Segment:
Subcompact Hatchback/Sedan
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, small families
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo
Exterior Design:
Modern, somewhat sporty styling for its class
Interior Space:
Surprisingly spacious for its subcompact dimensions, especially in the hatchback variant
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, decent fuel economy, good warranty coverage (at time of sale)
Engine:
1.4L Gamma I4, 1.6L Gamma I4
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Torsion Beam Axle
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Drums (standard), Rear Discs (optional/higher trims)
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Ignition, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Module (BCM), HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories
Emissions:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Emission Control Systems
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Changes, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Electrical System Faults, Engine Performance Issues
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Installation:
Accessory Installation, Component Replacement Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic scheduled maintenance and routine checks to in-depth diagnostic procedures and complete component overhauls and rebuilds.
Engine Code 1.4L:
G4HD (Gamma II)
Displacement 1.4L:
1399 cc
Configuration 1.4L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower 1.4L:
95-97 hp @ 6000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque 1.4L:
120-125 Nm @ 3200 rpm (market dependent)
Engine Code 1.6L:
G4FC (Gamma II)
Displacement 1.6L:
1599 cc
Configuration 1.6L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower 1.6L:
110-112 hp @ 6000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque 1.6L:
145-147 Nm @ 4000 rpm (market dependent)
Redline:
Approx. 6500 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating varies by market)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
45 Liters (approx. 11.9 US Gallons)
Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5HF1)
Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (F4A41/42)
Clutch Type:
Dry Single Plate (Manual)
Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/90 Gear Oil (e.g., Kia Genuine Gear Oil)
Fluid Type Automatic:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec)
Length Hatchback:
3990 mm (approx. 157.1 in)
Length Sedan:
4245 mm (approx. 167.1 in)
Width:
1690 mm (approx. 66.5 in)
Height Hatchback:
1470 mm (approx. 57.9 in)
Height Sedan:
1460 mm (approx. 57.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2500 mm (approx. 98.4 in)
Ground Clearance:
150 mm (approx. 5.9 in)
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
272 Liters (expandable)
Curb Weight Manual:
1070-1100 kg (approx. 2359-2425 lbs)
Curb Weight Automatic:
1095-1130 kg (approx. 2414-2491 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100
Wheel Size:
14-inch or 15-inch alloy/steel wheels
Tire Size Standard:
175/70R14 or 185/65R14 (market dependent)
Tire Size Optional:
195/55R15 (higher trims/options)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (for specific configurations, refer to official reports)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for specific configurations, refer to official reports)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Ebd:
Often paired with ABS
Brake Assist:
Available on select trims
Airbags Front:
Dual Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional Curtain Airbags (hatchback)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Anchors:
LATCH/ISOFIX Lower Anchors
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, and auxiliary input jack.
Speaker Count:
4 or 6 speakers
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trims
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trims
Bluetooth:
Not typically standard, might be available on very high trims or as an aftermarket addition.
Oil Change Interval Normal:
7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 12,000 km / 12 months per owner's manual
Oil Change Interval Severe:
3,750 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 miles or 12 months (inspect more often)
Spark Plug Replacement:
60,000 miles (iridium type)
Coolant Replacement:
100,000 miles or 5 years for the first change, then every 50,000 miles or 2.5 years (using Long Life Coolant)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol-based, typically red or orange Long Life Coolant (Kia Genuine Super Long Life Coolant)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Noise:
Occasional reports of valve train noise (ticking) due to oil viscosity or level issues.
Transmission Shifting:
Automatic transmission can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting, potentially due to fluid degradation or valve body issues.
Suspension Noise:
Front suspension components like sway bar links or bushings can wear over time, leading to clunking noises.
Interior Rattles:
Common for vehicles in this class, various interior trim pieces can develop rattles.
Brand Origin:
South Korea
Generation:
Second Generation (JB)
Introduction Year Jb:
2005 (globally), 2006 (North America)
Facelift Year:
2008 (minor cosmetic updates and feature additions)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), Malaysia, India, China