Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, urban commuters, small families
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic
Design Philosophy:
Kia's 'Design for the Young, the Bold, and the Different' with a focus on attractive styling and value.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, practical interior space, and a strong warranty (when new).
Engine:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine electrical, engine control system (ECM/ECU)
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (M/T), Automatic Transmission (A/T), clutch system, driveline, torque converter
Brakes:
Front brakes, rear brakes, parking brake, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering column, steering gear
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, stabilizers
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, body electrical, power accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, glass, weatherstripping
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, climate control
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, pre-tensioners
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks, brake inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, component removal and installation, adjustments
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters
Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, major component rebuild procedures
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed procedures for removing and reinstalling components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level testing, repair instructions with diagrams and illustrations
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
77.0 mm x 85.5 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16-valve, Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 6300 rpm (approximate for GDI model)
Torque:
123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm (approximate for GDI model)
Fuel Delivery:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
ECU Model:
Specific ECM part numbers would be detailed in the manual.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (A/T)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Active ECO system, gate-type shifter, potentially sequential manual shifting (Steptronic-style)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil specifications, e.g., Kia Genuine Gear Oil, or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific ATF type, e.g., Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or compatible.
Length:
4,300 mm (approx.)
Width:
1,700 mm (approx.)
Height:
1,460 mm (approx.)
Wheelbase:
2,570 mm (approx.)
Passenger Volume:
Refer to manual for specific cubic feet/liters (typically around 90 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Refer to manual for specific cubic feet/liters (typically around 15 cu ft)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1150-1200 kg (depending on trim and transmission)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 lug, 4.5 inch bolt circle)
Tire Sizes:
Commonly 175/70R14, 195/50R16 (check manual for exact fitment)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Refer to 2015 NHTSA or IIHS reports for specific ratings (often 4 or 5 stars for the generation).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebs:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
TCS:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (depending on trim level)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters in front seats
Child Anchors:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system
Infotainment System:
Kia's UVO infotainment system available on higher trims, or a standard audio system with CD/MP3 player, auxiliary input, and USB port.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, available satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Backup Camera:
Available on select trims.
Parking Sensors:
Not commonly available for this model year and segment.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically iridium plugs, recommend replacement around 100,000 miles (check manual).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN or higher, SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil recommended for the 1.6 GDI engine.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (refer to manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life inhibitors (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.0-6.5 US quarts (5.7-6.2 liters) (refer to manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Common Problems:
Potential for oil consumption at higher mileage, occasional issues with fuel injectors due to GDI nature (requiring periodic cleaning), possible premature wear in suspension components depending on usage, check for any manufacturer bulletins or recalls.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea
Generation Code:
UB (Third Generation Rio)
Introduction Year Generation:
2011 (Globally), 2012 (North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (primarily), potentially Mexico, China, and India for regional markets.