Vehicle Segment:
Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile and practical transportation.
Key Competitors 2006 2007:
Ford Focus C-Max, Renault Scénic, Volkswagen Touran, Opel Zafira, Toyota Corolla Verso.
Vehicle Appeal:
Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, practicality, value for money.
Manual Utility:
Essential resource for DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and fleet maintenance.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management (ECU).
Transmission Systems:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, operation, diagnostics, repair, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive shafts, CV joints, differential (if applicable).
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs), alignment specifications.
Steering Systems:
Power steering system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brake systems (discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder), ABS diagnostics and repair.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting, starting and charging systems, power accessories, body control modules (BCM).
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, maintenance, and repair.
Body And Trim:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal and installation, bumper systems.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system operation and diagnostics, seatbelt mechanisms.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed recommended maintenance schedule with specific intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and component inspections.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems.
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing wear items such as brake pads, spark plugs, filters, belts, and more.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing malfunctions in engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems.
Torquing Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Depth Of Coverage:
Full mechanical and electrical repair, including engine and transmission rebuilds, bodywork, and diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capability:
Covers diagnostic procedures for both basic mechanical issues and advanced electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics.
Body Repair Detail:
Detailed information on straightening chassis elements, panel replacement, welding, and painting preparation.
Engine Code Common:
G4GC (1.8L CVVT) or potential others depending on market
Engine Displacement Common:
1799 cc (1.8 Liters)
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves
Engine Bore X Stroke Common:
82.0 mm x 83.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio Common:
10.0:1 (approx.)
Horsepower Common:
115-125 PS (85-93 kW) at 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Common:
161-170 Nm (119-125 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Lambda Sensor
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Cooling:
Automatic transmission typically includes an ATF cooler integrated with the radiator.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/90 Gear Oil (refer to specific Kia manual for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Kia/Hyundai Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to specific Kia manual for exact specification)
Length Common:
4475 mm (176.18 in)
Width Common:
1770 mm (69.69 in)
Height Common:
1670 mm (65.75 in)
Wheelbase Common:
2630 mm (103.54 in)
Ground Clearance Common:
Approx. 150-160 mm (5.9-6.3 in)
Seating Capacity:
5-7 passengers (depending on configuration)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Variable, typically 300-500 liters (10.6-17.7 cu ft) depending on seating layout
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:
Significantly increased, capable of carrying larger items.
Curb Weight Common Manual:
1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs)
Curb Weight Common Automatic:
1500-1600 kg (3307-3527 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Specify if available, typically around 2000-2100 kg
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Refer to NHTSA or equivalent for specific model year ratings (often 4-star for frontal/side).
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Refer to IIHS for specific model year ratings.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most trims)
E B D:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (Often paired with ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) may be available on higher trims.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), Side airbags (optional/standard on higher trims), Curtain airbags (optional).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, 3-point seatbelts for rear seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or semi-synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (standard spark plugs) or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (long-life iridium plugs, if applicable).
Timing Belt Replacement:
The 1.8L engine (G4GC) uses a timing belt. Replacement recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, whichever comes first. Crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. (Use Kia approved coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (36,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type Common:
API SL or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (Synthetic recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity Common:
Approx. 4.0-4.3 liters (4.2-4.5 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type Common:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze coolant (Asia-specific blue or green color, refer to manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some engines of this era may exhibit slight oil consumption, regular checks are advisable.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links can lead to knocking noises and poor handling.
Heater Core:
Occasional reports of heater core leaks leading to coolant loss and fogged windows.
Transmission Shifting:
Automatic transmissions may exhibit hesitant shifting; regular fluid changes are crucial.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators or motors can occur.
Exhaust System Corrosion:
In certain climates, exhaust components like mufflers and pipes can be susceptible to rust.
Kia History:
Founded in 1944, Kia Motors Corporation is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
Carens Lineage:
The Carens (also known as Rondo in some markets) entered production in 1999 as Kia's first compact MPV, aiming to compete in the growing family vehicle segment.
Second Generation Introduction:
The second generation (RP) was introduced in 2004, offering a more modern design, improved interior space, and enhanced features compared to its predecessor.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea, with potential assembly in other regions.