Segment:
        
        
            Subcompact/Economy Car
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, urban commuters.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 2012:
        
        
            Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Nissan Versa.
        
     
    
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback.
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Stylish, modern design with a focus on interior space and fuel efficiency for its class.
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Offers a good balance of features, fuel economy, and affordability.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Full disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair procedures for all engine variants.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Electrical:
        
        
            Ignition system, fuel injection system, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnosis, wiring diagrams.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Disassembly, inspection, repair, and adjustment of the 5-speed manual transmission.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Diagnosis, fluid service, and repair of the 4-speed automatic transmission (if applicable to specific market variants).
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive system, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam axle, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, tie rods, power steering pump/motor diagnosis.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc on higher trims), ABS system, brake lines, master cylinder, caliper and wheel cylinder service.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, body control module (BCM).
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser), heating system, climate control panel, blower motor.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Exterior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, exterior trim, rust prevention.
        
     
    
        
            Interior:
        
        
            Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpet, interior trim, airbags, seatbelts.
        
     
    
        
            Emissions Control:
        
        
            Catalytic converter, EGR system, oxygen sensors, EVAP system diagnosis.
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
        
        
            Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common problems, OBD-II code interpretation.
        
     
    
        
            Component Replacement:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.
        
     
    
        
            Rebuild Procedures:
        
        
            Complete overhaul procedures for engine, transmission, and other major mechanical components.
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Comprehensive and color-coded electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Level:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds).
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Tools Required:
        
        
            Specifies necessary tools including scan tools, multimeters, and specialized equipment.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (A/T)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific ratios.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Features:
        
        
            Electronically controlled with overdrive, lock-up torque converter.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            API GL-4, SAE 75W/90 (check manual for exact specification)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Sedan: 169.1 in (4300 mm) / Hatchback: 159.4 in (4050 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            57.7 in (1465 mm) (Sedan) / 58.7 in (1490 mm) (Hatchback)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            100.6 in (2555 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Passenger Volume:
        
        
            Approx. 90.1 cu ft (Sedan) / 87.1 cu ft (Hatchback)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Sedan:
        
        
            15.1 cu ft
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Hatchback:
        
        
            14.2 cu ft (rear seats up) / 47.7 cu ft (rear seats folded)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Manual:
        
        
            Approx. 2470 lbs (1120 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight Automatic:
        
        
            Approx. 2510 lbs (1139 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Refer to vehicle VIN plate or manual.
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity:
        
        
            Not recommended/rated for towing.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Overall Rating:
        
        
            4 Stars (for some 2012 models, check specific configurations)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Top Safety Pick:
        
        
            Yes (for some configurations)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Ebs:
        
        
            Electronic Brake-force Distribution
        
     
    
        
            Esc:
        
        
            Electronic Stability Control (Standard on most trims)
        
     
    
        
            TCS:
        
        
            Traction Control System
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using conventional oil). 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months with synthetic oil. Check manual for exact severe vs. normal driving conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Iridium type).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 24-36 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 certified.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Asian red or pink.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 5.7 US quarts (5.4 Liters) (with heater).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Issues:
        
        
            Some reports of minor oil consumption, but generally reliable. Check for proper timing chain tensioner operation.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Issues:
        
        
            Occasional clutch wear on manual transmissions, potential for solenoid issues in automatic transmissions under high mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Issues:
        
        
            Wear in control arm bushings and sway bar links can occur over time, leading to clunking noises.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Issues:
        
        
            Rare instances of alternator or starter motor issues. Check for proper battery terminal connections.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Kia Motors Corporation (South Korea)
        
     
    
        
            Brand Philosophy:
        
        
            Kia has evolved from a budget-focused brand to offering vehicles with increasingly sophisticated design, technology, and quality.
        
     
    
    
        
            Rio Generations:
        
        
            First generation (1999–2005), Second generation (2005–2011), Third generation (2011–2017). This manual covers the start of the third generation.
        
     
    
        
            Design Influence:
        
        
            Designed under Peter Schreyer's leadership, marking a significant shift in Kia's design language with the signature 'tiger-nose' grille.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Primarily South Korea (Gwangmyeong) and Mexico (Monterrey).
        
     
    
        
            Production Period For 2012 Model:
        
        
            Typically from late 2011 through 2012.