Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for specific Kia P/N)
Manual Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for specific Kia P/N)
ð Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
187.0 inches (4750 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches (2720 mm)
Front Track:
61.3 inches (1557 mm)
Rear Track:
61.2 inches (1555 mm)
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches (130 mm) (approximate)
Interior
Front Headroom:
39.8 inches (1011 mm)
Rear Headroom:
37.9 inches (963 mm)
Front Legroom:
45.1 inches (1146 mm)
Rear Legroom:
37.9 inches (963 mm)
Shoulder Room Front:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Shoulder Room Rear:
55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
14.7 cubic feet (416 Liters)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3250 - 3400 lbs (1474 - 1542 kg) (approximate, varies by trim/options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4475 lbs (2030 kg) (approximate)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended (typically)
ðĄïļ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Crash Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Crash Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact āŪŪāŊāŪŠāŊāŪŠāŊ:
5-Star
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
IIHS Rear Impact:
Good
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard (Electronic Stability Control - ESC)
Braking System:
4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Advanced Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and Load Limiter equipped Seatbelts
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) System
ðĄ Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers, auxiliary audio input, and optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Display Type:
Digital display for radio, clock, and vehicle settings. Optional navigation system on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking sensors on some trims.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio jack
Usb Port:
Not standard on this model year.
Bluetooth:
Optional for hands-free calling on certain trims.
ð§ Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Filter Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months (check manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or at 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or at 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (under severe conditions, more frequent).
Spark Plugs:
Iridium plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) replacement interval (refer to manual for specific type and gap)
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific type)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (refer to manual for specific type)
Known Issues
Engine Performance:
Potential for occasional rough idle or hesitation due to carbon buildup on intake valves (especially on GDI engines if applicable).
Electrical System:
Infrequent reports of battery drain or minor electrical gremlins, often related to sensor faults or module issues.
Suspension Components:
Wear on front sway bar links or bushings can lead to knocking noises over bumps.
HVAC System:
Rare instances of blower motor resistor failure leading to loss of fan speeds.
ð Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Founding:
1944 (initially as a bicycle manufacturer)
Kia Automotive Entry:
1970s
Model Evolution
First Generation:
2001-2006 (Kim Series)
Second Generation:
2007-2010 (MG Platform)
Design Influence:
Introduced new design language under Peter Schreyer's influence (though this generation predates his full impact, it shows a move towards more global styling).
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Hwasung, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, USA (for North American market)
Production Period:
2006-2010 (for the MG generation)
ð Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Achieved excellent safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
Value Recognition:
Often cited for its strong value proposition in the mid-size sedan segment.
Certifications
Emissions Certification:
Compliant with EPA and CARB emissions standards for 2008 model year.
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