Segment:
Compact Sedan / Hatchback
Competitors 2011:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze
Value Proposition:
Offers a blend of stylish design, fuel efficiency, and a comprehensive feature set for its price point.
Design:
Sporty exterior styling, characteristic 'tiger-nose' grille.
Powertrain Emphasis:
Focus on efficient 2.0L engine and responsive transmissions.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with the knowledge to perform complex repairs and maintenance accurately.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, audio system, power accessories, body control module (BCM), multiplex communication
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC interpretation, circuit diagrams, component testing
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement
Calibration Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, steering wheel centering, sensor calibration
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced, including wiring diagrams, pinpoint tests, and component specifications
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repairs
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves, CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
156 hp @ 6200 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified)
Coolant Capacity:
7.5 US quarts (7.1 Liters)
Recommended Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (with Shiftronic)
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency
Fluid Specifications Auto
Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent
Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 7.3 US quarts (6.9 Liters) for complete fill
Fluid Specifications Manual
Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-85 Manual Transmission Fluid
Length:
174.4 inches (4430 mm)
Width:
69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
57.9 inches (1470 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2650 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
2866 lbs (1300 kg) (approx.)
Curb Weight Automatic:
2948 lbs (1337 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
3991 lbs (1810 kg) (approx.)
Trunk Volume:
14.7 cubic feet (416 Liters) (sedan)
NHTSA Overall:
4-Star Overall Safety Rating (2011 model)
IIHS Front Crash:
Good (Top Safety Pick for 2011)
IIHS Side Crash:
Good (Top Safety Pick for 2011)
IIHS Rear Crash:
Good (Top Safety Pick for 2011)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist System (BAS)
Airbags Front:
Dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Full-length side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System Standard:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 with 4 speakers
Infotainment Options:
Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auxiliary input jack, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera (integrated with navigation or rearview mirror display)
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system
Push Button Start:
Optional Push Button Start with Smart Key
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed or at severe service intervals
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), recommended replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid PSF-III or equivalent (if equipped with hydraulic power steering)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water (Blue)
Engine Noise:
Potential for timing chain noise or issues in higher mileage vehicles, check manual for specific diagnosis.
Transmission Performance:
Some reports of rough shifting or transmission slipping, manual provides troubleshooting steps.
Electrical Quirks:
Occasional issues with power windows, door locks, or infotainment system, detailed electrical diagnostics in manual.
Suspension Wear:
Normal wear and tear on struts, bushings, and ball joints; manual details inspection and replacement.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation
First Generation Start:
2009 (as Kia Forte / Kia Cerato)
Generation Covered By Manual:
First Generation (2009-2013)
Facelift Year:
2010 (minor updates)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), Malaysia, Russia, Ecuador, Venezuela