Segment:
Subcompact car, economy car
Key Competitors 2015:
Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris.
Vehicle Strengths:
Fuel efficiency, value for money, decent interior space for its class, modern styling compared to some competitors.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECM), cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (M5CF1), automatic transmission (4-speed), transaxle, driveshafts, axles, differential.
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (Torsion beam), steering system (Hydraulic power steering, Electric power steering), wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, audio system, power windows, power locks, body control module (BCM).
Body Interior:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, seating, airbags, HVAC system, body sealing.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit diagrams, diagnostic strategies.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication points.
Repair Overhaul:
Engine repair (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Installation Replacement:
Component replacement (alternator, starter, water pump, clutch), body panel repair and replacement, interior component installation.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, including torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, and exploded views.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M5CF1)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4-speed FWD)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single plate (Manual)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/90
Transmission Fluid Capacity Automatic:
Approx. 6.9 Liters (7.3 Quarts)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 Stars (overall)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Esc:
Optional (Electronic Stability Control)
Vdc:
Vehicle Dynamic Control (Kia's term for ESC)
Airbags Standard:
Front driver and passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Infotainment System:
Available UVO infotainment system (on select trims), 4.3-inch or 7-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, USB/Auxiliary input jacks.
Backup Camera:
Optional rear-view camera.
Parking Sensors:
Not commonly available.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry with push-button start.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (with synthetic oil)
Oil Change Interval Conventional:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (with conventional oil)
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 24 months or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 0W-20 (recommended for fuel economy and performance).
Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L:
Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based, OAT type coolant (Hyundai/Kia Genuine Long Life Coolant Blue or equivalent).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 Quarts)
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of minor electrical gremlins, premature wear of certain suspension components (e.g., tie rod ends), and some HVAC system issues (e.g., blend door actuator failure). The 1.6L Gamma engine is generally robust.
Transmission Performance:
Some drivers report the automatic transmission can be hesitant or shift roughly under certain conditions; this is often addressed through software updates or fluid changes.
Kia Origins:
Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
Rio Generations Overview:
The 2015 Kia Rio is part of the third generation (UB), introduced in late 2011 for the 2012 model year. It offered a significant styling and engineering update over its predecessor.
Assembly Locations:
Donghee Plant, Seosan, South Korea; also assembled in other locations globally depending on market.
