Segment:
Subcompact car, economy car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, commuters, first-time car owners
Key Competitors:
Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Accent
Design:
Sleek, modern styling with Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille
Interior:
Improved interior quality and features compared to previous generations, offering a good value proposition
Powertrain:
Efficient 1.6L GDI engine with good fuel economy for its class
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, engine electrical, powertrain management
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (M/T), Automatic Transmission (A/T), clutch system
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), drive shafts, differentials
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms), rear suspension (torsion beam, shock absorbers)
Steering:
Power steering system (electric power steering - EPS), steering column, steering gear
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc on some trims), ABS, EBD, brake lines, master cylinder, booster
Electrical:
12V battery system, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, fuses, relays
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass, seals
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, climate control
Safety Restraint:
Airbag system, seat belts
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving faults
Engine Rebuild:
Engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, and overhaul procedures
Transmission Overhaul:
Transmission disassembly, inspection, assembly, and repair procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults
Depth:
Detailed specifications, torque values, diagnostic procedures, component testing, and overhaul instructions
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type:
6-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic Shifting
Clutch:
Hydraulic clutch actuation (manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
NHTSA Overall:
4 out of 5 stars (overall safety rating for 2012 Rio)
IIHS Front Crash:
Good (Top Safety Pick for some configurations)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (Iridium type)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20, API SN or higher (refer to manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 U.S. quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, silicate-free) (refer to manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Common Problems:
Occasional reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup on intake valves (common with GDI engines), potential for fuel pump issues
Transmission Common Problems:
Some owners report occasional rough shifts in the automatic transmission; manual transmission generally robust
Suspension Common Problems:
Worn front strut mounts or bearings; rear shock absorber leaks
Electrical Common Problems:
Minor electrical gremlins like faulty door lock actuators or window regulators; battery drain issues
