Segment:
Subcompact / Economy Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious individuals and families seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and practical vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Nissan Versa.
Value Proposition:
Affordability, good fuel economy, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, and a respectable feature set for the price point.
Design Philosophy:
Modern and somewhat sporty exterior styling, user-friendly interior design.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine management (ECM), transmission (AT/MT), drivetrain (driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering system, braking system (ABS/ESC), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, audio system, power windows/locks, HVAC controls, SRS (airbag) system, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, exterior trim, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad/rotor replacement, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) explanations, sensor testing, component testing procedures
Repairs:
Engine component overhauls (head gasket, piston rings), transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement (struts, control arms), steering rack replacement, HVAC system repair, electrical component replacement (alternator, starter, ECU)
Special Procedures:
Timing belt/chain replacement (if applicable), clutch replacement, airbag system service, diagnostic tool usage, special tool requirements
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Transmission Type Standard:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Sportmatic)
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronically controlled gear selection, manual shift mode (Sportmatic).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85
Length In:
160.0 (Sedan) / 158.3 (Hatchback)
Height In:
57.1 (Sedan) / 57.2 (Hatchback)
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Sedan:
15.0
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Hatchback:
21.7 (rear seats up) / 49.4 (rear seats folded)
Curb Weight Lbs Min:
2450 (approximate, base model)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
3704 (approximate)
Towing Capacity Lbs:
Not Recommended
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (overall)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Not rated as Top Safety Pick, but generally good crash test performance.
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-mounted airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio with CD/MP3 player, USB and auxiliary input jacks.
Display Screen:
Available 4.3-inch or 7-inch touchscreen display (depending on trim).
Navigation:
Optional navigation system integrated with touchscreen.
Camera System:
Available rearview camera.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available on 2016 model.
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Smartphone Integration:
Basic functionality, not full Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration typical of newer models.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Engine Air Filter Replacement Miles:
30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Miles:
15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
105,000 miles (Iridium type)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto Miles:
60,000 miles (under severe driving conditions) or as per dealer recommendation.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or higher, SAE 0W-20 (Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.2 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Asian Red Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based)
Engine Related:
Infrequent reports of minor oil consumption on early models; occasional issues with ABS sensors or modules.
Transmission Related:
Generally reliable; rare complaints of hesitant shifting in older automatic transmissions (not specific to 2016).
Electrical Related:
Some owners report issues with infotainment system glitches or battery drain, often resolved by software updates or battery checks.
Chassis Related:
Minor squeaks or rattles from suspension components over time; some reports of brake pad wear.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Focus:
Affordable, reliable, and increasingly stylish vehicles with strong warranty backing.
Generation Indicator:
Third Generation (2011-2017)
Design Influence:
Styled under the direction of Peter Schreyer, featuring Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille.
Production Years Globally:
2011-2017
Assembly Locations:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea; Yanam, India; Khasia, Ecuador.