All-new 2012 Kia Rio Providing an Unbeatable Combination of Power and Efficiency

The completely redesigned 2012 Kia Rio—which was first conceived here in the U.S. at Kia’s California design studio—will provide customers with a lot to like in the subcompact segment, but it certainly won’t cost a lot. In fact, Kia recently announced that the MSRP of the Rio sedan will start at just $13,400, while the price of admission to the five-door hatchback will open at $13,600—that’s $1,900 less than the least-expensive Ford Fiesta hatchback.

The Rio also provides an unbeatable combination of power and efficiency, too. In addition to two body styles, it also offers two transmissions (both a six-speed automatic or a similarly cogged manual) in three well-contented trim levels, and all offer both 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway and a class-leading 138 hp. Helping the Rio achieve these marks: An advanced 1.6-liter I4 engine with gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology, as well as the first stop/start system ever seen in the segment. Kia’s Idle Stop and Go feature shuts off the engine when the Rio comes to a stop, then quickly and seamlessly restarts the powerplant as soon as the driver’s foot comes off the brake pedal. Before being introduced on the Rio, this technology was only available on hybrids and expensive luxury vehicles.

Other high-tech goodies the Rio is bringing to the segment include UVO, Kia’s Microsoft-powered, voice-activated infotainment system, with a 4.2-inch color touchscreen and rear-view camera, along with other standard and available features like:

• LED front accent lights and rear tail lights
• Kia’s “Supervision” meter cluster
• Seat foam material that’s derived from castor oil for 100 percent biodegradability
• A full suite of safety enhancers, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake
• System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• An AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 sound system with three complimentary months of satellite radio service
• Bluetooth functionality
• Push-button start and remote keyless entry
• Heated front seats and six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat

Significantly, the Rio also is fully covered by the automaker’s industry-leading warranty package—standard on all Kia vehicles—which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.

The 2012 Kia Rio 5-door is on sale now, with the sedan slated to enter the marketplace later this year.