Segment:
Subcompact car, often competing in the B-segment.
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris.
Value Proposition:
Offers a balance of fuel efficiency, modern styling, and Kia's industry-leading warranty (at the time of release).
Engine:
1.6L GDI Gamma engine (G4FD)
Transmission:
6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions
Brakes:
Front disc and rear drum/disc (depending on trim), ABS, EBD, ESC
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut, Rear coupled torsion beam
Steering:
Electric Power Assisted Steering (MDPS)
Electrical:
Full vehicle electrical system, wiring diagrams, component testing
Body:
Body repair, interior trim, exterior panels, glass replacement
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, accessory installation guidelines
Engine Repair:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including valve timing, piston ring replacement, cylinder head repair.
Transmission Repair:
Complete step-by-step instructions for manual and automatic transmission service, clutch replacement, torque converter replacement, valve body diagnosis.
Brake System Service:
Disc brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake adjustment.
Suspension And Steering Service:
Replacement of struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, and power steering components. Wheel alignment procedures.
Electrical System Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing procedures for sensors, actuators, and control modules, fuse and relay identification.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant handling, compressor replacement, blower motor diagnosis, heater core replacement.
Fuel System Service:
Fuel pump replacement, fuel injector diagnosis and cleaning, fuel filter replacement.
Cooling System Service:
Radiator replacement, thermostat replacement, water pump service, fan system diagnosis.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (M6CF2)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Sportmatic Shifting (A6GF1)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel economy
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Genuine Kia SPIII ATF or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon equivalent
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4-Star (2013 model year, specific to body style and testing)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard
Brake Assist System:
Standard
Airbags:
Driver, passenger, front side-impact, and side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km) or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (MS591-08) or equivalent, typically a pink or red color.
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of minor interior rattles, potential for increased oil consumption on higher mileage GDI engines (requires monitoring), and occasional transmission shift quality issues. Some early models might have experienced issues with the power steering system (MDPS).
