Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan, competing in a highly competitive segment.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima.
Design:
Sleek and modern styling, often praised for its European-influenced design.
Value Proposition:
Offers a strong balance of features, performance, and value for money, often exceeding expectations for its price point.
Target Audience:
Families, commuters, and individuals seeking a stylish, reliable, and affordable mid-size sedan.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system, emission control systems, starter system, charging system, engine management system.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission assembly, clutch, gears, shafts, synchronizers, shifting mechanism.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission assembly, torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, valve body, electronic control unit.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, stabilizer bar), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, tie rods, steering rack.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake fluid, lines, calipers, rotors, pads.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, door locks, wipers, horn.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, climate control unit.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, chassis components.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, crumple zones.
Infotainment:
Audio system, navigation system, display units, connectivity modules (if applicable).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.
Overhaul Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.
Diagnostic Testing:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools (scanners, multimeters), testing electrical circuits, and diagnosing mechanical faults.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, tolerances, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhaul and advanced diagnostics.
Length:
4841 mm (190.6 inches)
Width:
1830 mm (72.0 inches)
Height:
1455 mm (57.3 inches)
Wheelbase:
2794 mm (110.0 inches)
Front Track:
1595 mm (62.8 inches)
Rear Track:
1596 mm (62.8 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 135 mm (5.3 inches)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 980 mm (38.6 inches)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 960 mm (37.8 inches)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 1060 mm (41.7 inches)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 950 mm (37.4 inches)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 452 Liters (16.0 cu ft)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 1430 kg (3153 lbs)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 1450 kg (3197 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1920 kg (4233 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Not generally recommended or specified for this model.
Standard Wheel Size:
17-inch alloy wheels
Optional Wheel Size:
18-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims)
Standard Tire Size:
215/55R17
Optional Tire Size:
225/45R18
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2011 model year, generally)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models equipped with specific features/configurations)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners, load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (169,000 km) with Iridium plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24 months or 24,000 miles (38,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Long Life Coolant (Blue or Pink, verify Kia specification, typically HOAT or OAT).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify specific requirement).
Engine Noise:
Some reports of engine knocking or ticking, often related to piston slap or timing chain tensioner issues, though generally robust.
Transmission Performance:
Occasional reports of rough shifting or hesitation in automatic transmissions, often resolved with software updates or fluid service.
HVAC System:
Compressor clutch failure or refrigerant leaks can occur, but not widespread.
Suspension Components:
Wear on bushings and ball joints can occur over time, leading to noise or poor handling.