Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, new drivers, DIY enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta
Value Proposition:
Affordable price, good fuel economy, practical interior for its class
Design Philosophy:
Compact dimensions, practical hatchback and sedan body styles
Engine:
1.6L Gamma G4FC, 1.4L Alpha G4EE, 1.5L CRDi Diesel (where applicable)
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum / Disc (depending on trim)
Suspension:
Front McPherson Strut, Rear Torsion Beam
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical System:
12V System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, ECUs
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Frame
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Pump, Injectors, Lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, Coolant, Water Pump, Thermostat
Exhaust System:
Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks, Spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, OBD-II codes
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine rebuilds, Transmission overhauls, Brake component replacement, Suspension work
Component Replacement:
Alternator, Starter, Water pump, Fuel pump, Radiator, A/C compressor
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, Component testing, Sensor diagnosis
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, Door hinge adjustment, Glass replacement
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque values, Clearances, Measurements
Diagnostic Coverage:
In-depth diagnostic procedures, pinpoint tests, wiring schematics
Repair Complexity:
Covers basic DIY repairs to complex engine and transmission overhauls
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Detailed exploded views, schematics, and step-by-step diagrams
Engine Code 1:
G4FC (Gamma)
Engine Description 1:
1.6L (1599cc) DOHC Inline-4 MPI
Bore X Stroke 1:
77.0 mm x 85.4 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
10.5:1
Horsepower 1:
110 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1:
107 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 2:
G4EE (Alpha)
Engine Description 2:
1.4L (1399cc) DOHC Inline-4 MPI
Horsepower 2:
96 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
93 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine Code Diesel:
D4FA (U-II CRDi - for specific markets)
Engine Description Diesel:
1.5L (1493cc) Turbocharged Inline-4 Diesel Common Rail Direct Injection
Horsepower Diesel:
110 hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque Diesel:
184 lb-ft @ 1750-2800 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (MPI), Diesel (CRDi)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
45 Liters (11.9 US Gallons)
Length Hatchback:
3990 mm (157.1 in)
Length Sedan:
4240 mm (167.0 in)
Height:
1470 mm (57.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2500 mm (98.4 in)
Ground Clearance:
150 mm (5.9 in) approx.
Curb Weight Min:
1085 kg (2390 lbs) approx.
Curb Weight Max:
1150 kg (2535 lbs) approx.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and market
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
270 Liters (9.5 cu ft) with rear seats up
Cargo Volume Hatchback Folded:
Up to 1145 Liters (40.4 cu ft) with rear seats folded
Cargo Volume Sedan:
451 Liters (15.9 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated for this specific model year by NHTSA in all markets
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Data not available for this specific model year from IIHS
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Ebs:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (often paired with ABS)
Airbags Standard:
Front airbags (driver and passenger)
Airbags Optional:
Side airbags, Curtain airbags (market dependent)
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners, load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system
Audio System:
Base AM/FM/CD player, optional MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack
Display:
Basic digital display for radio and clock, optional small LCD for trip computer
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Parking Assist:
Rear parking sensors were an option on some models
Bluetooth:
Rarely standard, very limited availability as an aftermarket option or on very late/high-spec models.
Usb Port:
Not standard on this generation
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) - Iridium type
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (uses timing chain)
Engine Oil Type:
API SM / ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Korean Red or Orange
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Check owner's manual, typically PSF or ATF Dexron III
Common Issue 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket
Common Issue 2:
Interior trim rattles or squeaks
Common Issue 3:
Early generation ABS system issues (market dependent, potential for sensor failure)
Common Issue 4:
Clutch wear on manual transmissions, especially in stop-and-go traffic
Common Issue 5:
Front suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, sway bar links) due to road conditions
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.8 Liters (4.0 US Quarts) with filter change
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea
Generation:
Third Generation (JB)
Introduction Year:
2005 (global debut), 2006 (North America)
Facelift:
Minor facelift in 2008 for the 2009 model year
Production Location:
South Korea (Hwaseong), Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Philippines
Production Years:
2005-2011