Segment:
Compact car segment
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and stylish vehicle
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus
Body Styles:
Offered in sedan, 5-door hatchback (Forte5), and 2-door coupe (Koup) variants for diverse consumer needs
Value Proposition:
Good value for money, offering a decent balance of features, performance, and affordability
Design Appeal:
Sporty and modern exterior styling, particularly in the Koup and Forte5 versions
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, exhaust, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics
Transmission:
Manual transmission (M/T), automatic transmission (A/T) - overhaul, diagnostics, fluid services
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, CV axles, differential service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, components, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion unit
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid, hydraulic components
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and gauges, body electrical components, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, glass replacement, collision repair basics
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system diagnosis and components, seatbelt service
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) lookup, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, component testing procedures
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement
Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (if applicable)
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values, engine timings
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostics and repair procedures, including component-level troubleshooting and overhaul
Transmission Type 1.6L:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission (optional on some trims)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate clutch (for manual transmission)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
Good
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Rating:
Good
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
E B D:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional curtain side airbags (head protection)
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts, all-position 3-point seatbelts
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input
Optional Upgrades:
Available premium audio system, satellite radio capability
Display:
Basic LCD display for audio and clock functions
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement 1.6L:
Approx. 60,000 miles (check manual for specific type)
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (iridium type)
Engine Oil Type 1.6L:
API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 (synthetic blend recommended)
Engine Oil Type 2.0L:
API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 (synthetic blend recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (color may vary, consult manual for specific OEM spec or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for preference)
Common Concern Engine:
Occasional oil consumption reported in some higher-mileage vehicles, potential for knock sensor issues
Common Concern Transmission:
Manual transmission clutch wear, some reports of automatic transmission shifting issues or solenoid problems
Common Concern Suspension:
Wear in front control arm bushings, potential for worn struts/shocks over time
Common Concern Electrical:
Power window regulator failures, alternator issues, occasional TPMS sensor malfunctions
Common Concern Interior:
Wear on driver's seat bolstering, some interior plastic trim squeaks
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Focus:
Known for offering well-equipped vehicles at competitive prices
First Generation Start:
2008 (global)
Generation For 2010 Model:
First Generation (2008-2011)
Platform:
Hyundai Elantra (XD/HD) platform sharing
Assembly Plant:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea