Market Segment:
Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Minivan
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus C-Max, Renault Scénic, Opel/Vauxhall Zafira, Volkswagen Touran, Toyota Corolla Verso
Vehicle Appeal:
Practicality, flexible seating arrangements, good value for money, compact footprint for urban maneuverability.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, starting and charging
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission (AT), clutch system, drivetrain components
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS), wheel alignment
Electrical Systems:
Body electrical (lighting, power accessories), Instrument cluster, HVAC controls, audio system, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, body sealing, corrosion protection
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter motor replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, alignment specifications, fluid capacities, component measurements
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Displacement Gasoline 1:
1.8 Liters (1793 cc)
Engine Type Gasoline 1:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine Codes Gasoline 1:
G4JP
Engine Displacement Gasoline 2:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine Type Gasoline 2:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine Codes Gasoline 2:
G4GC
Engine Displacement Diesel:
2.0 Liters (1991 cc)
Engine Type Diesel:
Inline-4, CRDI (Common Rail Diesel Injection), Turbocharged
Engine Codes Diesel:
D4EA
Horsepower 1.8L:
124 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1.8L:
160 Nm @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 2.0L:
136 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2.0L:
182 Nm @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 2.0L Diesel:
112 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2.0L Diesel:
255 Nm @ 1800-2500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel fuel
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up
Length:
4465 mm (approx.)
Height:
1630 mm (approx.)
Wheelbase:
2720 mm (approx.)
Seating Capacity:
5 or 7 seats (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Variable, typically small
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Significant, expandable with folding seats
Curb Weight:
1450-1600 kg (approx., varies by engine and configuration)
Crash Test Ratings:
Varies by market and testing organization; generally modest for its era. Consult specific regional NHTSA or Euro NCAP reports.
Available Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Standard Passive Safety:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, Child seat anchor points (ISOFIX)
Optional Passive Safety:
Side airbags, Curtain airbags (depending on trim level and market)
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM/CD player with optional cassette, 4 or 6 speaker system.
Display Features:
Basic digital clock, odometer, trip computer (varies by trim).
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard; may be an aftermarket addition.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 km or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
90,000 km for standard spark plugs; potentially longer for iridium or platinum.
Timing Belt Replacement:
90,000 km or 6 years (for engines equipped with a timing belt, check specific engine).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km.
Engine Oil Viscosity Gasoline:
API SL/SM, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (check owner's manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Capacity 1.8L:
Approximately 4.0 liters with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approximately 4.0 liters with filter change.
Engine Oil Viscosity Diesel:
ACEA B3/B4, SAE 5W-40 recommended (check owner's manual for exact spec).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, long-life coolant (e.g., HOAT).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for specification).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specification).
Common Issues Gasoline:
Occasional ignition coil failures, exhaust manifold cracks, oil leaks from valve cover gasket, potential for catalytic converter issues.
Common Issues Diesel:
EGR valve clogging, turbocharger issues (especially if not maintained), injector problems, glow plug failures.
Common Issues Chassis:
Worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints), premature brake pad wear, potential for rust in certain climates, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.
Kia Founding:
Founded in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of bicycle parts and steel tubing.
Kia Automotive Entry:
Began producing motorcycles in 1961 and trucks in 1962, entering the passenger car market later.
Carens First Generation:
Introduced in 1997 as Kia's first compact MPV, based on the Kia Sephia platform.
Carens Second Generation Facelift:
The 2002-2006 models represent the second generation of the Carens, which received styling updates and powertrain improvements over the first generation.
Production Locations:
Primarily South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), with some assembly in other Kia global facilities.
