Segment:
Subcompact/City Car
Target Audience:
Urban commuters, budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Versa Note, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta
Design Philosophy:
Compact, fuel-efficient, affordable urban mobility with a surprisingly spacious interior for its class.
Powertrain Options:
Primarily focused on a small, efficient gasoline engine, offering both manual and automatic transmissions.
Value Proposition:
Offers a balance of practicality, affordability, and modern features in the subcompact segment.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, valve train
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system (direct injection), ignition system, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EVAP), cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4-speed FWD), manual transmission (5-speed FWD), clutch, drivetrain components (axles, CV joints)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, ABS system, parking brake, hydraulic system
Suspension Steering:
Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam axle, power steering system, steering column, wheels, tires
Electrical Lighting:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, components (compressor, evaporator, condenser)
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, mirrors, trim
Body Interior:
Seating, dashboard, console, door panels, headliner, interior trim, restraints (airbags, seatbelts)
Infotainment Controls:
Audio system, infotainment screen, controls, connectivity (USB, Bluetooth)
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil change, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, brake service, tire rotation
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and clearing
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, component removal and installation
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including torque specifications, measurements, and assembly sequences
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed overhaul procedures for both automatic and manual transmissions
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults
Bodywork Repair:
Body panel repair, dent removal, welding procedures, paint preparation
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant handling, leak testing, component replacement (compressor, evaporator), system evacuation and charging
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (Dealer-level technical information)
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required diagnostic tools and scan tools (e.g., GM Tech 2, MDI)
Special Tools:
Identification and use of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (FWD)
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios available in the manual for each gear (e.g., 3.583:1 1st, 1.947:1 2nd, 1.379:1 3rd, 1.032:1 4th, 0.857:1 5th, 3.842:1 Reverse, 3.647:1 Final Drive)
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Specific ratios available in the manual for the 4-speed automatic (e.g., 2.846 1st, 1.540 2nd, 1.000 3rd, 0.696 4th, 3.421 Final Drive)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for automatic; Manual transmission fluid specification as per manual.
Length:
141.7 inches (3600 mm)
Width:
64.8 inches (1645 mm)
Height:
59.1 inches (1500 mm)
Wheelbase:
93.0 inches (2360 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 84.7 cu ft (2398 L)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approximately 17.2 cu ft (487 L)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approximately 47.7 cu ft (1350 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,250 - 2,350 lbs (1020 - 1065 kg), depending on trim and transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
GVWR typically around 3,000 lbs (1360 kg)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4-Star Overall (NHTSA estimates for 2015 model year)
IIHS Rating:
Good (Small Overlap Front, Moderate Overlap Front, Side, Roof Strength, Head Restraints & Seats)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Standard 10 Airbags: Frontal, Knee, Side-Impact, Curtain, and Rear Seat-Mounted Side-Impact
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum tipped spark plugs typically last around 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, API SN certified.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.8 US quarts (3.6 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Spec:
GM P/N 12378330, DEX-COOL® Long Life Coolant (Orange).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for automatic transmission.
Common Complaints:
Some owners report minor electrical gremlins, occasional transmission shifting concerns (especially in older automatics), and potential for increased road noise due to its light weight and compact nature.
Common Repairs:
Regular maintenance items, occasional replacement of ignition coils, and potential for wear on suspension components due to city driving conditions.