🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Rio

Model Code:

UB

Year:

2012

Generation Code:

UB

Generation Years:

2011-2017

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Subcompact / Economy Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable and fuel-efficient transportation.

Key Competitors:

Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Sonic.

Vehicle Strengths:

Affordability, fuel efficiency, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, modern styling for its generation, good maneuverability in urban environments.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and independent repair shops with the same technical information used by authorized dealerships for accurate diagnosis and repair.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete service, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the KIA RIO UB 2012.

Estimated Page Count:

Refer to specific product listing for exact page count, typically 1500+ pages for a comprehensive manual.

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English (assumed, as is standard for international markets and professional documentation)

Format:

Digital (PDF, commonly downloadable and searchable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emission control, exhaust system, cooling system.

Transmission:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable), clutch system, drive axles.

Chassis:

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

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, body control modules (BCM), power windows, power locks, audio system, HVAC controls.

Body And Frame:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, body structural components.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, climate control unit.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacements, spark plug replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics, testing procedures for all major systems.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, adjustments, calibrations, system repairs.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, component specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Scalability:

High-resolution, ensuring clarity when zoomed for detailed diagrams and text.

Digital Usability:

Searchable text, clickable links for navigation, bookmark functionality.

Print Usability:

Optimized for printing, with clear layouts and legible fonts for individual pages.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Gamma

Engine Code:

G4FC (typically for 1.6L variant)

Displacement:

1.6 Liters (1591 cc)

Cylinders:

4

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 16 Valves (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower:

Approximately 138 HP @ 6300 RPM (for 1.6L)

Torque:

Approximately 123 lb-ft @ 4850 RPM (for 1.6L)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 10.5:1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, potentially with a 'Sport' mode or manual shift capability on higher trims.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil specification and viscosity grade (e.g., 75W-90).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific ATF SP-III or equivalent specification.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,035 mm (158.9 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,460 mm (57.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,570 mm (101.2 in)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 86.1 cu ft

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 14.7 cu ft (with rear seats up)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,400 - 2,600 lbs (depending on transmission and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Refer to NHTSA for specific model year ratings (typically 4-star for driver and passenger).

IIHS Small Overlap Front:

Refer to IIHS for specific model year ratings (often 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal' for early models).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (standard or optional depending on trim).

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, LATCH child seat anchors.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port. Higher trims may feature Bluetooth connectivity and a color display.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Tpms:

Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Bluetooth:

Available on higher trim levels for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Steering Wheel Controls:

Available on models equipped with Bluetooth and/or cruise control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for specific oil type and conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions (refer to manual).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (verify with manual).

Engine Oil Specification:

Refer to manual for viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20) and API certification (e.g., API SN or higher).

Coolant Specification:

Asian Blue or equivalent Long Life Coolant (OAT) - typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact type).

Engine Common Issues:

Some reports of oil consumption in higher mileage engines, potential for carbon buildup on intake valves due to GDI (if applicable to specific sub-variant not detailed here, MPI is more likely for 2012).

Transmission Common Issues:

Occasional complaints about rough shifting in automatic transmissions; manual clutch wear is typical with high mileage.

Suspension Common Issues:

Strut mount wear, rear shock absorber leaks, stabilizer bar link noise.

Electrical Common Issues:

Issues with power window regulators, blower motor resistor failure, dashboard illumination issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, has grown from a manufacturer of bicycle parts to South Korea's second-largest automaker, known for value, design, and increasing quality.

Rio Generations:

The UB generation replaced the JB Rio and was the third generation of the Kia Rio, introducing a significant styling and refinement upgrade over its predecessor.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea (Hwaseong) and Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Award:

Check IIHS and NHTSA for specific awards or ratings for the 2012 model year.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Consumer Reports ratings for the 2012 Rio generally fall in the average to above-average range for its class, though specific components may vary.