Target Audience:
First-time car buyers, urban commuters, budget-conscious consumers.
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris.
Value Proposition:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, modern styling.
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with in-depth knowledge for accurate maintenance and repair, reducing reliance on costly dealership services.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing belt/chain replacement, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanism, driveshafts.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), hydraulic system, internal components, fluid and filter replacement.
Suspension:
Front McPherson struts, rear torsion beam, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, wheel alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes (market dependent), ABS system, hydraulic lines, brake fluid specifications.
Steering:
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, steering column, tie rods, power steering fluid (if applicable).
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant charging.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, chassis components.
Restraints:
Airbag system, seatbelt mechanisms, SRS module diagnostics.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, spark plug replacement, tire rotations.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step guides for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues across all systems.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all serviceable parts, from engine components to body panels.
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions.
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for all fasteners during assembly and disassembly.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for easy diagnosis of electrical faults.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Full factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code:
G4FC (1.6L Gamma)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves
Bore X Stroke:
77.0 mm x 85.5 mm
Horsepower 1.6L:
138 hp @ 6300 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1.6L:
123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 1.4L:
107 hp @ 6300 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1.4L:
100 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Transmission Type Base:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic (4AT)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control with adaptive shift logic.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 (Refer to manual for specific Kia part number)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
SP-III or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Kia part number)
Length:
4,030 mm (Hatchback) / 4,370 mm (Sedan)
Height:
1,470 mm (Hatchback) / 1,450 mm (Sedan)
Curb Weight Est:
1,100 - 1,200 kg (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Hatchback Est:
255 liters (seats up)
Cargo Volume Sedan Est:
450 liters
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4-Star (2012 model year, may vary by specific test and market)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Ebs:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Bas:
Brake Assist System (BAS).
Esc:
Optional Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on higher trims.
Airbags:
Front dual airbags, optional side and curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Oil Change Interval:
7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 - 30,000 miles (inspect more frequently).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 - 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
105,000 miles for iridium plugs.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
First change at 105,000 miles, then every 52,500 miles thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
60,000 miles (severe service) / 100,000 miles (normal service).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic blend or full synthetic.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.1 US quarts (3.9 liters) with filter change (1.6L engine).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based, long-life coolant (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant - pink).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Complaint 1:
Occasional transmission shift quality issues (automatic).
Common Complaint 2:
Water ingress into the rear cargo area (tail light seals).
Common Complaint 3:
Premature wear of front brake pads and rotors.
Common Complaint 4:
Potential for ignition coil failure.
Common Complaint 5:
EVAP system purge solenoid failures leading to check engine light.