Segment:
Subcompact Hatchback/Sedan
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit
Value Proposition:
Affordable, fuel-efficient transportation with a focus on practicality and simplicity.
Primary Users:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, individuals seeking economical city commuting.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, Engine electrical, Fuel system, Cooling system, Exhaust system, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio system, Power accessories, HVAC electrical
Body:
Body exterior and interior, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seals, Seats, Upholstery
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil change, Filter replacement, Spark plug replacement, Fluid checks and changes
Repair:
Component removal and installation, Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Brake system repairs, Suspension and steering repairs, Electrical system diagnostics and repair, Body panel replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Symptom-based diagnostics, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-II relevant)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Engine Code:
G4HD (likely)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
1.5 Liter (1493 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
71.0 mm x 77.0 mm (typical for this displacement class)
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (typical)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves
Horsepower Hp:
96 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque Lb-Ft:
95 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline
ECU Type:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II compatibility
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Dry Single Plate (Manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
Length In:
156.7 inches (Hatchback) / 164.2 inches (Sedan)
Height In:
57.7 inches (Hatchback) / 55.7 inches (Sedan)
Wheelbase In:
96.1 inches
Curb Weight Lbs:
2200 - 2350 lbs (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
3150 lbs (approx.)
Cargo Volume Cu Ft:
14.5 cu ft (Hatchback, rear seats up) / 42.2 cu ft (Hatchback, rear seats down)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4 Stars (approx. for this era, refer to specific year testing)
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Varies by test, generally acceptable for its class and era.
ABS:
Available on some trims/options
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (often paired with ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (standard on most trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters (driver/front passenger)
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Cassette Player (on early models), 4 Speakers
Display:
Basic digital display for radio and clock.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically equipped, aftermarket solutions available.
Power Windows:
Available on higher trim levels, manual on base models
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., iridium recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
N/A (This generation uses a timing chain, which is generally maintenance-free but requires inspection)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7 US quarts (3.5 Liters) with filter (refer to manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-20 or 5W-30 (API SN or higher, refer to manual for exact spec)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 US quarts (5.2 Liters) (refer to manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Asian vehicle formula (e.g., Toyota Pink/Long Life) (refer to manual)
Engine Performance:
Occasional rough idle, potential for oil consumption in high-mileage engines, listen for timing chain noise.
Transmission:
Manual: Clutch wear, occasional synchronizer issues. Automatic: Potential for delayed shifting or slipping (fluid changes critical).
Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings leading to clunking noises and imprecise steering.
Brakes:
Front brake pad and rotor wear, rear drum brake adjustment/maintenance.
Electrical:
Alternator failures, power window motor issues, occasional sensor faults.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Focus:
Value, affordability, growing reputation for reliability and design.
First Generation Launch:
Introduced in 2000 (DC Generation)
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
Minor updates for model year 2003 (e.g., revised grille, headlights, interior trim).
Manufacturing Plant:
Gwangju, South Korea
