Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families, urban commuters
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo
Value Proposition:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, practicality, and a decent range of features for its class
Design Philosophy:
Functional and modern styling, reflecting Kia's evolving design language
Cost Savings Potential:
Significant savings on routine maintenance and common repairs by enabling DIY work.
Empowerment:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to understand their vehicle's systems and perform maintenance confidently.
Powertrain:
Engine (G4EH, G4EC), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear Disc/Drum), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical Systems, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Safety Systems (Airbags, ABS)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Roof, Bumpers, Seating
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and replacements, Spark plug service, Belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission repair and overhaul, Brake system repair, Suspension component replacement, Steering system service, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Body panel repair and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, Component testing procedures
Installation:
Component installation and removal procedures, Timing belt replacement, Radiator and cooling system service
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component location charts, resistance values, voltage checks
Specification Detail:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures, and electrical specifications for all components
Engine Description 1:
1.6L DOHC Inline-4
Engine Description 2:
1.4L SOHC Inline-4
Horsepower 1 6L:
Approximately 106-110 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)
Torque 1 6L:
Approximately 103-107 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)
Horsepower 1 4L:
Approximately 95-97 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)
Torque 1 4L:
Approximately 90-92 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Prestone AF888, equivalent to Kia Specification)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API Service SM or higher)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 3.5 Liters (3.7 US Quarts)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (refer to manual for exact interval and inspection)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III compatible)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate clutch (for manual transmission)
Length:
Approximately 3990 mm (157.1 in)
Width:
Approximately 1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approximately 1470 mm (57.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2500 mm (98.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1050-1150 kg (2315-2535 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 1500 kg (3307 lbs)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approximately 274 Liters (9.7 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 1013 Liters (35.8 cu ft)
Wheel Size:
14-inch or 15-inch alloy or steel wheels
Tire Size Standard:
175/70 R14
Tire Size Optional:
185/65 R15
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for models equipped with airbags)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for models equipped with airbags)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Acceptable (for models tested)
ABS:
Available (Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Available (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) - often integrated with ABS
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags)
Airbags Side:
Optional (Front Side-Impact Airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System Standard:
AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers
Audio System Optional:
MP3 compatibility, auxiliary audio input
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors (optional on some trims)
Auxiliary Input:
Available on select audio systems
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or as needed based on driving conditions
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or as needed
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years, whichever comes first
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/VI compatible ATF)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Complaint 1:
Worn front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings) leading to clunking noises.
Common Complaint 2:
Premature wear on certain engine components, particularly related to the timing belt if maintenance is neglected.
Common Complaint 3:
Issues with the automatic transmission shifting or slipping, often due to fluid degradation or internal wear.
Common Complaint 4:
Corrosion on exhaust system components due to environmental factors and age.
Common Complaint 5:
Minor electrical issues such as faulty window regulators or interior lighting problems.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Philosophy:
Affordable, reliable, and increasingly stylish vehicles, focusing on value and customer satisfaction.
First Generation Introduction:
2000 (as a replacement for the Kia Visto)
Second Generation Introduction:
2005 (for the 2006 model year, codenamed JB)
Design Influence Jb:
Designed by Kia's European design studio, giving it a more sophisticated and European-inspired look.
Production Locations:
South Korea, Malaysia, Ecuador, Venezuela
Production Years For Jb:
2005-2011
J D Power Dependability:
While not consistently top-tier, early Kia models showed improvement in dependability ratings over time.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to average reliability ratings for this generation, often depending on specific model year and powertrain.
Emission Standards:
Meets prevailing emission standards for its production year (e.g., EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 in the US)