Premium features for GT-Line Premium

Those who previously owned a Volkswagen are known for their attention to details. And I was one of them. So, being a "VAG-holic" I wanted to put more attention on small things in Kia Forte, just like Volkswagen does. To add more "premium" features to the GT-Line Premium trim.

The first item on my list was an owner's manual case. I don't know why Kia decided that Fortes don't need leather case for these books. Even my base Ford Focus mk3 had one. So, I searched for used cases on Facebook Market and Mercari and I found a "used" one from a Telluride. This little thing look much better than the original transparent "something". And it fits all the manuals perfectly.

I've found numerous used cases from various cars. From what I understand when people total their cars, before giving them to insurance, they tend to "undress" them. They sell some parts in mint condition to get some money back: wheel locks, carpet mats, trunk nets, owners manual cases...

Moving on... Nearly 10 years ago I had been choosing between Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat B7. I wanted to purchase Mondeo, but when I sat inside Passat I was really surprised with attention to details. I liked felt lined glove box, door or arm rest niches in comparison to plastic Mondeo.

I'm uncertain how much does it cost for manufacturer to make a felt lined parts, but I believe not much, as I was able to purchase 1,5m of alcantara on AliExpress for just $20.

The material feels so "touchy" and soft. Approximate measurements of the glove box are 16x10 inches, so 1,5m should be sufficient for two glove boxes. The alcantara I've found is self-adhesive and very easy to apply.

I only needed to cut it into pieces. Before cutting I made the shapes for top, bottom and sides of the glove box from old newspapers. Then I cut alcantara based on these templates.

Using the soapy water I applied the alcantara pieces to the glove box panels. The result is fantastic. The texture is different from the stock, but in the same time it feels like a stock. Like it is from the factory. If you didn't know that OEM glove box is plastic you never guess that mine is custom lined.

I really enjoyed working with this material, so I decided also to apply it to the arm rest niche as well. Same process, but this time it was a bit faster.

Now I'm thinking to make doors' niches alcantara-lined as well. I really like how it looks and feels.

Another item I purchased on AliExpress are wheel nuts protection caps. The idea was also inspired by VAG. Next time you walk near VAG car (Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche) take a look at wheel nuts. They are covered with plastic protection caps, which not only looks good, but show the attention of the manufacturer to the smallest details of their cars. You're not purchasing a car, you're purchasing a product.

So, Forte bolts are 21 mm size. I've ordered the black caps and they came with a tool for easy removal at the service.

Easy to install and they look really good. One more thing to make my Forte more special, different from the others. However the difference is only noticeable to those who are known or see two Fortes standing side by side. The effect I aimed to achieve.

That's it for now. Thanks everyone for reading this and safe travels. Love your cars!

Total:

- Owner's manual case: $29.80
- Alcantara: $19.65
- Wheel nut caps: $4.11

Ціна питання 54 USD, Пробіг 3817 км.