Kia Shows Off The Rio Sedan, No Hamsters Involved

[William Maley]

Kia Shows Off The Rio Sedan, No Hamsters Involved

2012 Kia Rio Sedan Gallery

Sub-Compact Sedan and Hatchback Sibling Offer Best-In-Class Horsepower and Achieve Up to 40 Miles Per Gallon

• Rio models bring Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology to small car segment
  
• 2012 Rio offers outstanding combination of styling, fuel economy and power rarely seen in the class
  

NEW YORK, April 21, 2011 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally unveiled the all-new 2012 Rio sub-compact sedan at the New York International Auto Show. Scheduled to join the KMA lineup this fall – along with its hatchback sibling unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and shown today for the first time in North America – the all-new Rio ushers in the next chapter of Kia Motors' ongoing design-led transformation with previously unseen levels of eye-catching design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car segment. With all-new ISG technology and class-leading horsepower and fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon, Rio promises consumers impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or fun-to-drive performance.

"The all-new Rio brings Kia's successful combination of world-class styling, outstanding fuel economy, advanced technologies and tremendous value to the smallest and most economical vehicle in the Kia lineup," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With gas prices rising, sub-compacts are becoming increasingly more popular and with more power, up to 40 miles per gallon fuel economy and stunning design, the all-new Rio sets the standard in the sub-compact class and becomes a vehicle that is not only affordable, but one that people will aspire to own."

Class-Leading Fuel-Efficiency and Horsepower

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio offers consumers an elusive combination of power and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving class-leading 138 horsepower while also maintaining a class-leading fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway). Rio also offers ISG technology, new to the Kia lineup, where the engine turns off when the vehicle is not in motion such as at a stop light or in traffic. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake pedal, resulting in lower levels of fuel consumption.

Adding further to Rio's improved performance, engineers worked to reduce engine weight by 29 pounds over the previous generation by adding an aluminum valve cover and block to the third-generation Gamma engine, while incorporating cast iron lining for increased durability.

Sleek and Streamlined Exterior

Conceived at Kia's design studios in Irvine, Calif., the all-new Rio sub-compact sedan and hatchback exhibit highly sculpted sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, projecting an athletic profile that conveys power and agility while mimicking the aggressive lines found on other recently launched Kia vehicles such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage. Both Rio models sport their own interpretations of Kia's signature grille, slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp design, providing a new twist on the Kia family look that includes a bigger air intake to exude a youthful persona. The Rio sedan shares the sleek skin of its hatchback sibling, only dropping the wedge line slightly toward the rear door down to the trunk.

The LX trim includes body-color door handles and side mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, while the Rio5 also comes with a standard rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics. To accentuate a premium look, the side mirrors are attached to the door rather than the plastic triangle like so many others in the segment. Moving to the EX trim brings additional standard conveniences, including power door locks with keyless entry and a standard rear wiper for the Rio5. For consumers looking for higher levels of sporty refinement, the SX trim offers standard 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, dual chrome tip exhaust, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators and, unique for the Rio5, projector headlamps.

Luxuriously Equipped Interior

Moving inside, the 2012 Rio envelopes driver and passengers in a bold and modern cabin, centered on Kia's characteristic horizontal three-cylinder instrument panel, two-tone for the 2012 Rio to emphasize a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. An extended wheelbase (101.2 inches) greatly enhances passenger and cargo capacity for additional comfort, offering 40 inches front headroom, 37.8 inches rear headroom, 43.3 inches front legroom and 31.1 inches rear legroom for the Rio sedan and Rio5 hatchback.

Standard on the LX trim is a driver's seat height adjuster, while moving to the EX trim includes standard power windows with automatic up/down on the driver's window, Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones, telescoping steering column, 60/40 split folding rear seats and leatherette door trim. The SX trim offers consumers an even more upscale look and feel with standard metal pedals, metal grain, a Supervision™ meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, cruise control, UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display, and chrome-coated accents throughout.

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players.

Available packaging upgrades for the Rio EX include a Convenience Package and Eco Package, while the SX level offers an available Premium Package. The Convenience Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic light control, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators, trip computer, cruise control and the UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display. The Eco Package appeals to the environmentally friendly consumer with ISG technology and an Active Eco System for optimal fuel-efficient driving. Upgrading the SX trim with the luxurious Premium Package includes a navigation system (replaces the UVO system), push-button start with Smart Key, leather seat trim, heated front seats and a moonroof to give an open, airy feeling.

All-New Advanced Platform

The 2012 Rio brings with it an all-new platform – longer, wider and lower than the previous generation. Its aggressive and playful stance is assisted through an overall length of 171.9 (Rio sedan) or 159.3 (Rio5) with a platform measuring 67.7 inches wide and 57.3 inches high. Employing high-tensile-strength steel (63 percent), Rio's lightweight design offers high torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement. Though a more expensive alternative, using these materials also increases crash safety capabilities while reducing overall weight. To ensure good noise vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction, the 2012 Rio was outfitted with hood and dash insulators as well as expandable foam in the A and C pillars and Thinsulate™ in the A and B pillars.

Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Rio utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar are used in the front with a torsion beam axle suspension in the rear to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide the utmost comfort for a variety of driving situations.

Safety-Minded

The 2012 Rio is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line-up. Rio's high-strength steel structure includes an innovative Halo Body construction designed to help protect occupants in certain side impact and roll-over collisions, while additional standard safety features include six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). Also standard on all Rio trims for increased driver and passenger safety are Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which coordinates the car's ESC and ABS to help the driver stay in control of the vehicle.

Competitive Warranty

The 2012 Rio is covered by Kia's warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

[Intrepidation]

That looks quite good. Stylish, tidy proportions, and wears the Kia design language well. Far superior inside and out to the new Versa. As far as subcompact sedans go I think I like this and the Aveo sedan best, although the new Rio has a much nicer rear end.

[Robert Hall]

Nice..looks better than the Accent. I like the greenhouse.

[Croc]

What's the Sonic's fuel economy numbers, especially since Cruze can hit 40+?? If this is a sub-compact, yet matches mpg of a large compact (Cruze)?

[A Horse With No Name]

I'm going to digress from DF and Cubitar...I dislike it immensely....

[ocnblu]

I think this looks good, better than its Hyundai sibling. The hatch does remind me of a Suzuki Reno from the back.

[Cory Wolfe]

Back from NYC... All I have to say: This blows away everything in its class. Sonic, Fiesta, Accent, Versa, Fit, Yaris, etc. It's superb; literally in a class above as far as features, specs, quality goes. Not mention, it looks fantastic! This is the only subcompact I'd actually consider buying myself. I'd even buy it over most compacts, as well.

[daves87rs]

It looks good! Surprised!

[Chris_Doane]

This certainly takes the cake for the biggest surprise of the show. Looks fantastic and absolutely kills anything else in the segment.

It makes the new Versa look especially hilarious.

[ocnblu]

Much more unique and handsome than its Hyundai sister.

[loki]

if the headlights were smaller, it'd look better. not liking the front very much.

[Intrepidation]

This certainly takes the cake for the biggest surprise of the show. Looks fantastic and absolutely kills anything else in the segment.

It makes the new Versa look especially hilarious.

I can only imagine what was going through Nissan rep's heads when the Rio was unveiled in the same show as their competitor. Probably trying to comfort themselves with more of that "small car buyers don't want sport or style" BS.

[Croc]

I really like how it has available navigation for those who want to buy it. I think EVERY car should offer built-in navigation (with a screen, on-star turn-by-turn does not count) for those who want to pay for it.

[pow]

Love the details! The hatch passes off as very European... easily competitive with a 207, C3, etc.

[David]

What is up with the new auto's getting uglier, jellybean in some regards or just boxy and plan lacking in style and individuality. I have never seen so many auto's that will just blend in and do not stand apart on their own. Very Sad

[Robert Hall]

This certainly takes the cake for the biggest surprise of the show. Looks fantastic and absolutely kills anything else in the segment.

It makes the new Versa look especially hilarious.

I can only imagine what was going through Nissan rep's heads when the Rio was unveiled in the same show as their competitor. Probably trying to comfort themselves with more of that "small car buyers don't want sport or style" BS.

I was looking at pics of the new Versa somewhere and realized the C-pillar and rear doors kind of remind me of the 1st Prius..ugh.

[Intrepidation]

The Versa looks like a Chinese car with a Nissan badge.

[regfootball]

I think this looks good, better than its Hyundai sibling. The hatch does remind me of a Suzuki Reno from the back.

the Reno? lol....i think 6 people owned those....j/k

my take on the Rio is I hate to admit its not too bad. do pop cans have thicker metal though?

here's the dagger.....the Koreans are equipped to turn out these cars dirt cheap yet still make big bucks and Chevy has to struggle to build the competitor and more than likely will not make much dinero on the Sonic.

Hyundai Kia just keeps making the cars in the cheaper price classes better and down the road we go even further.........

it is much better looking than the Accent and the Forte looks about 5-7 years old compared to this even.

I do see some tiny Mazda3 hints in this Rio too.

New Versa is pretty bad. I had high hopes for Nissan to improve it but they regressed huge stylistically. I hope the new Versa is not junky anymore to drive at least.

Edited April 24, 2011 by regfootball

[regfootball]

not saying there is the same design here......but for some reason this rio interior triggered this in my memory. I actually think this Rio interior has some VW interior aura going on.....

Edited April 24, 2011 by regfootball

[SAmadei]

I actually think this Rio interior has some VW interior aura going on.....

VW is spelled Ford on the steering wheel now?

[ocnblu]

The Nissan guy making apologies for the new Versa is going to eat his words. Maybe when the first-gen Versa hit this market, subcompact buyers had different expectations. Now is a different story, however, with everybody else out there giving buyers snazzy stuff to chew on. The Versa looks like an old, frumpy, forgotten Renault.

[Croc]

I like the Rio...mostly. I don't get the black plastic on the front and rear--bizarre detail that ruins an otherwise good design for me. This isn't 2001, lower cladding shouldn't be an issue anymore.