Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sedan
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking a stylish and reliable compact car.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze.
Value Proposition:
Excellent value for money, attractive styling, and a comprehensive feature set for its class.
Design Philosophy:
Kia's 'Design-driven' philosophy, emphasizing sporty and modern aesthetics.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and repair for the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensor diagnostics, ECM/PCM operation.
Transmission Manual:
Service, repair, and diagnosis for the M/T gearbox, clutch system, and driveline components.
Transmission Automatic:
Service, repair, and diagnosis for the A/T gearbox, torque converter, and associated electronic controls.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake fluid service, pad/rotor replacement, caliper service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering rack, tie rod ends, column assembly.
Electrical System:
12V battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessory circuits, grounding.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, component diagnosis.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass, structural repair guidelines.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing procedures.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.
Repair Procedures:
Complete instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Torque Specifications:
Accurate torque values for all critical fasteners.
Specifications Data:
All necessary measurements, clearances, and tolerances for repairs.
Depth Level:
Factory-level diagnostics and repair, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Code:
G4KD (Theta II 2.4 MPI)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
168 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Emission Control:
California/PZEV certified variants available, standard PZEV system on some models.
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A/T) with Sportmatic Shifting
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, lock-up torque converter, grade logic control.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-85.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for the 2012 model year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for the 2012 model year)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard
Airbags:
Front, front-side, and full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; 3-point rear seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Infotainment System:
Available UVO infotainment system (later in model year or higher trims), AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability.
Audio Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack, USB/iPod connectivity (on select trims/packages).
Backup Camera:
Available on higher trims or as an optional accessory.
Keyless Entry:
Standard on most trims, remote keyless entry.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, Kia Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some Theta II engines have been noted for potential oil consumption. Regular checks are advised.
Transmission Noise:
Occasional reports of minor transmission noise or harsh shifts, though generally robust.
Interior Rattles:
Some owners report minor interior trim rattles, fixable with common insulation methods.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer, known for producing a wide range of vehicles globally.
Forte Generation:
First Generation (2010-2013). The 2012 model is a refresh of the initial launch, featuring updated styling and features.
Forte Positioning:
Replaced the Kia Spectra. Positioned as Kia's mainstream compact sedan offering.
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Hwaseong), Mexico (Pesquería), Malaysia (Guan Che).
IIHS Award:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick designation demonstrates good performance in crash tests.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and specific components, generally falling around average for the class in its early years.
Pzev Certification:
Availability of PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) variants in certain states.
