Segment:
Compact sedan and hatchback.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra.
Value Proposition:
Offers a strong balance of affordability, features, and practicality, appealing to a wide range of buyers including first-time car owners and budget-conscious families.
Design Philosophy:
Modern styling with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and a functional, driver-oriented interior.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), clutch.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheels and tires.
Body:
Body construction, exterior and interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC, collision repair.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, infotainment system, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II diagnostics, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul. Includes engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, etc.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and component replacement to advanced diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting, and complete powertrain rebuilds.
Engine Code:
G4FJ (Nu 2.0L MPI)
Displacement:
1999 cc (2.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Bore X Stroke:
81.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Horsepower:
164 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque:
150 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 octane minimum
ECM Type:
Kia ECM (specific part number varies)
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Blue or Pink, check owner's manual for specific type)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.1 liters (7.5 US quarts)
Type:
6-speed manual transmission (M6GF2)
Type:
6-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic Shifting (A6GF1)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
SPIII ATF or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact specification)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4-Star Overall (out of 5)
IIHS Rating:
Good in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints & seats tests.
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
System Options:
Available UVO voice-activated infotainment system with touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB/auxiliary input jacks.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker audio system; optional premium audio system.
Available Features:
Rearview camera, parking sensors, cruise control.
Smartphone Integration:
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Severe driving conditions may require shorter intervals.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or as needed for even wear.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 105,000 miles (169,000 km) for Iridium spark plugs.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change.
Common Problems:
Occasional reports of engine oil consumption, some minor electrical gremlins (e.g., door lock actuators), and potential for premature brake pad wear in some driving conditions. These are generally not widespread issues.
Recall Information:
Refer to NHTSA or Kia's official recall database for specific 2015 Forte recalls (e.g., potential for engine stall due to manufacturing defect in some models).
Manufacturer:
Kia Corporation, South Korea.
Generation:
Second Generation (2010-2016)
Facelift:
Received a minor facelift for the 2014 model year, with styling and feature updates continuing into 2015.
Manufacturing Plant:
Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea; Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea; Autotorino, Russia (for Russian market).
