🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Carens

Model Alias:

Rondo

Year:

2012

Vin Prefix:

KNA

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Minivan

Target Audience:

Families seeking practical, versatile, and cost-effective transportation.

Key Competitors 2012:

Chevrolet Orlando, Ford C-Max, Volkswagen Touran, Citroen C4 Picasso.

Versatility:

Flexible seating arrangements (often 5 or 7 seats), ample cargo space, practical for daily use and family outings.

Value Proposition:

Offers a good balance of space, features, and affordability compared to larger SUVs or minivans.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable (likely PDF)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine control system (ECM), fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, starting system, charging system.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (AT), manual transmission (MT) - depending on market variant, transmission control system (TCS), clutch system, drive shafts, differentials.

Chassis:

Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD, ESP), wheels and tires, chassis electrical.

Body And Interior:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seating, HVAC system, body electrical, lighting, wipers and washers.

Electrical And Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, battery, alternator, starter, power windows, power locks, audio system, instrument cluster, airbags, immobilizer system.

Maintenance:

Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, electrical circuit testing, component testing.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine overhauling, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair.

Adjustment:

Brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (if applicable), idle speed adjustment, steering alignment procedures.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair operations.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians with detailed diagrams, specifications, and step-by-step instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - standard for downloadable manuals.

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing quick access to specific information.

Print Readability:

Designed for clear printing of text and diagrams, ensuring legibility of technical illustrations.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Gasoline:

G4FC (1.6 Gamma MPI) / G4FA (1.4 Gamma MPI) - common in many markets.

Engine Code Diesel:

U2 (1.7 CRDi VGT) - common in European markets.

Displacement 1.6L:

1591 cc

Horsepower 1.6L:

Approx. 126 PS (94 kW) @ 6300 rpm

Torque 1.6L:

Approx. 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm

Displacement 1.7L:

1685 cc

Horsepower 1.7L:

Approx. 115 PS (85 kW) @ 4000 rpm

Torque 1.7L:

Approx. 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) @ 1750-2500 rpm

Fuel Injection Gasoline:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Gasoline:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 91-95 RON)

Fuel Injection Diesel:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)

Fuel Type Diesel:

Diesel fuel

Emission Control Gasoline:

Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP).

Emission Control Diesel:

Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) - potentially depending on market and specification.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Gasoline:

5-speed manual transmission (M5CF1)

Transmission Type Gasoline Optional:

4-speed automatic transmission (4AT) - common

Transmission Type Diesel:

6-speed manual transmission (M6CF3) - common

Transmission Type Diesel Optional:

6-speed automatic transmission (6AT) - less common, often with higher trims

Transmission Fluid Spec At:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent

Transmission Fluid Capacity At Approx:

6.0 - 7.0 Liters (dry fill)

Transmission Fluid Spec Mt:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4525 mm (178.1 in)

Width:

Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1650 mm (65.0 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2750 mm (108.3 in)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 150 - 250 Liters (depending on 3rd-row configuration)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 600 - 800 Liters (with 3rd row folded)

Curb Weight Approx:

1450 - 1600 kg (3197 - 3527 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

2100 - 2300 kg (4630 - 5070 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Likely received 4-star or 5-star ratings in frontal and side impact tests by NHTSA in relevant markets (e.g., US market Rondo).

IIHS Rating:

Likely achieved 'Good' ratings in various crashworthiness tests by IIHS for models sold in the US.

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS).

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP) - standard on many models or an option.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), Side-impact airbags (front), Curtain airbags (front and second/third row).

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions, ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchors.

Other Safety:

Active front headrests, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS - potentially).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with AUX input, USB and iPod connectivity. Available with satellite radio and Bluetooth.

Navigation:

Optional navigation system with touchscreen interface available on higher trim levels.

Rear Camera:

Optional rearview camera integrated with the infotainment display.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking sensors available on select trims.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control system, with rear passenger vents.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement Gasoline:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs, or 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for long-life iridium plugs.

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SN or ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific engine variant).

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, antifreeze meeting ASTM D3306, typically a red or pink long-life coolant.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Suspension components (struts, bushings), brake pads and rotors, exhaust system (rust/leaks), drive belts.

Engine Specific Issues:

Potential for oil consumption in some high-mileage 1.6L Gamma engines, intake manifold issues on some diesel variants.

Transmission Specific Issues:

Occasional rough shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions; clutch wear in manual transmissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer with a history dating back to 1944, known for its focus on value, quality, and design.

Carens Generation 2:

The 2012 model is part of the second generation Carens (UN chassis), which was produced from 2006 to 2012. This generation saw styling updates and improved features over its predecessor.

Rondo Naming:

The 'Rondo' name was primarily used in North American markets for the Carens model.

Production Period:

2006 - 2012 (Second Generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), with potential assembly in other global locations depending on market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

The Kia Carens/Rondo generally performed well in safety tests for its class, often receiving positive ratings from organizations like NHTSA and IIHS.

Value Awards:

Often cited for its value for money and practicality by automotive publications and consumer reports.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings typically varied, with some model years showing average or above-average predicted reliability, while others had average to below-average ratings depending on specific components.