Segment:
Subcompact car, economy car.
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit.
Design:
Distinctive 'tiger-nose' grille, European-inspired styling, spacious interior for its class.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, surprisingly refined interior and ride quality for the segment.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, timing system, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, intake & exhaust systems.
Engine Performance:
Engine control module (ECM), ignition system, fuel injection, emissions control.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission internal components, clutch, gearshift mechanism, lubrication.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission internal components, torque converter, valve body, transmission control module (TCM), lubrication.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, drive shafts, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (torsion beam axle, shock absorbers, trailing arms).
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, steering gear, tie rods.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, mirrors, central locking.
Body And Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, chassis components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, heater core.
Infotainment And Comfort:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped), climate controls, seat adjustments.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS module, ABS control module.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections, air filter replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for various systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), specific system testing.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems.
Overhaul Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications and tolerances.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearance measurements, engine and transmission clearances, component tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code:
G4FA (North America, basic) / G4FC (Global, often)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
77.0 mm x 85.4 mm
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 6300 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Siemens VDO / Continental (specific model dependent)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, P-HOAT, Asian Blue or equivalent (e.g., ZEREX Asian Blue)
Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter
Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-20 API SN or higher
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for 2013 model year, typical)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) standard
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) standard
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist System (BAS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual; typically automatic transmission fluid (ATF SP-III or SP-IV compatible) if hydraulic, or none if electric power steering.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine:
Occasional reports of oil consumption, potential for carbon buildup in direct injection engines (though less common on MPI 1.6 Gamma).
Transmission:
Some users report occasional rough shifting in automatic transmissions, particularly at lower speeds. Clutch wear can be normal for manual transmissions in heavy city use.
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension components (like ball joints or bushings) may show wear over time with high mileage or rough road use. Power steering pump whine or leaks can occur on older hydraulic systems.
Electrical:
Battery drain issues, alternator or starter motor failures can occur as with any vehicle of this age. Door lock actuators can sometimes fail.
Typical Repairs:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (struts, tie rods), exhaust system repairs, accessory belt replacement.