Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata.
Design Philosophy:
European-influenced styling, sporty handling, value proposition.
Target Audience:
Families, professionals seeking a stylish, reliable, and fuel-efficient sedan with good value.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, component testing, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, emissions control.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, overhaul, torque converter, fluid specifications, diagnosis.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, axle shafts, CV joints, differential service.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, diagnosis.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control modules (BCM).
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, refrigerant handling, climate control, heater core, blower motor.
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, bumpers, body repair techniques, corrosion protection.
Restraint System:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module diagnosis and replacement precautions.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II codes, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, scan tool usage, troubleshooting charts.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets), transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, common fault diagnosis, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Installation:
Component installation procedures with torque specifications, sensor replacement, module programming (where applicable).
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical system specifications, engine timing parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code:
G2.4 GDI (Theta II GDI)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 6300 rpm (approximate, subject to market variations)
Torque:
179 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (approximate, subject to market variations)
Fuel Delivery:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (Dual CVVT)
Engine Management:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors, EVAP system
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (6AT)
Optional Transmission:
N/A for this specific engine variant in most markets.
Transmission Features:
Sportmatic manual shifting mode, adaptive shift control.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia ATF SP-IV (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.4 Liters (15.6 Pints) (service fill, overhaul capacity higher)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Likely 5-Star (based on typical performance of this generation)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Possible Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award recipient for the model year.
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard
Airbags:
Dual front, front side, curtain side airbags; driver's knee airbag (standard on most trims).
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear with pretensioners and load limiters.
Infotainment System:
UVO infotainment system (optional), touchscreen displays, navigation system (optional).
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity.
Rearview Camera:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors.
Keyless Entry Start:
Push-button start with smart key (standard on EX and above).
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB auxiliary input.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
Transmission Fluid:
Check periodically, replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or under severe driving conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Korean Industry Standard (KIS) G30 Anti-freeze (or equivalent HOAT coolant)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Carbon Buildup:
GDI engines can be prone to intake valve carbon deposits; manual covers cleaning procedures.
Transmission Hesitation:
Some early models may exhibit minor transmission shift quality issues, often resolvable with software updates or fluid service.
Electrical Component Failures:
Occasional reports of minor electrical gremlins, covered by diagnostic procedures in the manual.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea.
Generation:
Second Generation (QF Optima)
Redesign Year:
2011 (for the QF generation, 2014 is a mid-cycle refresh year)
Production Years:
2011-2015 (QF generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Hwaseong, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market)