Target Demographic:
Value-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Ford Focus.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, respectable fuel economy, good feature set for its class, and Kia's improving reliability reputation.
Model Highlights:
Sleek styling, comfortable interior, competent handling for daily driving.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control system (ECM), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (M/T) and Automatic Transmission (A/T) service, operation, and diagnosis.
Chassis:
Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, brake system (ABS included), wheels, and tires.
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), multiplex communication systems (CAN), lighting systems, audio systems, power accessories, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, internal engine repair, transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical circuit diagrams, fuel pressure testing, compression testing, vacuum testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing procedures, valve clearance adjustments, wheel alignment specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced electrical system diagnostics.
Schematics:
Includes detailed wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, and hydraulic circuit diagrams.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (I4)
Engine Name:
Theta II G4KD
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves, CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
156 hp @ 6200 RPM (SAE Net)
Torque:
144 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM (SAE Net)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A/T) with Shiftronic capability
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronically controlled, Sportmatic shifting.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/85 (Refer to manual for specific part numbers)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV (or equivalent)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Driver:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Passenger:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Rear:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
NHTSA Rollover:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, USB/Auxiliary input jacks, and 6 speakers.
Optional Upgrades:
Available navigation system with touchscreen interface and premium audio systems on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity for phone calls.
Steering Wheel Controls:
Standard audio and cruise control functions accessible via steering wheel.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial: 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 5 years. Subsequent: 52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 30 months.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Long Life - Pink)
Engine Hesitation:
Some owners report occasional engine hesitation, often linked to fuel quality or intake system cleanliness.
Suspension Noise:
Potential for occasional clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, often due to worn control arm bushings or sway bar links.
Interior Rattles:
Minor interior trim rattles can sometimes occur.
HVAC Performance:
Infrequent reports of HVAC system underperformance, potentially related to refrigerant levels or blend door actuator issues.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Philosophy:
Focus on value, design, and increasingly, technology and driving dynamics.
First Generation:
Introduced globally in 2008 (as Forte/Spectra/Cerato depending on market).
Second Generation:
Launched for the 2010 model year in North America, representing a significant redesign.
Model Year Updates:
2011 model year is part of the second generation, with minor refinements.
Assembly Locations:
South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), Malaysia, Russia, China.
Initial Reception:
Received positive reviews for its styling, fuel economy, and value proposition upon introduction.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied reliability ratings during its first few years, generally improving with subsequent model years.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with EPA emission standards for the model year.