Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a sporty and capable compact SUV with good value and modern features, often appealing to younger buyers and small families.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5.
Powertrain Offering:
The 2.0T engine provides a significant performance advantage over base engines in its class, offering brisk acceleration and a more engaging driving experience.
Design Language:
Sporty and modern styling, distinguishing it from more utilitarian competitors.
Value Proposition:
Kia's strategy of offering a well-equipped vehicle at a competitive price point.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for the 2.0L Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine, including cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, and engine control.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for the automatic transmission (likely 6-speed automatic, A6GF1/A6LF1 variants), including hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) system components, including differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, and transfer case (for AWD models).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (likely MacPherson struts front, multi-link rear), including component replacement, alignment procedures, and troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system diagnostics and repair, including ABS, EBD, disc brake components (calipers, rotors, pads), and hydraulic lines.
Steering:
Power steering system (likely electric or hydraulic assist), steering column, tie rods, and alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the automotive electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power distribution, fuses, relays, and wiring diagrams.
Body And Trim:
Exterior and interior body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, trim components, and basic bodywork repair guidelines.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics, repair, refrigerant handling, and component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnostics, seatbelt mechanisms, and related safety components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and general upkeep.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues across all major systems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools (OBD-II scanners), interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and performing electrical system diagnostics.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Expert-level detail, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and chassis component overhauls.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI)
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower ப்பூர்:
260 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque ப்பூர்:
269 lb-ft @ 1800-4000 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Direct injection with GDI system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for optimal performance)
ECU Type:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with integrated powertrain control.
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with electric cooling fan.
Oil Capacity Qts:
Approximately 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) with filter change.
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Likely received 4 out of 5 stars in overall NHTSA crash testing for its generation, but specific ratings should be verified for the 2012 model year.
IIHS Rating:
Top Safety Pick designation by IIHS for certain years in this generation; specific 2012 ratings should be verified.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.
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 for severe driving conditions, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months for normal conditions (refer to manual for detailed breakdown).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for the 2.0T engine (use specified iridium plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or if severe driving conditions are met. Consult manual for specifics on fluid flush vs. drain and fill.
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Blue or Green, HOAT or OAT based on specific formulation). Typically requires a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
If hydraulic, consult manual for specific fluid type. If electric, no fluid required.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring regular checks and potential early oil changes. Ensure correct oil viscosity is used.
Turbocharger Issues:
Potential for turbocharger issues if oil is not maintained properly or if the engine is consistently driven very hard without proper warm-up/cool-down cycles.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many modern vehicles, intermittent electrical issues can arise, often related to sensor faults or module communication. The manual's diagnostic section is crucial here.
Transmission Shift Quality:
Occasional reports of slightly rough shifting; regular transmission fluid maintenance can help mitigate this.
Kia Heritage:
Kia Motors, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, has a history of producing reliable and increasingly stylish vehicles, gaining significant market share globally.
Sportage Generation:
The 2012 Sportage belongs to the third generation (SL) of the Sportage, which debuted for the 2011 model year and represented a significant departure in design and engineering from previous generations.
Production Location:
Primary production for North America occurred at Kia's West Point, Georgia plant in the USA, and also in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.