Kia Forte I (TD) 2.0 (156 Hp) Manual 5-speed


Overall Rating

8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Kia Forte:

The Kia Forte , known as the K3 in Asia, the Forte K3 or Shuma in China and Cerato in South America, Australia, New Zealand and Russia, is a compact car manufactured by South Korean automaker Kia from mid-2008 until 2024, replacing the Kia Spectra. Throughout its production, it was available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback variants. It was not sold in Europe, which got the similarly sized Kia Ceed....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I (TD) Overview:

Kia Forte (I (TD)). With 195 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). Weighing only 1228 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.0 (156 Hp) Manual 5-speed Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

This combination offers a spirited driving experience. The 2.0L engine, with its slight power increase, feels responsive with the 5-speed manual, providing good control and engagement for the driver.

Fuel Economy

The 5-speed manual transmission allows for good control over fuel consumption, and the 2.0L engine is inherently efficient, making this a cost-effective option for daily driving.

Best Use Case: City / Enthusiast Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Strong value proposition
  • • Spacious interior for its class
  • • Good fuel economy (especially 2.0L manual)
  • • Available powerful 2.4L engine
  • • Modern styling for its time

Cons:

  • • Some interior materials feel cheap
  • • Road noise can be noticeable
  • • Older automatic transmissions (4-speed, 5-speed) are less refined
  • • Steering feel can be vague
  • • Limited advanced safety features

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Forte
Generation:I (TD)
Modification (Engine):2.0 (156 Hp) Manual 5-speed
Start of production:2009
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:156 Hp @ 6200 rpm.
Power per litre:78.1 Hp/l
Torque:195 Nm @ 4300 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Theta II / G4KD
Engine displacement:1998
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
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
Coolant:6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:86 mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (EPA):9.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (EPA):6.9 l/100 km
Emission standard:ULEV
Weight-to-power ratio:7.9 kg/Hp, 127 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.3 kg/Nm, 158.8 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1228
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:416 l
Fuel tank capacity:52 l
Size:
Length:4530 mm
Width:1775 mm
Height:1460 mm
Wheelbase:2650 mm
Front track:1543-1557 mm
Rear (Back) track:1550-1564 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):150 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.3 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs, 280 mm
Rear brakesDisc, 262 mm
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/65 R15; 205/55 R16
Wheel rims size5.5J x 15; 6J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionTransverse stabilizer, Coil spring, Torsion

What’s the best feature of the Kia Forte? Tell us in the comments!