsepower Forte GT got 29 miles per gallon, had a complete package of safety equipment, a Harmon Kardon audio system, wireless phone charger, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, dual climate controls, a dual clutch transmission, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and a 5-year bumper to bumper and 10-year powertrain warranty, all for $26,500. With that facility, Milton Berle will be impressed.

• Ergonomics.

The Forte's controls are a model of transparency and simplicity. It has a modern appearance, and both the hard buttons and touch screen controls are well-designed and easy to use.

• Front seats are well-bolstered.

The GT adds better seats, which are well worth it. The back seat is satisfactory, though a little short.

• Covers the basics.

If compact sedans are still your thing, this one does what they're supposed to do. It seats four people in moderate comfort, gets decent gas mileage, comes with a long list of standard features, including the most up-to-date safety equipment, and, with the GT kit, adds a little driving fun.

Disadvantages👎

• It's starting to feel a little familiar.

Although the Forte has a lot going for it, it reminds us a lot of the excellent Honda Civic. From the year 2015. That was "max compact sedan," but sleeker styles, hatchbacks/fastbacks, and crossovers are displacing it.

• It's a Stiff ride.

The non-GT Forte, if memory serves, isn't any softer. However, the GT seems to be much stiffer on the tuchus. The non-GT Forte, by the way, isn't bad to drive, but it lacks the GT's revamped engine and transmission.

• Delay in acceleration.

Although the dual-clutch, 7-speed transmission performs admirably, we noticed a brief lag whenever we “stepped on it.” It was more likely due to the time it took the 1.6L turbocharged engine to spool up rather than any transmission slowness. However, it prevents it from being driven like a sports sedan. You want it to go away right away when you step on it, not say “oh, okay, right, OK!” Putting the transmission in “sport” mode helped a little, but it added a level of jitteriness that we soon grew tired of.

• Only the trunk has a key fob.

There is no trunk latch button at the trunk, which is a minor quibble. It can only be opened from the driver's seat or by using your key fob. I know what you're thinking: job, work, work!