I also test drove an Toyota Altis 1.8G right after test driving the Kia Forte 1.6 SX. (Was considering between the two, I can't afford a Honda Civic.)

First impressions and comparisons after a short test drive:

Interior wise, Forte was a clear winner. The driver's side felt more secure and enclosed (you feel like you are in a safe cocoon). The dashboard and audio DIN came across more elegant. The Altis lacked in this area greatly: the dashboard, audio DIN, and gear handle felt dated; even antiqued at times. In short, (interior wise) the Altis did not come across as a year 2008 model, but more like a year 2000 model instead. Beige as the fabric choice of the Altis also scored a big negative in my book as I find light colored fabric difficult to maintain.

I have no complains for the spaciousness of both vehicles (to me they were equally spacious), though my sister did complain that she found that sitting in the Forte's backseat a bit overwhelming (not in a good way). She reasoned that it might be because the driver's and front passenger's seat of the Forte were too large and felt as if they were invading (in her own words: "can't breathe") into her backseat space. But then again.. my place will be behind the driver's wheel most of the time.

Exterior wise, I really liked both designs. Altis in Pearl White with body kit was really appealing to me. No complains for Peter Schyerer's baby as well. But in the end the wallet speaks louder than the brand. With a difference of RM28,100 (Altis 1.8E v. Forte 1.6 SX), who can argue against such numbers? The boys over at Toyota even wanted me to pay an extra RM800 for Pearl White because it is a "new" color. To top it off, you can only collect your car in March or April 2010.

Performance wise, the Altis felt slightly more responsive (I figured it is because of the 1.8 liter engine and 16" wheels). Acceleration from the Altis required less effort, but the Forte did not feel sluggish either (just less powerful). Body roll and handling however are leaning in the direction of the Forte. The Forte's 17" wheels hugged the road well (a little too well I think). You can "feel" the road more with the Forte, but without the road noise creeping in to your car cabin. Engine noise was barely audible at low rpms. The Altis's cabin was a slightly (just a little!) noisier but not lacking far behind. I guess lucky 2.0 Forte owners will appreciate the extra power for a fraction of the OTR price for 2.0 liter models in M'sia.

I must really complement Kia on the NVH level. Huge leap from my current ride (a faithful Proton Iswara). You might even forget that your engine is on idle. The highest air conditioner level was a tad loud however, but even the Altis suffers the same.

The deal clincher: My SA was confident enough to put a Celine Dion audio CD into the test drive Forte. And, I'll be honest: the moment my sister turned the audio unit on, I was sold! Like they say "You had me at Hello". Or in my case, Celine Dion's rendition of "I Want You To Need Me".

Bottom line: VALUE FOR MONEY. No kidding. More accessories (read: more toys), lower price, and looks that will turn heads and leave you drooling.