Segment:
Subcompact Crossover/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Young urban professionals, small families, budget-conscious buyers seeking distinctive styling and practicality.
Key Competitors:
Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Honda Element (prior generation), Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic.
Styling:
Unconventional, boxy, and youthful design, unique interior packaging.
Practicality:
Spacious interior for its size, versatile cargo space, high seating position.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, good feature content for the money, fuel efficiency.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), starting system, charging system, ECU/ECM, sensors, actuators.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox assembly, gears, bearings, shift mechanism, service procedures.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, hydraulic control system, electronic control unit, service procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (torsion beam or multi-link, depending on configuration), shock absorbers, springs, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, steering rack/gearbox, tie rods.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc or drum), hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake boosters, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, central locking.
Body And Chassis:
Body structure, panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, bumpers, glass, seals.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, blower motor, controls, refrigerant.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, pretensioners.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, wiring diagram analysis.
Component Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Adjustment Calibration:
Alignment procedures, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, timing adjustments (if applicable).
Replacement Procedures:
Replacement of common wear items and major components like engine, transmission, brakes, suspension parts.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing and repairing electrical faults using wiring diagrams and test equipment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring schematics.
Engine Code Usa:
G4FA (1.6L), G4FC (1.6L Gamma), G4KD (2.0L Beta II)
Engine Type 1.6L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 1.6L:
1.6 liters (1591 cc)
Bore X Stroke 1.6L:
77.0 mm x 85.4 mm
Compression Ratio 1.6L:
10.5:1
Horsepower 1.6L:
Approximately 122 hp @ 6300 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Torque 1.6L:
Approximately 117 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Engine Type 2.0L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 2.0L:
2.0 liters (1975 cc)
Bore X Stroke 2.0L:
82.0 mm x 93.5 mm
Compression Ratio 2.0L:
9.3:1
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approximately 142 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Torque 2.0L:
Approximately 137 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Octane Recommendation:
87 octane (minimum)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant, or equivalent meeting KSM 2142 specification)
Oil Type 1.6L:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-20
Oil Capacity 1.6L:
Approximately 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters) with filter change
Oil Type 2.0L:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-20
Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approximately 4.1 quarts (3.9 liters) with filter change
Spark Plugs Type:
Iridium-tipped (e.g., Champion RE10LYC, NGK LFR5AIX-11)
Transmission Type 1.6L:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type All Engines:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with overdrive
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III (or equivalent meeting the specification)
Fluid Capacities Automatic
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.3 quarts (6.9 liters) (fill)
Fluid Specifications Manual
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W/85 or SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific viscosity)
Length:
160.8 inches (4085 mm)
Width:
69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase:
100.4 inches (2550 mm)
Front Track:
60.4 inches (1534 mm)
Rear Track:
60.6 inches (1539 mm)
Curb Weight 1.6L:
Approximately 2730 lbs (1238 kg) (MT), 2800 lbs (1270 kg) (AT)
Curb Weight 2.0L:
Approximately 2825 lbs (1281 kg) (AT)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, refer to vehicle placard
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended (typically none for this vehicle class)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approximately 19.1 cu ft (540 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 49.3 cu ft (1396 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2009 model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2009 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars (2009 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars (2009 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5 Stars (2009 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars (2009 model)
NHTSA Rollover:
4 Stars (2009 model)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel anti-lock braking system)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Traction Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Standard front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Standard full-length side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes (e.g., 5,000 miles).
Air Cleaner Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed. Replace at 15,000 miles or 12 months if driving in dusty conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed. Replace at 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 3 years thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Inspect every 30,000 miles. Replace based on driving conditions (e.g., 60,000 miles for severe use). Refer to manual for precise intervals.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles. Replace based on driving conditions (e.g., 60,000 miles for severe use). Refer to manual for precise intervals.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
105,000 miles (168,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent specification)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Engine Hesitation Stalling:
Potential issues with fuel injectors, mass airflow sensor (MAF), or ignition coils.
Transmission Shifting Issues:
Some owners report occasional rough shifting with the automatic transmission; ensure fluid is at the correct level and condition.
Suspension Noise:
Worn sway bar links or bushings can lead to clunking noises over bumps.
HVAC Blower Fan Failure:
The blower motor resistor or the blower motor itself can fail, leading to no or intermittent airflow.
Paint Chipping:
Some models have reported instances of minor paint chipping, especially on the front fascia and hood.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Philosophy:
Focus on value, distinctive design, and increasingly modern technology and quality.
First Generation Launch:
2008 (South Korea), 2009 (North America)
Design Influences:
Designed in Kia's European design studio, characterized by its urban-friendly size and distinctive, somewhat polarising, boxy aesthetic.
Platform:
Shared platform with Hyundai i20 (PB).
Manufacturing Locations:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea; also assembled in various locations globally for specific markets.
Production Years First Gen:
2008-2013