Target Audience:
DIY Mechanics, Independent Repair Shops, Kia Enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic
Vehicle Type:
Economy Car
Body Styles:
4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Hatchback
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Control System (ECU)
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch System, Driveshafts, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension System (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic, ABS, Electronic Parking Brake), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical System, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), Battery, Charging System, Starting System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass & Seals
HVAC:
Air Conditioning System, Heating System, Ventilation System, Climate Control
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Repair & Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Component Testing Procedures
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Scan Tool Procedures, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Workshop Level
Detail Level:
Step-by-step repair instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, exploded views, component identification
Engine Type:
Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 Valves, Dual CVVT
Horsepower:
138 HP @ 6300 RPM
Torque:
123 lb-ft @ 4850 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Manual Shift Mode
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically Controlled, Lock-up Torque Converter
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars (for 2015 model)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2015 model with specific options)
Braking:
Front Disc, Rear Drum (standard), 4-Wheel Disc (optional)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Front Dual Stage Airbags, Front Side-Mounted Airbags, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-Point Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Load Limiters
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) System
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (inspect more frequently)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (Iridium-tipped spark plugs)
Engine Oil:
API SN PLUS or higher, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 US Quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol Type Antifreeze / Coolant (Blue or Pink for Kia Genuine)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.8 US Quarts (5.5 Liters)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent (check manual for specific type)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of minor oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, potential for carbon buildup on intake valves with direct injection (though less prevalent than some competitors), some reports of premature brake wear, potential for transmission software glitches (less common).