Which Kia Morning Version Should You Buy?
The Kia Morning version to choose depends mainly on whether you value stronger performance, lower stated fuel consumption, or a simpler transmission. Across the supplied catalogue, this Mini 5-doors model is represented by three generations and their restylings, running from 2004 to the open-ended production period that began in May 2020.
The Kia Morning version to choose depends mainly on whether you value stronger performance, lower stated fuel consumption, or a simpler transmission. Across the supplied catalogue, this Mini 5-doors model is represented by three generations and their restylings, running from 2004 to the open-ended production period that began in May 2020. Every listed Morning has FWD and an engine capacity of either 998 or 999 cc. The clearest performance choice is the third-generation 1.0 AT with 100 hp and 172 Nm; the lowest stated combined consumption belongs to the first-generation 1.0 MT with 61 hp and the 2007–2008 1.0 MT with 64 hp, both at 5.6. Buyers seeking the newest listed specification instead get a 76 hp 1.0 AT with a 4-speed Automatic transmission.
Kia Morning generations: what changed?
The first-generation Kia Morning began in 2004 as a Mini 5-doors with two versions: 1.0 AT and 1.0 MT. Both produced 61 hp and 86 Nm from 999 cc Gasoline inline 4-cylinder engines. The manual was 20 kg lighter, reached 100 km/h 1.8 seconds sooner, had a 7 km/h higher top speed, and used 0.2 less on the combined cycle.
The 2007–2008 first-generation restyling retained the Mini 5-doors body and two-version choice. Its 1.0 AT and 1.0 MT increased output to 64 hp while torque remained 86 Nm. Compared with the original equivalents, both were 3 hp stronger. The manual remained the more performance-oriented option: 15 seconds to 100 km/h versus 16.4 seconds, with top speeds of 150 and 142 km/h respectively.
The 2008–2010 second restyling expanded the first generation to four versions. It included 64 hp Gasoline 1.0 AT and 1.0 MT models plus 67 hp 1.0 MT Gasoline and 1.0 AT LPG alternatives. Tank capacity increased from 35 to 48, while ground clearance remained 145 mm. The 64 hp 1.0 MT had the best stated combined consumption in this group at 5.6; the 67 hp alternatives recorded 7.
The 2010–2011 third restyling again offered four versions, now all rated at 72 hp and 90 Nm. Three were Gasoline and one 1.0 AT was identified as LPG, although its listed fuel is 95. The quickest was a 1.0 MT at 13.5 seconds to 100 km/h, while another 1.0 MT took 14 seconds. Their respective top speeds were 166 and 164 km/h, making them the fastest first-generation entries.
The second generation covered 2011–2017 as a Mini 5-doors with five versions: Gasoline 1.0 CVT, 1.0 AT and 1.0 MT, plus Hybrid 1.0 AT and 1.0 MT. Outputs were 80 or 82 hp, with 94 Nm throughout. The 82 hp Gasoline 1.0 MT was both the quickest measured second-generation version at 10.7 seconds to 100 km/h and the lowest-consumption choice at 5.9 combined.
The third generation covered 2017–2020 with five versions, all using 998 cc inline 3-cylinder engines. The range included LPG and Gasoline, Manual and Automatic transmissions, naturally aspirated outputs of 74 or 76 hp, and a 100 hp Turbo 1.0 AT. Ground clearance rose to 161 mm, 19 mm more than the second generation’s 142 mm. The 2020-on third-generation restyling has one listed version, a 76 hp Gasoline 1.0 AT, and replaces the preceding semi-independent torsion rear suspension with an independent spring arrangement.
Kia Morning engine and specs
Because several entries share the same name, generation, fuel, and power are essential identifiers.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Capacity | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation, 1.0 AT | 61 hp | 86 Nm | 999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation, 1.0 MT | 61 hp | 86 Nm | 999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First restyling, 1.0 AT | 64 hp | 86 Nm | 999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First restyling, 1.0 MT | 64 hp | 86 Nm | 999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second restyling, 1.0 AT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 86 Nm | 999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling, 1.0 MT, 64 hp | 64 hp | 86 Nm | 999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second restyling, 1.0 MT, 67 hp | 67 hp | 88 Nm | 999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second restyling, 1.0 AT, 67 hp | 67 hp | 88 Nm | 999 cc | Liquefied gas | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third restyling, 1.0 AT, Gasoline | 72 hp | 90 Nm | 999 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third restyling, 1.0 MT, 13.5 seconds | 72 hp | 90 Nm | 999 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third restyling, 1.0 MT, 14 seconds | 72 hp | 90 Nm | 999 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third restyling, 1.0 AT, LPG | 72 hp | 90 Nm | 999 cc | 95 | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation, 1.0 CVT | 80 hp | 94 Nm | 998 cc | 95 | 3, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Second generation, 1.0 AT, Gasoline | 82 hp | 94 Nm | 998 cc | 95 | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation, 1.0 MT, Gasoline | 82 hp | 94 Nm | 998 cc | 95 | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation, 1.0 AT, Hybrid | 82 hp | 94 Nm | 998 cc | 95 | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation, 1.0 MT, Hybrid | 82 hp | 94 Nm | 998 cc | 95 | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation, 1.0 MT, LPG | 74 hp | 94 Nm | 998 cc | Liquefied gas | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation, 1.0 AT, LPG | 74 hp | 94 Nm | 998 cc | Liquefied gas | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation, 1.0 MT, Gasoline | 76 hp | 95 Nm | 998 cc | 95 | 3, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation, 1.0 AT, 76 hp | 76 hp | 95 Nm | 998 cc | 95 | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation, 1.0 AT, 100 hp | 100 hp | 172 Nm | 998 cc | 95 | 3, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third-generation restyling, 1.0 AT | 76 hp | 95 Nm | 998 cc | 92 | 3, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
The power-density progression helps explain the choices. The original 61 hp engine develops approximately 61.1 hp per litre, the second-generation 82 hp unit approximately 82.2 hp per litre, and the Turbo third-generation engine approximately 100.2 hp per litre. That Turbo version supplies 24 hp and 77 Nm more than the naturally aspirated 76 hp 1.0 AT.
Kia Morning performance and mpg figures
For the original first generation, the 1.0 MT records 15.4 seconds to 100 km/h, 149 km/h, and consumption of 7.2 city, 4.5 highway, and 5.6 combined. The 1.0 AT records 17.2 seconds, 142 km/h, and 7.7 city, 4.6 highway, and 5.8 combined.
In the 2007–2008 restyling, the 1.0 MT records 15 seconds, 150 km/h, and 7.1/4.5/5.6 city/highway/combined. The 1.0 AT records 16.4 seconds, 142 km/h, and 7.7/4.5/5.8.
In the 2008–2010 range, the 64 hp 1.0 MT records 15 seconds, 150 km/h, and 7.1/4.5/5.6. The 64 hp 1.0 AT records 16.4 seconds, 142 km/h, and 7.7/4.5/5.8. The 67 hp 1.0 MT records 15.1 seconds, 150 km/h, and 9.1/5.4/7. The 67 hp LPG 1.0 AT records 16.7 seconds, 142 km/h, and 9.2/5.5/7.
Among the 2010–2011 cars, the Gasoline 1.0 AT records 15.2 seconds, 156 km/h, and 7.8/4.7/5.8. The 1.0 MT with an 849 kg kerb weight records 13.5 seconds, 166 km/h, and 7.6/4.5/5.8. The 886 kg 1.0 MT records 14 seconds, 164 km/h, and 9.4/5.6/7.2. The LPG 1.0 AT records 15.6 seconds, 155 km/h, and 9.7/5.7/7.2.
For the second generation, the Gasoline 1.0 MT records 10.7 seconds and 6.2/5.5/5.9, while the Gasoline 1.0 AT records 11.4 seconds and 7/6/6.6. Top speed is not measured for either. Acceleration and top speed are not measured for the 1.0 CVT or either Hybrid; their city/highway/combined figures are 6.5/5.7/6.1, 8.7/7.3/8.1 for the 1.0 AT Hybrid, and 7.4/6.1/7.1 for the 1.0 MT Hybrid.
Acceleration and top speed are not measured for every third-generation version. The 74 hp LPG models record 9/8.3/8.3, the 76 hp Gasoline models record 7.1/5.9/7.2, and the 100 hp Turbo 1.0 AT records 9/7.1/8.3. The restyled 76 hp 1.0 AT also records 7.1/5.9/7.2.
Kia Morning dimensions and weight
The catalogue provides weight and chassis-related dimensions rather than exterior length, width, or height; those three measurements are not measured.
Original first-generation kerb weights are 865 kg for the 1.0 MT and 885 kg for the 1.0 AT, with gross weights of 1,195 and 1,215 kg. Ground clearance is 145 mm and the tank holds 35. The 2007–2008 restyling weighs 848–877 kg kerb and 1,202–1,231 kg gross, also with 145 mm clearance and a 35 tank.
The 2008–2010 cars weigh 848–906 kg kerb and 1,202–1,231 kg gross. They retain 145 mm clearance but use a 48 tank. In the 2010–2011 range, kerb weight spans 849–906 kg, gross weight is not measured, clearance is 145 mm, and the tank holds 35.
Second-generation kerb weight spans 890–955 kg. Gross weight is not measured, ground clearance is 142 mm, and tank capacity is 35. The 82 hp Gasoline 1.0 MT has the best weight-to-power figure in that generation at approximately 10.9 kg per hp, compared with approximately 11.1 for the Gasoline 1.0 AT and approximately 11.6 for the Hybrid 1.0 AT.
Every third-generation entry has an 885 kg kerb weight, a 1,370 kg gross weight, 161 mm ground clearance, and a 35 tank. Listed wheel sizes are 175/65 R14, 155/80 R13, and 195/45 R16. Earlier wheel sizes are not measured. At the shared 885 kg kerb weight, the 100 hp Turbo version carries approximately 8.9 kg per hp, versus approximately 11.6 kg per hp for a 76 hp version and approximately 12 kg per hp for a 74 hp version.
Which Kia Morning version should you buy?
Choose the second-generation Gasoline 1.0 MT if measured acceleration and consumption are the priority. Its 10.7-second result is 0.7 seconds quicker than the equivalent 1.0 AT, while its combined figure of 5.9 is 0.7 lower. It is also 20 kg lighter.
Choose the third-generation 100 hp 1.0 AT if engine output matters most. It has the catalogue’s highest power and torque figures, gaining 18 hp and 78 Nm over the 82 hp second-generation engines. Its combined consumption is 8.3, however, compared with 7.2 for the naturally aspirated 76 hp third-generation 1.0 AT.
Choose the 2020-on 1.0 AT if you want the newest listed specification. It combines 76 hp, 95 Nm, a 4-speed Automatic transmission, 161 mm clearance, all-disc brakes, and independent spring suspension at both ends. Its acceleration and top speed are not measured.
For the lowest stated combined consumption, choose either the original 61 hp 1.0 MT or the 2007–2008 64 hp 1.0 MT, both at 5.6. The newer of those two adds 3 hp, reduces kerb weight by 17 kg, improves acceleration by 0.4 seconds, and increases top speed by 1 km/h.
Prices, engine prices, engine-oil type, oil capacity, reliability, and problem data are not measured in the supplied catalogue. Those factors therefore cannot support a factual recommendation here.