Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Sedan, Hatchback, and Coupe
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, younger drivers, families seeking practical and stylish transportation
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus
Body Styles:
Offered in sedan, 5-door hatchback (Forte5), and 2-door coupe (Forte Koup) body styles, providing versatility.
Styling:
Modern and youthful design, often praised for its European-inspired styling cues.
Value Proposition:
Strong emphasis on affordability, feature content for the price, and fuel efficiency.
Powertrain:
Engine (G4KC 2.4L), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Driveline, Clutch
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Cluster, Lighting (Interior & Exterior), Audio/Video System, Horn, Wipers/Washers, Power Systems, Vehicle Theft Security, Ignition Control, Restraint System (Airbags), Cruise Control
Body And Comfort:
Body Panels, Frame, Bumpers, Doors, Windows, Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Interior Trim, Heated Systems
Emissions And Fuel:
Fuel System, Exhaust System, Emissions Control System
Diagnostic:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC code explanations, diagnostic flowcharts
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, disassembly and reassembly instructions
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Wiring And Schematics:
Complete wiring diagrams, electrical connector pinouts, component locations
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to major component overhauls and system diagnostics.
Printability:
Full Printable
Zoom Capability:
Zoom IN/OUT enabled for detailed viewing of diagrams
Binding:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital)
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for extraction if zipped)
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)
Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Horsepower:
Approx. 173-175 hp @ 6000 RPM (Varies slightly by specific application/calibration)
Torque:
Approx. 169-171 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (Varies slightly by specific application/calibration)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-plug)
Length:
Sedan: ~178.7 in; Koup: ~179.3 in; Forte5: ~175.4 in
Height:
Sedan/Koup: ~57.0 in; Forte5: ~57.1 in
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2800-3100 lbs (Varies by body style and transmission)
Trunk Capacity:
Sedan: ~14.7 cu ft; Forte5: ~19.4 cu ft (seats up)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Generally rated 4 or 5 stars (depending on specific testing and year variations)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Dual front, front side-impact, and side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port. Optional premium audio systems available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming on select trims.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system, optional push-button start with smart key.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 to 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs usually rated for 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5 compliant synthetic or synthetic blend, viscosity 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type, typically pink or red (e.g., Asian Long Life coolant). Capacity ~6.7 Quarts (6.3 Liters).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Genuine Kia ATF SP-IV or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Engine Hesitation:
Some owners report occasional engine hesitation, potentially related to fuel system cleanliness or ignition components.
Suspension Noises:
Reports of clunks or rattles from the suspension, often linked to worn sway bar links or bushings.
Interior Rattles:
Common in many vehicles of this class, interior trim pieces can develop rattles over time.
HVAC Performance:
Occasional issues with AC compressor or blend door actuator functionality.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation
Generation:
First Generation (2008-2013, globally known as Kia Cerato/Spectra in some markets)
Facelift:
This 2012 model represents the latter part of the first generation, potentially with minor updates from earlier models.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea (primarily Hwaseong Plant)
