Segment:
Compact car, competing with Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus
Strengths:
Value for money, stylish design (especially Koup), good fuel economy, decent feature set
Body Styles:
4-door sedan (Forte), 5-door hatchback (Forte5), 2-door coupe (Forte Koup)
Engine Options:
1.6L Gamma I4, 2.0L Beta II I4, 2.4L Theta II I4
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management
Transmission:
Manual transmission (M5CF1), Automatic transmission (A6GF1)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, Rear torsion beam axle, steering system (hydraulic power steering)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (ventilated), Rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, ESC (if equipped)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electrical, multiplex communication (CAN bus)
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof (if equipped), HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, component testing
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Depth:
Detailed repair procedures, torque specifications, diagnostic strategies, electrical schematics
Engine 1 Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine 1 Displacement:
1591 cc (1.6L)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
77.0 mm x 85.5 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Engine 1 Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine 1 Hp:
124 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
114 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Engine 2 Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine 2 Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0L)
Engine 2 Hp:
156 hp @ 6200 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Engine 3 Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine 3 Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4L)
Engine 3 Hp:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition Type:
Coil-on-plug
Emission Standards:
Meets EPA and CARB standards for the model year
Transmission 1 Type:
5-speed manual (M5CF1)
Transmission 2 Type:
4-speed automatic (A4GF1) for 1.6L and 2.0L engines
Transmission 3 Type:
5-speed automatic (A5GF1) for 2.4L engine
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
SP-III (or equivalent, e.g., Diamond ATF SP-III)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
★★★★★ (5-star)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
★★★★★ (5-star)
NHTSA Side Crash Driver:
★★★★☆ (4-star)
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4-star)
NHTSA Rollover:
★★★★☆ (4-star)
Traction Control:
Standard on most trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard on most trims (ESC)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners, load limiters
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input, USB port, and satellite radio compatibility (optional).
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system with touchscreen interface.
Keyless Entry:
Standard or optional depending on trim level
Bluetooth:
Optional for hands-free calling and audio streaming on higher trims.
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions); 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (normal conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (iridium type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified, SAE 5W-20 (1.6L and 2.0L), SAE 5W-30 (2.4L)
Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L:
4.1 US qt (3.9 L)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
4.5 US qt (4.3 L)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.8 US qt (4.5 L)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.7 US qt (6.3 L)
Engine Noise:
Some owners report engine knocking or pinging, potentially related to carbon buildup or fuel quality. Manual addresses engine cleaning procedures.
Suspension Noise:
Occasional reports of clunking or rattling from the front suspension, often linked to worn sway bar links or bushings. Manual covers suspension component diagnosis and replacement.
Transmission Shifting:
Some automatic transmission shifting harshness or hesitation. Manual provides diagnostic steps for transmission control module and hydraulic system.
Electrical Gremlins:
Minor electrical issues like intermittent power to accessories or dashboard lights are sometimes reported. Manual includes detailed wiring diagrams.
Manufacturer:
Kia Corporation, a South Korean automotive manufacturer
Generation:
First Generation (2009-2013)
Design Philosophy:
Designed by Peter Schreyer, marked a significant shift in Kia's design language towards more European-influenced styling
Assembly Location:
Hwaseong, South Korea; also assembled in other global locations