Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe / Affordable Performance
Target Audience:
Younger buyers, performance enthusiasts, value-conscious consumers
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Scion tC, Hyundai Elantra Coupe (later models)
Design:
Sporty, aggressive styling differentiating it from the sedan/hatchback
Performance Orientation:
Offered more powerful engine options than base Forte models
Value Proposition:
Good performance and features for its price point
Engine:
Full overhaul, diagnostics, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic: Overhaul, diagnostics, clutch, torque converter, fluid service
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, parking brake
Suspension:
Front struts/shocks, rear shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, column, tie rods
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heater, blower motor, controls, refrigerant service
Body:
Interior trim, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, bumpers, chassis components
Driver Information System:
Instrument cluster, warning lights, CAN bus communication
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS diagnostics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, belts
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code analysis
Repair:
Component replacement, system overhaul, engine rebuild, transmission rebuild
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU diagnostics
Calibration And Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, headlight aiming, throttle body relearn
Depth Level:
Expert level (suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers)
Data Richness:
Detailed specifications, torque values, clearance measurements, diagnostic procedures
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Includes schematics, exploded views, and step-by-step illustrations
Engine Code:
G4FC (1.6 Gamma), G4KD (2.0 Theta II)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 1.6L:
1591 cc (97.1 cu in)
Displacement 2.0L:
1998 cc (121.9 cu in)
Horsepower 1.6L:
Approximately 122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1.6L:
Approximately 115 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approximately 156 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
Approximately 144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors (O2), EVAP system
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (refer to specific model year NHTSA data)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely achieved 'Good' ratings in most IIHS tests for its generation
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (for iridium-tipped plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect as needed. Automatic: Every 60,000 miles or 48 months.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 liters (4.2-4.8 US quarts) with filter, depending on engine
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Antifreeze Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, Blue)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-85 gear oil or specified Kia power steering fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-85 gear oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
SP-III or SP-IV automatic transmission fluid
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some 2.0L Theta II engines have been reported with oil consumption issues.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Can be prone to premature failure if engine misfires or oil consumption issues are present.
Suspension Noise:
Slight clunking or rattling from suspension components (bushings, sway bar links) can occur over time.