I’ve been driving my Kia Forte here for a while, and it’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made. It just gets the balance right for life in Dubai.

That 1.6L turbo engine is surprisingly quick. It makes merging onto Sheikh Zayed Road easy and adds a fun factor to my daily commute. You do feel the manual gearbox in bad traffic, but it’s worth it for the control it gives you the rest of the time.

It looks really sharp—sporty and modern without trying too hard. I’ve had a few people ask me about it at stoplights! It’s the perfect size, too: easy to park at the mall, but with a decently sized boot for my shopping hauls. The A/C is strong, which is an absolute must here.

It’s not a luxury car, but it feels premium inside. For anyone who wants a stylish, fun-to-drive, and practical car without the crazy price tag, the Forte is a fantastic pick.