Yeah, the civic si - Forte GT comparison tests make it seem like there's such a large gap between the two vehicles. I understand performance (handling wise) the Si has an lsd but besides that , I'd actually say the forte gt may even feel more premium. And you may not notice that lsd during most driving on the streets. I do love the Si as a car and wouldn't mind owning one in the future once I learn stick. The more enthusiast value options the better.The reason the majority of your magazines and larger reviewers are hard on Kia and Hyundai is because Kia/Hyundai ain’t paying their bills.... you will always see them sneak in comments like.... “ the kia’s transmission falls short of the Honda Civic SI transmission that puts its power to the ground with 18” wheels wrapped in Michelin tires”...... ... guess who is paying their bills....
Or they will compare a base Kia Forte with a damn TYPE-R and make sure everyone knows the base Kia got it’s dick stomped.... everything is bias when money is involved.
My forte gt line base feels premium. The door handles light up, the sounds when you lock/unlock the door are great. When I set my Bluetooth I had a robot speaking to me. The middle dash has customizable themes, when you use the wiper blades a menu pops up on the middle dash screen(between speedos) that shows you your setting while toggling through it. I discover new things everyday. The feel of the materials and fit and finish is really premium for an entry level compact sedan. People need to see these cars in person because pictures don't do it justice. Makes you feel special, lol.
I'd go out and say the GT2 package GT must be really nice and more premium feeling than a civic si. My brother in law has a civic sport on the way so im excited to see how that car feels inside and out. Im sure it's premium feeling as well. The Honda , Toyota and Kia compacts offer great value , imo. And sedans always drive better than cuvs to me. Cuvs make me miserable, they're uncomfortable , worse on gas , seating position I don't like , suspension feels off, they feel heavy , and so forth. With gas prices people should be going back to compact sedans and they won't be disappointed. They are more feature packed and have better ride/handling/mpg than cuv counterparts .