Kia has expanded its Rio line-up with the revealing of a new sedan version at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The new model will go on sale later this fall and will be offered in three trims – LX, EX and SX - all with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine.
The 2012 Kia Sedan follows along the same design language as the 2011 Optima and Sportage. The major work will be done inside the vehicle where it will receive a bold and modern cabin, high quality materials, and the latest technologies available on the market.
"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."
Exterior
The new Rio Sedan will look all Kia from the moment you eyes your eyes on it. It will feature Kia’s signature grille, which will be slimmed down to better accommodate the dynamic headlamp design. The vehicle also gets a bigger air intake and a lower wedge line that extends to the rear door down to the trunk.
The LX version will get body-color door handles and side mirrors, and will be fitted with 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires. The EX version will add power door locks with keyless entry and the SX trim has standard 17" wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, a dual chrome tip exhaust, and outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators.
Interior
Depending on the trim level, the new Rio Sedan will offer Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls, a telescoping steering column, and 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, and cruise control.
Customers will have to choose from three different packages - Convenience Package, Eco Package and Premium Package. The Convenience Package will include 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, the UVO powered by Microsoft in-car hands-free communication, and an entertainment system with rear camera display. The Eco package will add ISG technology and an Active Eco System for optimal fuel-efficient driving, while the Premium Package will include a navigation system, push-button start with Smart Key, leather seat trim, heated front seats, and a moonroof.
Engine
Under the hood, the new Rio sedan uses a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 138 HP, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. The engine delivers a fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway).
Price
The new Kia Rio sedan will go on sale later this fall with prices announced closer to the official market launch. It will be available in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX.
Competition
Most of the new Kia Rio sedan’s competitors have also been revealed at the New York Auto Show: the Nissan Versa and the new Hyundai Accent. The Versa comes with a 1.6 liter engine that delivers a total of 109 HP, while the Accent will be offered with a 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine that delivers 138 HP and 123 lb-ft of torque. It doesn’t take a brainiac to see that the Versa is the less powerful of the three, with the Rio and the Accent matching their outputs perfectly, but with such a low power output to begin with , this doesn’t even matter. What will matter to the potential buyer is the look of the car and that will have to be left to personal preference.
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| Kia Rio Sedan 2012 |
