Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, urban commuters.
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, practical interior space for its class.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback.
Engine Options General:
Primarily offered with efficient inline-4 gasoline engines.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed engine overhaul, component inspection, lubrication, timing, and cooling system diagnostics.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, engine management (ECM/ECU) diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Complete overhaul and repair procedures for the manual transmission, clutch operation, and gear selection.
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed diagnostics, fluid service, internal component repair, and torque converter information for automatic transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, drive shafts, CV joints, and differential components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic components, ABS system diagnostics and repair, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, wheel alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnostics, steering column, steering rack and pinion repair.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, battery diagnostics.
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core, blower motor, ventilation diagnostics.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and components, seat belt operation.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures for all intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every component and system.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing parts such as alternators, starters, radiators, fuel pumps, etc.
Diagnostic Tests:
Information on performing specific diagnostic tests using specialized equipment and scan tools.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete, high-resolution electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including OBD-II codes interpretation and component-level electrical testing.
Special Tools:
Lists required special tools and their applications for specific repair procedures.
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Image Quality:
High-resolution images, diagrams, and illustrations.
Recommendation:
Printable on demand for workshop use.
Physical Format Analogy:
Equivalent to a professionally bound workshop manual.
Physical Format Analogy:
Content organized for clarity, suitable for professional printing.
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate clutch (manual)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with adaptive shift logic.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star Driver / 5-Star Passenger (2008 model year testing)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not rated or tested for this specific model year.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebs:
Optional Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.
Head Unit Features:
Basic AM/FM/CD player, often with auxiliary input. Higher trims may offer MP3 playback and upgraded speakers.
Display:
Simple digital display for radio and clock. No integrated navigation or touchscreen typically.
Cruise Control:
Available on some higher trim levels.
Parking Sensors:
Rarely offered, typically an aftermarket addition.
Bluetooth:
Not typically factory-equipped; may be available through aftermarket head units.
Usb Port:
Not typically factory-equipped.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs, consult manual for specific type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect regularly, change if contaminated. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SM/SN, ILSAC GF-4 or higher, SAE 5W-20
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.7 Liters (3.9 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, OAT (Organic Acid Technology), color may vary (e.g., pink/red).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type; typically ATF Dexron III compatible or proprietary fluid.
Common Problem 1:
Interior rattling noises, particularly from dashboard and door panels.
Common Problem 2:
Minor electrical issues, such as bulb failures or intermittent power window problems.
Common Problem 3:
Wear on suspension components like ball joints or bushings over higher mileage.
Common Problem 4:
Occasional issues with the automatic transmission shift quality or responsiveness.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Philosophy:
Focus on affordability, value for money, and increasingly, design and quality.
First Generation Intro:
First generation introduced in 2000.
Generation 2 Codename:
JB (2005-2011)
Generation 2 Update:
The 2008 model year falls within the second generation (JB), which received a facelift for the 2005 model year, introducing updated styling, interior, and powertrains compared to the first generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea, with some assembly in other regions depending on market.