Segment:
        
        
            Compact sports coupe/sedan.
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Younger buyers, budget-conscious enthusiasts, those seeking stylish and affordable transportation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Civic Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Hyundai Elantra Coupe (similar segment).
        
     
    
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            Sporty styling, coupe body style offers a distinct visual appeal compared to the sedan Forte.
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Offers a compelling blend of style, features, and affordability, often at a lower price point than competitors.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Options:
        
        
            Focuses on the efficient and capable 2.0L DOHC engine.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, engine control system (ECM), fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, emission controls.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual transmission (MT) and automatic transmission (AT) systems, clutch system, shift control, transmission control module (TCM).
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, driveshafts, axles, differential.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering knuckles, wheel bearings.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, steering rack and pinion, power steering pump/motor.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake booster, parking brake.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), horns, wipers and washers, power outlets.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, seat belts, airbags.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant system, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor.
        
     
    
        
            Body Control Module:
        
        
            Body Control Module (BCM) functions, power windows, door locks, remote keyless entry.
        
     
    
        
            Instrumentation:
        
        
            Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, diagnostic indicators.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Routine maintenance procedures: oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, troubleshooting guides, symptom-based troubleshooting, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all components and systems, including disassembly, assembly, and adjustment.
        
     
    
        
            Component Replacement:
        
        
            Procedures for replacing major components such as engine, transmission, suspension parts, brake calipers, starter, alternator, etc.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Diagnostics:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, component location charts, troubleshooting electrical circuits, testing sensors and actuators.
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repairs and maintenance tasks.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications for fasteners, diagnostic values, clearances, tolerances, and fluid capacities.
        
     
    
        
            Airbag Systems:
        
        
            Safety precautions and procedures for working on airbag systems, component replacement.
        
     
    
    
        
            Level:
        
        
            Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
        
     
    
        
            Detail Level:
        
        
            Detailed diagrams, exploded views, service data, and troubleshooting flowcharts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Overall Rating:
        
        
            Typically rated 4 out of 5 stars for overall safety by NHTSA (for the Forte sedan and Coupe in general for this generation).
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Front Crash Rating:
        
        
            Good (for the Forte sedan, Coupe performance generally aligns).
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
        
     
    
        
            Esc:
        
        
            Electronic Stability Control (ESC) often standard or available.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Traction Control System (TCS) often paired with ESC.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (availability may vary by trim).
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
        
     
    
        
            Child Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe driving may require more frequent changes.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Coolant Replacement:
        
        
            First replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) thereafter.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., iridium tipped). Interval typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20, API SM or higher (refer to owner's manual for exact specification and API service category).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mixture with distilled water. (Kia genuine coolant or equivalent).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4, as specified by Kia.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Mt:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific manual transmission fluid (MTF) viscosity and specification.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid At:
        
        
            Genuine Kia ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for precise OEM recommendation).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Noise:
        
        
            Occasional reports of piston slap or valve train noise, particularly on startup. Usually not indicative of serious failure if within acceptable tolerances.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Issues:
        
        
            Minor electrical gremlins, such as malfunctioning power windows or door locks, are not uncommon in vehicles of this age.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Wear:
        
        
            Wear in suspension components like control arm bushings or sway bar links can lead to clunks or poor handling over time.