The Kia Forte II (YD), produced from 2013 to 2016, represented a significant step forward for the South Korean automaker in the competitive compact sedan segment. The 2.0 GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) Automatic variant, generating 166 horsepower, occupied a mid-range position within the Forte II lineup, offering a balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and features aimed at a broad customer base. This generation Forte aimed to elevate Kia’s brand image with improved styling, interior quality, and technology, directly challenging established players like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in the North American market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Forte |
| Generation | Forte II (YD) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 GDI (166 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (EPA) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | SULEV |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.8 kg/Hp, 128.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm, 155.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 166 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 83 Hp/l |
| Torque | 201 Nm @ 4700 rpm (148.25 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Nu / G4NC |
| Engine displacement | 1999 cm3 (121.99 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, D-CVVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1296-1374 kg (2857.19 – 3029.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max load | 396-474 kg (873.03 – 1044.99 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 421 l (14.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4560 mm (179.53 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Height | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1553-1557 mm (61.14 – 61.3 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1566-1570 mm (61.65 – 61.81 in.) |
| Front overhang | 880 mm (34.65 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 980 mm (38.58 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 135 mm (5.31 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 15.2° |
| Departure angle | 20.4° |
| 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 | 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 | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16; 215/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 2.0 GDI Forte is the Kia-Hyundai Nu engine family, specifically the G4NC code. This 1999cc inline-four cylinder engine utilizes direct fuel injection (GDI) to enhance both power and fuel economy. Direct injection allows fuel to be sprayed directly into the combustion chamber, resulting in a more complete burn and improved efficiency. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Kia’s Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) system. D-CVVT optimizes valve timing based on engine load and speed, further contributing to performance and efficiency. The six-speed automatic transmission, a common unit within the Hyundai-Kia group, was paired with this engine. This transmission offered smooth shifts and was tuned for comfortable daily driving rather than outright performance. It featured a conventional torque converter design.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 GDI Automatic Forte delivered adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. With 166 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, acceleration was sufficient for merging onto highways and passing slower traffic. However, it lacked the punch of the more powerful engines offered in the Forte lineup. The automatic transmission, while smooth, sometimes felt hesitant during quick acceleration, and downshifts weren’t particularly rapid. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy, prioritizing efficiency over sporty driving dynamics. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 2.0 GDI, the automatic resulted in a slight performance decrease and a marginal reduction in fuel economy. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a relatively smooth ride over most road surfaces, but it didn’t offer the engaging handling found in some competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 GDI Automatic trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a six-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels, such as the EX, added features like a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a rearview camera. Interior materials were generally of good quality for the price point, with a focus on durability and practicality. Optional extras included a navigation system and upgraded audio systems. The dashboard layout was straightforward and user-friendly, with logically placed controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Forte II utilized a front-wheel-drive platform with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride but wasn’t designed for aggressive cornering. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and easy steering feel. The suspension components were tuned to balance ride comfort and handling, leaning more towards the former. Stabilizer bars were included both front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.0 GDI Automatic Forte was generally well-received by critics as a practical and value-oriented compact sedan. It offered a good balance of features, fuel economy, and price. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of some competitors, and the automatic transmission could feel sluggish at times. Compared to the base 1.8L engine, the 2.0 GDI offered a noticeable performance improvement. Fuel economy was comparable to other compact sedans in its class, achieving around 28 mpg combined. Reliability was generally good, with few major issues reported.
Legacy
The 2.0 GDI engine proved to be a relatively reliable powertrain in the Forte II. While some early GDI engines across various manufacturers experienced carbon buildup issues, the Nu engine family generally held up well with regular maintenance. On the used car market, the 2.0 GDI Automatic Forte represents a solid value proposition, offering a comfortable and efficient daily driver at an affordable price. Its longevity and relatively low maintenance costs make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The Forte II, and specifically this variant, helped establish Kia as a serious contender in the compact sedan segment, paving the way for the brand’s continued success in the North American market.
