🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Magentis

Year:

2008

Market:

North America

Generation Code:

Second Generation (MG)

Chassis Code:

MG

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Kia Magentis was positioned as a mid-size sedan, offering a balance of comfort, features, and value within its segment, competing with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata.

Competitive Analysis:

The Magentis aimed to differentiate itself with a stylish exterior design, a comfortable interior, and a strong warranty, though it sometimes lagged behind segment leaders in refinement and driving dynamics.

Key Features:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride quality, optional V6 engine, available premium features like leather upholstery and a sunroof.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive for 2008 Kia Magentis

Page Count:

Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Vehicle operation, safety features, climate control, audio system, instrument panel and controls, lighting, wheels and tires, emergency procedures, maintenance information, specifications, warranty information, roadside assistance.

Systems Covered Detail:

Detailed explanations of dashboard indicators, warning lights, and their meanings. Instructions on proper use of the HVAC system, including manual and automatic climate control. Guidance on operating the audio and entertainment systems. Information on setting up and using the trip computer. Explanations of various driver controls like headlights, wipers, and mirrors.

Procedures Included:

Basic maintenance, fluid checks, tire pressure checks, jump starting, changing a flat tire, operating various vehicle systems, understanding dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting tips.

Procedures Included Detail:

Step-by-step guidance for checking and topping up essential fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid). Instructions for inflating tires to the correct pressure and checking tread depth. Procedures for using the spare tire and changing a flat tire, including jack point locations. Information on jump-starting a dead battery. Safe operation of the parking brake and standard brakes. Recommendations for pre-driving checks.

Technical Depth:

Owner-level operation and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or advanced diagnostics typically found in a service manual.

Technical Depth Detail:

Focuses on user-friendly explanations for everyday operation and basic upkeep. Provides information on vehicle specifications (dimensions, weights, tire sizes) relevant to the owner. Includes advice on proper care and cleaning of the vehicle's interior and exterior. Offers guidance on what to do in emergency situations, such as overheating or accidents. Explains the limitations and proper usage of safety systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for clear printing of individual pages.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.7L V6 (G6BA engine code) and a 2.4L Inline-4 (G4KC engine code)

Horsepower V6:

Approximately 185 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque V6:

Approximately 175 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Horsepower I4:

Approximately 164 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque I4:

Approximately 160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Emission Control:

Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors

🔧 Transmission

Transmission I4:

5-speed manual transmission

Transmission V6:

4-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic

Transmission Features:

Automatic transmission featured overdrive gears for improved fuel economy. Shiftronic allowed for manual gear selection.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width:

Approximately 70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

Approximately 58.3 inches (1480 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 98.1 cu ft (2778 L)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 14.6 cu ft (413 L)

Curb Weight I4:

Approximately 3200 - 3300 lbs (1450 - 1500 kg)

Curb Weight V6:

Approximately 3400 - 3500 lbs (1540 - 1590 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star (2008 model year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star (2008 model year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

5-Star (2008 model year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5-Star (2008 model year)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

5-Star (2008 model year)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

5-Star (2008 model year)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Crash Rating:

Good

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety Features:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), active head restraints, pretensioners for front seat belts.

Lighting Features:

Projector-beam headlights, available fog lamps, multi-reflector taillights.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input. Available premium Infinity audio system with subwoofer and amplifier. Steering wheel mounted audio controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, power-adjustable mirrors, power windows and door locks. Limited driver assistance features compared to modern vehicles.

Connectivity Features:

Auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external music players.

Comfort Features:

Manual or automatic climate control, height-adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Long-life iridium spark plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 4 years, or more frequently under severe driving conditions.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or SAE 5W-30.

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, mixture of 50/50 with distilled water. Kia recommends their own Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Kia SPIII ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Spec:

FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Known Issues:

Some reports of premature wheel bearing failure, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., power window issues), and occasional transmission shifting concerns. These are not universal but are noted in owner forums.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, has grown from a manufacturer of bicycle parts to a global automotive producer known for its value and expanding product range.

Model Evolution 2008:

The 2008 Magentis represents the second generation of the model, which was first introduced globally in 2000 (as Optima in many markets). This generation received styling updates and mechanical refinements.

Production Location:

Primarily produced in South Korea.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the 2008 Magentis did not receive major industry awards, it was generally praised for its strong warranty coverage and value proposition.

Fuel Economy I4 Auto:

EPA Estimated: ~22 MPG City / ~30 MPG Highway

Fuel Economy V6 Auto:

EPA Estimated: ~19 MPG City / ~26 MPG Highway