Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Families seeking versatile, practical, and affordable transportation
Key Competitors:
Toyota Matrix/Corolla Verso, Mazda 5, Ford Focus Wagon, Dodge Caliber
Unique Selling Points:
Practical seating for up to seven (optional), flexible cargo space, value pricing
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables DIY repairs, reduces maintenance costs, and facilitates understanding of vehicle systems for owners and technicians
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, lubrication, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (likely 6-speed), removal, installation, internal components, service, diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive shafts, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment procedures
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, discs, pads, calipers, hydraulic lines, ABS, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, rack and pinion assembly
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, mirrors, HVAC system, body control module (BCM)
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system, climate control unit
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module diagnostics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, component testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component replacement procedures
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Installation:
Component installation and adjustment procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostics
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams, and component identification
Engine Name:
Lambda II 2.7 MPi V6
Engine Configuration:
60-degree V6
Displacement:
2.7 Liters (2656 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.7 mm x 75.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves total)
Horsepower Peak:
Approximately 182 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Peak:
Approximately 25.0 kgf·m (245 Nm / 181 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or higher, ILSAC GF-4 or higher (e.g., SAE 5W-20)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.7 liters (5.0 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (Asia - Green/Blue, North America - Orange/Pink) - refer to manual for specific Kia spec
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Length:
4575 mm (180.1 in)
Height:
1645 mm (64.8 in)
Wheelbase:
2740 mm (107.9 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1570 mm (61.8 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1574 mm (62.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1600 kg (3300-3530 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 2050 kg (4519 lbs)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 131 liters (4.6 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 430 liters (15.2 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 1352 liters (47.7 cu ft)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (typical for this class/year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
N/A (model specific, but generally performed well in crash tests)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front seat-mounted side airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Full-length side curtain airbags (for all rows)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Head Unit Features:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, auxiliary audio input, satellite radio (optional), Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (optional)
Display:
Central LCD display for audio and vehicle settings.
Rearview Camera:
Optional
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors
Usb Port:
Optional, usually integrated with infotainment system
Bluetooth:
Available on higher trims or as an option for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months. Inspect more frequently under dusty conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months. Inspect more frequently.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium type: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months. Inspect for leaks or contamination.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial: 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years. Subsequent: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months.
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type (often ATF SP-III or similar)
Engine Performance:
Occasional issues with carbon buildup on intake valves (typical for GDI engines, though this is MPI). Some reports of oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gaskets.
Transmission Operation:
Smooth operation is key. Some users report occasional rough shifting if fluid is degraded or low. The 6-speed automatic is generally reliable but requires correct fluid.
Suspension Components:
Front control arm bushings and sway bar links can wear over time, leading to clunking noises or poor handling.
Electrical Systems:
Common vehicle issues like bulb failures, battery drain, or sensor malfunctions can occur. The manual would detail diagnostic procedures for these.
HVAC System:
Blend door actuator failures can lead to incorrect temperature or airflow. AC compressor or refrigerant leaks are also possible.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Focus:
Value, reliability, and practical vehicle designs
First Generation:
2004 (globally as Kia Spectra/Cerato Hatchback)
Second Generation:
2006 (North America as Rondo)
Facelift Year:
2007 (for 2008 model year)
Production Period For 2012 Model:
July 2011 - August 2012
Manufacturing Locations:
Hwasung Plant, South Korea
Model Discontinuation North America:
2013 model year