Affordable Manual Sedans: Kia Forte GT vs VW Jetta GLI
Manuals aren’t dead, at least not yet. Renowned sporty sedans like the Forte GT and Jetta GLI are keeping the flame alive with manual options that still shake up the streets. And you might not believe us, but they’re affordable, too! Learn more about the Kia Forte GT and the VW Jetta GLI to help you find the best manual ride to feed the petrol beast in you! Swing by Kia of Bedford today or shop our new inventory online for affordable Kia sedans near you.
What Makes the Forte GT and Jetta GLI Frenemies?
The similarities between the Forte GT and Jetta GLI don’t stop at the fact that they both offer manual transmissions. Both of these cars are the highest sporty trim levels of their respective sedan models, and both are among the most affordable in their class. You’d be hard-pressed to find anything like these two rides at around the same price. Since it’s rare to come across a manual anymore, it’s refreshing to see that manufacturers like Kia and Volkswagen haven’t forgotten about this niche audience.
Does this mean that you’d be perfectly fine going with either of these sedans? Not quite. We have plenty of reasons as to why the Kia Forte GT stands as the better choice for many prospective buyers.
The Jetta GLI Is Nice, But Not Exactly Affordable
Yes, we did say that the Jetta GLI is affordable…in its class. That doesn’t necessarily mean it offers the most bang for your buck. The VW Jetta GLI starts at $28,085 which is substantially higher than the Forte GT already, but you’ll have to upgrade to the Autobahn trim starting at $31,785 for peak performance. At that point, is it really “affordable”? The Jetta GLI may have a bit more horsepower, but if you’re just looking for manual fun, the Forte GT can still bring you the experience you crave at a lower cost.
The Kia Forte GT Has Everything We Love, Including a Lower Price
We already know that you’ll appreciate the Kia Forte GT starting at just $25,390. That’s much lower than the Jetta GLI’s starting price and you still get 201 horsepower without spending any extra. What else? The Forte GT proves to make every dollar count with all kinds of incredible features:
● A 1.6L turbocharged engine
● Sport-tuned dual exhaust pipes
● A rear spoiler and shark fin antenna
● LED headlights, daylights, taillights, and fog lights
● 18-inch alloy wheels
● Michelin Pilot sport summer tires
● Leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel
● Heated side mirrors and front seats
● Automatic dual-zone climate control
● Syntex sports seats
● GT body styling
● And more!
The Jetta GLI shares many of these features, like dual exhaust pipes, LED lighting, heated seats, and 18-inch wheels. However, that’s all the more reason to go with the lower-cost Forte GT. Why pay thousands more for a similar experience, other than 27 more horsepower? If you truly want an affordable manual sedan, the Kia Forte GT is clearly the right choice.
Set a Playdate With the Sporty Forte at Kia of Bedford!
Score amazing value by going with a brand-new Kia sedan at Kia of Bedford! We’re all about showing you the best rides that fit your budget. View our new inventory online to see what we currently have available near you.