🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Carens Rondo II

Year:

2012

Engine Variant:

1.6L GDI (Gamma II)

Generation Designation:

Third Generation (RP)

Chassis Code:

RP

Engine Code Typical:

G4FC (Gamma II 1.6L)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact MPV / Crossover Utility Vehicle

Key Selling Points:

Practicality, spacious interior, fuel efficiency, value for money

Key Competitors 2012:

Mazda 5, Ford Focus C-Max, Volkswagen Touran, Citroën C4 Picasso

Vehicle Type:

Compact MPV

Seating Capacity:

5 or 7 seats (depending on configuration)

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking versatility and space

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets Covered:

Global (specific to North American and European variants based on engine/trim)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection (GDI), ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, emission control, engine management (ECU diagnostics)

Transmission Systems:

Manual Transmission (M5/M6), Automatic Transmission (4-speed A/T), clutch system, driveline

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front/rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheels and tires

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electrical, infotainment, HVAC electrical controls, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system mechanical, power accessories

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant checks/changes, brake fluid checks/changes, transmission fluid checks/changes

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) retrieval and interpretation, system-specific troubleshooting flowcharts

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement

Special Procedures:

GDI system servicing, timing belt/chain inspection/replacement, airbag system servicing, keyless entry system programming

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Searchable PDF with hyperlinked sections

Print Resolution:

High-resolution (suitable for printing individual pages or sections)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G4FC (Gamma II)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)

Displacement:

1591 cc (1.6 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

77.0 mm x 85.4 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1

Horsepower Max:

135 PS (99 kW) @ 6300 rpm (approx. for European/Korean spec)

Torque Max:

165 Nm (122 lb-ft) @ 4850 rpm (approx. for European/Korean spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

55 Liters (14.5 US Gallons)

Engine Control Unit:

ECU with CAN communication

Timing Mechanism:

Timing Chain (durability advantage over belt)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (A/T)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, Dry Single Plate

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W/85 (or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4480 mm (176.4 in)

Width:

1800 mm (70.9 in)

Height:

1600 mm (63.0 in) (without roof rails)

Wheelbase:

2750 mm (108.3 in)

Front Track:

1570 mm (61.8 in)

Rear Track:

1575 mm (62.0 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1480-1520 kg (3263-3351 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1520-1560 kg (3351-3439 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2050-2100 kg (4519-4630 lbs)

Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:

Approx. 460-530 Liters (16.2-18.7 cu ft) (depending on 5/7 seat configuration)

Cargo Volume Maximum:

Approx. 1580-1670 Liters (55.8-59.0 cu ft) (with rear seats folded)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating 2012:

5 Stars (for some variants/testing conditions, refer to specific Euro NCAP reports)

Active Safety Features Available:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (optional/market dependent)

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags (driver/passenger), side airbags, curtain airbags, active front headrests, 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors

Standard Tire Size:

205/55R16, 215/45R17 (depending on trim level)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Wheel Center Bore:

67.1 mm

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Options:

Base models may have a basic AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with AUX input. Higher trims could feature a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB integration.

Driver Assistance Features:

Rear parking sensors, rearview camera (optional/market dependent). ESC (Electronic Stability Control) was becoming more common as standard equipment in many markets.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (on higher trims), USB and AUX inputs for media playback.

Headlight Types:

Halogen projector headlights common; higher trims might offer Xenon/HID headlights.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil And Filter Change:

Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe conditions: 7,500 km (4,600 miles) or 6 months.

Air Cleaner Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 24 months (inspect every 15,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 24 months (inspect every 15,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 km (37,300 miles) for standard plugs, 90,000 km (55,900 miles) for iridium plugs (refer to specific engine variant).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 195,000 km (120,000 miles), then every 40,000 km (24,900 miles) or 24 months thereafter (for Long Life Coolant).

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 40,000 km (24,900 miles) or 24 months, whichever comes first.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) or 48 months (under normal conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SM/SN, ACEA A3/B4 or A5/B5, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendations based on climate).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Genuine Super Long Life Coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Carens Rondo Ii Issues:

Potential for GDI injector fouling (requiring cleaning or replacement), occasional issues with automatic transmission shift quality, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., door lock actuators), possible interior trim rattles, brake pad wear on heavier models.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is a South Korean automobile manufacturer, part of the Hyundai Motor Group.

Carens Generation Overview:

The Carens, also known as Rondo in some markets, is Kia's compact MPV. The 2012 model represents the third generation (RP), introduced globally in late 2012, replacing the second generation (FC).

Production Locations:

Primarily South Korea (Hwaseong Plant)

Model Year Coverage:

This manual specifically covers the 2012 model year, marking the introduction of the third generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards Received:

As mentioned, the third generation Carens (RP) generally achieved good safety ratings, including 5 stars from Euro NCAP in many configurations, indicating strong structural integrity and effective safety systems.

Consumer Reliability Index:

Varies by market and specific reporting agency. Generally considered average to good for its class, with some specific model year variants or engine types performing better than others. The manual provides the necessary data to maintain and troubleshoot these systems.