The Kia Forte5, specifically the first generation (TD) produced between 2010 and 2013, represented Kia’s entry into the increasingly competitive compact hatchback market in North America. Positioned as a practical and affordable alternative to established rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Forte5 aimed to offer a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, features, and Kia’s then-evolving reputation for quality. The 2.0-liter, 156 horsepower variant paired with a six-speed automatic transmission occupied a mid-range position within the Forte5 lineup, offering a step up in performance from the base 1.6-liter engine while remaining more accessible than potential future performance-oriented trims. This configuration was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a comfortable and capable daily driver.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Forte |
| Generation | Forte5 I (TD) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 (156 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | ULEV |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp, 121.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm, 151.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 195 Nm @ 4300 rpm (143.82 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Theta II / G4KD |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, CVVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.9 l (4.12 US qt | 3.43 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1288 kg (2839.55 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 550 l (19.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Length | 4340 mm (170.87 in.) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.88 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1543-1557 mm (60.75 – 61.3 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1550-1564 mm (61.02 – 61.57 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.3 m (33.79 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 280 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 262 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15; 6J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Forte5 2.0 Automatic is Kia’s Theta II 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated G4KD. This engine is a naturally aspirated powerplant featuring multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The CVVT system optimizes engine breathing across the rev range, improving both performance and fuel efficiency. The engine produces 156 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 195 Nm (143.82 lb-ft) of torque at 4300 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Hyundai (Kia’s parent company), was designed to provide smooth and efficient gear changes. It features a conventional torque converter and electronically controlled shifting. While not a sport-tuned transmission, it was generally regarded as reliable and well-matched to the engine’s characteristics.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0-liter engine and six-speed automatic combination in the Forte5 offered a noticeable improvement in performance over the base 1.6-liter engine. Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, with the car feeling reasonably responsive in most situations. However, it wasn’t a particularly quick vehicle, and passing maneuvers on the highway required planning. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy, which meant that the engine sometimes felt strained when accelerating hard. Compared to the available manual transmission, the automatic resulted in a slight decrease in fuel economy and a less engaging driving experience. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, but handling was not particularly sporty. The steering was light and precise, but lacked significant feedback.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0-liter automatic Forte5 typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a six-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary inputs, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Higher trim levels, such as the EX, added features like alloy wheels, a sunroof, keyless entry, and upgraded interior materials. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with optional leather available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, with easy-to-read gauges and well-placed controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Forte5 utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam rear suspension. The front suspension incorporated a coil spring and anti-roll bar to reduce body roll during cornering. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. The car was equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The suspension tuning prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, resulting in a relatively soft and forgiving ride quality. The braking system was adequate for everyday use, but lacked the stopping power of more performance-oriented vehicles.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Forte5 2.0 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable compact hatchback. Reviewers praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and generous standard features. However, some criticized its lack of sporty handling and its somewhat unrefined engine. Compared to other trims in the Forte5 lineup, the 2.0-liter automatic offered a better balance of performance and fuel economy than the base 1.6-liter engine, but it wasn’t as fuel-efficient as the manual transmission version. Its fuel economy figures were competitive with other compact hatchbacks in its class.
Legacy
The Kia Forte5, and specifically the 2.0-liter automatic variant, proved to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The Theta II engine, while not without its occasional issues (such as potential oil consumption in some cases), generally held up well over time. The six-speed automatic transmission also proved to be relatively trouble-free. Today, used examples of the Forte5 2.0 Automatic are readily available and often represent a good value for buyers seeking an affordable and practical compact hatchback. While not a collector’s item, it remains a viable option for those looking for a dependable and economical mode of transportation.
