Segment:
Compact Car (C-segment)
Target Audience:
Value-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, stylish, and well-equipped compact vehicle
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus
Competitive Advantage:
Often praised for its sharp styling, extensive feature set for the price, and improved driving dynamics compared to predecessors
Styling:
Sleek and modern exterior design, often considered one of the most attractive in its class
Interior:
Well-appointed interior with good quality materials, user-friendly layout, and comfortable seating
Value Proposition:
Offers a strong balance of features, performance, and affordability
Facelift Updates 2016:
Revised exterior styling (front/rear fascia, lights), updated interior trim, improved suspension tuning, enhanced technology features
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis and testing
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission (M/T) overhaul, clutch system, gear shift mechanism
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (A/T) overhaul, torque converter, valve body, transmission control module (TCM) diagnosis
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive shafts, differential, hubs
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, stabilizer bar), rear suspension (torsion beam, multi-link depending on variant), shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power steering system (electric power steering - EPS), steering column, tie rods, steering rack
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays
Body Electrical:
Power windows, power door locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, power outlets
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, climate control unit
Body And Chassis:
Body structure, chassis components, corrosion protection, undercoating, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals
Interior Trim:
Dashboard, seats, headliner, door panels, carpet, seat belts
Infotainment System:
Audio system, navigation system (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity, USB interfaces
Driver Assistance:
Parking sensors, backup camera, cruise control (standard/adaptive depending on trim), electronic stability control (ESC)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing major and minor components across all systems
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures
Transmission Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, repairing, and reassembling transmissions
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures
Electrical Diagnosis:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing procedures, component testing
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant charging, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, evaporator)
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for checking and adjusting wheel alignment
Timing Belt Replacement:
Detailed instructions for timing belt (or chain) service, including tensioner and idler pulley replacement
Safety Systems Repair:
Airbag system inspection and replacement, seatbelt service
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts, common fault codes, and testing procedures for various electronic control modules (ECMs, TCMs, ABS modules)
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners across all major components
Schematics:
Includes electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, HVAC, powertrain, and body controls
Engine Code Common:
G4FC, G4FD (Nu engine family)
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Cylinder DOHC
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 16 Valves
Bore X Stroke:
77.0 mm x 85.4 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 130-132 hp @ 6300 rpm (varies slightly by market/tune)
Torque:
Approx. 118-120 lb-ft (160-163 Nm) @ 4850 rpm (varies slightly by market/tune)
Engine Code Performance:
G4KD (2.0L - some markets)
Displacement Performance:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine Type Performance:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Cylinder DOHC
Horsepower Performance:
Approx. 156-164 hp @ 6200-6500 rpm
Torque Performance:
Approx. 144-147 lb-ft (195-200 Nm) @ 4700-4800 rpm
Engine Code Performance Turbo:
G4FJ (1.6 T-GDi - Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection)
Displacement Performance Turbo:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Engine Type Performance Turbo:
Turbocharged Inline-4 Cylinder DOHC GDI
Horsepower Performance Turbo:
Approx. 201 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Performance Turbo:
Approx. 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) @ 1350-4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for G4FC/G4FD/G4KD, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for G4FJ
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (for naturally aspirated engines), higher octane recommended for Turbo
Emissions Standards:
Euro 5 / ULEV-2 (market dependent)
Length:
Sedan: Approx. 4560 mm (179.5 in), Hatchback: Approx. 4310 mm (169.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1780 mm (70.1 in)
Height:
Sedan: Approx. 1435 mm (56.5 in), Hatchback: Approx. 1450 mm (57.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 990-1015 mm (39.0-40.0 in)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 950-975 mm (37.4-38.4 in)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 1070-1085 mm (42.1-42.7 in)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 890-905 mm (35.0-35.6 in)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 482 Liters (17.0 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 375 Liters (13.2 cu ft) behind rear seats
Curb Weight Start:
Approx. 1250 kg (2755 lbs)
Curb Weight End:
Approx. 1450 kg (3197 lbs) (depending on engine and features)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Generally 4-Star or 5-Star (depending on year, trim, and specific test results)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Awarded Top Safety Pick in many configurations, especially for models with optional front crash prevention
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard
Hill Start Assist:
Available on some models
Forward Collision Avoidance:
Optional (post-2016 facelift)
Lane Departure Warning:
Optional (post-2016 facelift)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage, front side-impact, full-length side curtain airbags (standard)
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Infotainment System Base:
Touchscreen display (e.g., 4.3-inch or 7-inch depending on trim), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, USB/Aux input
Infotainment System Optional:
7-inch touchscreen with UVO infotainment system, satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
Infotainment System Navigation:
Optional navigation system integrated with touchscreen
Driver Assistance Packages:
Available packages may include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind-Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Backup Camera:
Standard on most 2017 models, optional on some 2016 models
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking sensors
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control; adaptive cruise control generally not available on this generation
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth for phone and audio, USB port for media playback and device charging
Smart Key System:
Available push-button start and smart key
Telematics:
UVO telematics system (subscription-based for advanced features) available on higher trims
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (severe use may require shorter intervals)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km) or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Petrol:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs (check manual for specific type and mileage)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval At:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months (severe conditions may require shorter intervals)
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months
Coolant Flush Interval:
First change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6A. Viscosity: 0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy), 5W-20, 5W-30 (check manual for specific engine and climate suitability)
Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L:
Approx. 3.7-4.1 US Quarts (3.5-3.9 Liters)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.0-4.3 US Quarts (3.8-4.1 Liters)
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/Coolant, Ethylene Glycol based, long-life, pink color (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for precise recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid:
Electric Power Steering (EPS) - No fluid typically required for steering rack; system is electronically controlled.
Engine Knock Sensor:
Some reports of premature failure leading to check engine light. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Transmission Hesitation:
Occasional reports of automatic transmission hesitation or rough shifts, often addressed with software updates or fluid changes. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
HVAC Actuator Failure:
Blend door actuators can sometimes fail, affecting temperature control. Manual details access and replacement.
Interior Rattles:
Common in many vehicles of this class; manual can guide in identifying and mitigating sources of noise.
Paint Chip Resistance:
Some owners report susceptibility to stone chips on the front fascia and hood; manual covers touch-up procedures.
Kia Early Focus:
Bicycle components, motorcycle parts, steel tubing, eventually trucks and commercial vehicles
Kia Entry Into Cars:
Late 1980s onwards, with licensed models and eventually proprietary designs
Kia Global Growth:
Significant expansion and brand perception improvement in the 21st century, driven by design (Peter Schreyer era) and quality
Cerato First Generation:
LD (2003-2008), offered as Spectra/Spectra5
Cerato Second Generation:
TD (2008-2013), introduced 'Tiger Nose' grille design, also known as Forte/Cerato Koup
Cerato Third Generation Yd:
Launched in 2013 with a focus on European design and improved driving dynamics. The 2016 model is a mid-cycle facelift.
Cerato Fourth Generation:
BD (2018-present), further evolution of design and technology.
Assembly Locations:
South Korea (Hwaseong), Malaysia (Naza), Mexico (Monterrey - for North American market)
Production Years Yd Generation:
2013-2018