The Kia Rio 2012 is completely redesigned for 2012, and the automotive press is pleased with the Rio’s longer list of standard safety features, larger selection of interior tech and engine that’s capable of doing everything the average driver needs it to. The fully redesigned four-door Kia Rio 2012 Sedan and four-door Kia Rio 2012 hatchback march to the top tier of the class for power and fuel economy.
These are the smallest and least expensive cars from Kia, the hot subsidiary of South Korean giant Hyundai. Fashion-forward styling, a state-of-the-art engine that automatically turns off and on during stops to save gas, and 30/40-mpg city/highway fuel economy are the Kia Rio 2012 highlights. Thanks to a redesign for 2012, the Kia Rio 2012 finally looks to be like a smart pick for a small car.
There’s one powertrain in all Kia Rio 2012 Sedan and Kia Rio 2012 hatchback, and it’s a smooth, and pretty powerful, 1.6-liter four with direct injection and 138 horsepower, as much as the 2012 Hyundai Accent and the turbocharged Chevy Sonic. Kia Rio 2012 is not as truly quick as the Sonic feels, but the Rio’s combination of its four and a six-speed automatic is one of the highlights of the car.
The four-cylinder’s pretty well muted and the Kia Rio 2012 transmission shifts cleanly, without any noticeable driveline shock and with quick response that Ford’s PowerShift automatic hasn’t matched in the drives. There’s a six-speed manual transmission too, but Kia thinks only five percent of drivers will want it.
The four/six combination nets estimated EPA figures of 30/40 mpg for either transmission, without special fuel-economy packages, putting the Kia Rio 2012 at the top of the subcompact class. There’s also a start/stop packaging coming later in the year as a $400 option; it shuts off the engine at longer pauses and restarts it when the brake pedal is released, adding one mile per gallon to the Kia Rio 2012 EX’s city fuel economy.
Redesigned for 2012, the Kia Rio 2012 receives improvements in just about every area. Similar to Kia‘s other recently redesigned models, style is a priority — both the Kia Rio 2012 exterior and interior have a bold look for this vehicle segment. The new 2012 Kia Rio is larger than before, and that translates into more interior and cargo room. As with the previous Rio, the Kia Rio 2012 price will be low, but this time Kia is promising more upscale features as options, including leather seating and Uvo, a voice-command system.
Competitors of the Kia Rio 2012
Drivers on a budget who want a small car with pep in its step may not be satisfied with the Kia Rio 2012 performance abilities. The Kia Rio’s cargo space in the Kia Rio 2012 Sedan and Kia Rio 2012 hatchback are average for the class, but there is one vehicle that outshines the Rio (and nearly every affordable small car), and that’s the Honda Fit. It has up to 57.3 cubic feet of cargo space and a Magic Seat with four modes (long, tall, people and utility) that let you seat five people in one of the most spacious cabins in the class or go shopping at IKEA.
The Kia Rio 2012 can’t do that, but if you need maximum space for about $15,200, get the Fit. The Ford Fiesta is one of the Kia Rio’s most obvious competitors, and is very similar to the Kia Rio 2012 because you can get it as a sedan or hatchback. All said, the Kia Rio 2012 looks to finally be a front-runner in the subcompact segment.
DownForce Motoring: First Drive: Kia Rio 2012
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