Kia Clarus Combi (GC) 1.8 i 16V (116 Hp)


Overall Rating

5.2 / 10
Safety 1.0 / 5
Engine 2.8 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Kia Clarus:

The Kia Credos was Kia's first self developed mid-size family sedan, which went on sale in South Korea in 1995, and in Australia in 1998. The Credos is based on the fifth generation Mazda Capella/Cronos, which was also sold as the Mazda 626.
It was powered by one of four gasoline engines. Initially, three engines are offered, depending on the trim: 1. 8-litre Kia T8D engine; 2. 0-litre Mazda FE SOHC engine; and 2. 0-litre Mazda FE-DOHC engine. A fourth engine, a licensed version of 2. 0-litre V6 DOHC Rover KV6 engine, was available with the facelifted version from 1998 and on, which also added a station wagon variation, called the Parktown in its native Korea, where it was a commercial flop....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Combi (GC) Overview:

Kia Clarus (Combi (GC)). With 152 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1275 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 i 16V (116 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers adequate performance for daily commuting and light family duties, but lacks any sporting ambition. Acceleration is modest, suitable for relaxed driving.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is relatively high for its power output, especially in urban environments, making it less economical compared to modern or even some contemporary rivals.

Best Use Case: City commuting, light suburban travel, budget-conscious family transport.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious interior and large boot capacity for a family car.
  • • Generally good value for money on the used market.
  • • Comfortable ride quality for long journeys.
  • • Simple, proven engine technology (though less efficient).

Cons:

  • • Poor Euro NCAP safety rating (1.5 stars) is a significant concern.
  • • High fuel consumption, especially for the performance offered.
  • • Uninspired performance and handling compared to rivals.
  • • Dated interior design and materials.
  • • Limited availability of parts and specialist knowledge today.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(K9A: 1996 - 1998).

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Clarus
Generation:Combi (GC)
Modification (Engine):1.8 i 16V (116 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:116 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:64.7 Hp/l [54mm more]
Torque:152 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:T8 More details about the engine T8
Engine displacement:1793
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:87 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.7 sec
Maximum speed:185 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11 kg/Hp, 91 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.4 kg/Nm, 119.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1275
Max. weight:1840
Max load:565
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1580 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:304 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4750 mm mm [54mm more]
Width:1785 mm mm [15mm more]
Height:1495 mm mm [75mm more]
Wheelbase:2659 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1500 mm
Rear (Back) track:1500 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/70 R14
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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