Have owned a used 2006 stick and liked it. Wife wanted our 2nd car to have an automatic.
Total out of pocket much less than comparably outfitted Japanese or American car. If you count the long warranty as an incentive it reflects the quality of the car and a fair deal for taking a risk on a lesser known brand.
Have not had any significant problems with the 5 KIA vehicles my sons and I have owned. Equivalent to most any cars I have owned including Volvos and VWs.
Not overpowered, but plenty of power, delivered smoothly.
Enough legroom. Seats just good enough. When I ad a lower back support I can drive all day without discomfort.