Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Nissan Sentra
Strengths At Launch:
Affordability, Fuel efficiency, Decent interior space for its class, Strong warranty (at the time)
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Anti-theft, Audio System
Body And Frame:
Body Panels, Doors, Interior Trim, Seating, Exterior Trim
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
Maintenance:
Oil change, Filter replacement, Fluid checks and changes, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, Symptom analysis, Common faults and fixes
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission service, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II code interpretation, Sensor testing, Actuator testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to detailed component overhaul and diagnostics)
Diagrams:
Schematics, Wiring diagrams, Exploded views
Torque Specs:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Engine Name:
Beta II G4GC
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 6000 RPM (approx.)
Torque:
133 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended)
ECU:
Kia proprietary ECU (refer to manual for specific part numbers)
Ignition System:
Coil-on-plug (COP)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (likely with Sportmatic mode)
Automatic Transmission Codes:
Refer to manual for specific AT model designation
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (verify with manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (verify with manual)
Wheelbase:
2610 mm (102.8 in)
Length:
4525 mm (178.1 in) (Sedan), 4345 mm (171.1 in) (Hatchback)
Height:
1450 mm (57.1 in) (Sedan), 1470 mm (57.9 in) (Hatchback)
Curb Weight:
1260-1360 kg (approx., depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard or manual
Standard Wheel Size:
15-inch alloy or steel wheels
Optional Wheel Size:
16-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims)
Standard Tire Size:
195/65R15
Optional Tire Size:
205/50R16
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (for comparable models/years, verify specific test results for 2006)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (for comparable models/years, verify specific test results for 2006)
IIHS Frontal Offset Driver:
Good (for comparable models/years, verify specific test results for 2006)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional/Available on some trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Not commonly available for this model year
Airbags Front:
Standard (driver and passenger airbags)
Airbags Side:
Optional (front side-impact airbags on some trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) for synthetic blend oil (verify with manual)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (iridium plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement:
70,000 - 90,000 miles (refer to manual for specific interval, *this engine typically uses a timing chain, verify specifics in manual* - Correction: The 2.0L Beta II engine often uses a timing belt. The manual will confirm this critical maintenance item.)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter (verify with manual)
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (verify with manual based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Green color), 50/50 mix with distilled water (verify with manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual)
Engine Common Issues:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, occasional power steering pump noise, exhaust manifold cracks (less common)
Transmission Common Issues:
Slight hesitation on gear changes in automatic transmission, clutch wear in manual transmissions (normal wear item)
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn sway bar links, strut mount noise
Electrical Common Issues:
Window regulator failure, interior light bulb failures, occasional check engine light due to sensor issues (e.g., O2 sensors)
Brand Origin:
South Korea
Predecessor:
Kia Spectra (2004-2009, globally, LD generation is the second generation Spectra)
Successor:
Kia Forte (Spectra name phased out in many markets)
Production Years:
2004-2009 (LD Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Malaysia (under license)
Initial Reviews:
Generally positive for value and fuel economy, but often cited as lacking refinement compared to segment leaders.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by year and component, generally average to below average for its class.
Emissions Compliance:
Compliant with EPA emissions standards for model year 2006 (refer to specific regional certifications)
