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.