With all-new ISG technology, class-leading horsepower and fuel economy of up to 40 mpg, the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door hatchback is set to join the Kia lineup in the coming weeks and be joined by its sedan sibling later this year. The Rio 5-door offers world-class design to style- and environmentally conscious consumers along with class-leading fuel efficiency, cutting-edge technology and fun-to-drive performance. 

Pricing for the all-new and completely redesigned 2012 Rio 5-door subcompact hatchback begins at an impressive $13,6002 MSRP, while the Rio 5-door A/T starts at $14,7003 - both lower than the previous generation. The EX line starts at $16,5003 while the top-of-the-line, sporty SX trim starts at a wallet-friendly $17,7003 and offers a plethora of consumer-friendly and upscale features, including stunning 17-inch alloy wheels and class-exclusive LED headlamp and tail light accents, a sport-tuned suspension with larger front brakes, projection headlamps, twin chrome exhaust tips, fog lamps, as well as standard UVO powered by Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system (expected to be available this fall) with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display5.

 

Conceived at Kia's design studios in Irvine, Calif., the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door and its sedan counterpart proudly wear their own interpretations of Kia's signature grille, slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp design to provide a new twist on the Kia family look that includes a bigger air intake to exude a youthful persona. Exhibiting highly sculpted, sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, both the sedan and hatchback project athletic profiles that convey power and agility while mimicking the aggressive lines found on other recently launched Kia vehicles such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage. The Rio sedan drops the wedge line only slightly toward the rear door down to the trunk to differentiate it from the hatchback profile.

 

Class-Leading Power and Fuel-Efficiency
Offered 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 (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an combination of power and fuel efficiency and achieves class-leading 138 horsepower while maintaining a class-leading fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway) for the sedan and hatchback. Rio also will be the first non-hybrid or luxury vehicle to offer ISG technology (available later this year), which helps to reduce fuel consumption and improve fuel economy by turning the engine off when the vehicle is not in motion - such as at a stop light or in traffic - and automatically restarting when the driver releases the brake pedal.

 

Lavish and Comfortable Interior
Moving inside, the 2012 Rio greets drivers and passengers with a bold and modern cabin, centered on Kia's horizontal three-cylinder instrument panel and a two-tone color scheme to emphasize a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. An extended wheelbase (101.2 inches) greatly enhances passenger room and comfort, offering 40 inches front headroom, 37.6 inches rear headroom, 43.8 inches front legroom and 31.1 inches rear legroom for the Rio sedan and Rio 5-door hatchback. Those looking for ample cargo space for quick weekend getaways or trips to the grocery store will not be disappointed, with an impressive 13.7 cubic feet for the sedan and 15 cubic feet in the hatchback.

Adding to the Rio's earth-friendly theme, 85 percent of the vehicle's materials are recyclable at the end of its lifespan, and the Rio features seat foam material that uses 100-percent biodegradable and non-toxic castor oil, which benefits the environment in several ways, including reduced use of petroleum-based products and because castor oil comes from plants, this material is generated from a completely renewable source.

Standard on the LX trim is a driver's seat height adjuster and six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering column, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, trip computer, electric power steering, 60/40 split folding rear seats and a cargo cover for the hatchback. Moving to the EX trim includes standard power windows with automatic up/down on the driver's window, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Bluetooth wireless connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones and a sleek metallic finish throughout with leatherette door trim. The SX trim offers consumers an even more upscale and athletic look and feel with standard metal pedals, metal grain, a Supervision meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual map lights, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, UVO powered by Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system with rear camera display.

 

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard on all trims, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players with full iPod and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel-mounted controls.

 

An available Eco Package can be added to the EX trim when the Convenience Package has been selected and adds ISG technology for increased fuel efficiency (expected to be available shortly after launch), enabling 31/40 mpg for the sedan and hatchback. With the luxurious Premium Package available on the SX trim, passengers will benefit from a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic (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.

 

Advanced New Platform
Further distinguishing itself from the previous generation Rio, the 2012 Rio brings with it an all-new longer, wider and lower platform. Its aggressive stance is achieved through an overall length of 171.9 (Rio sedan) or 159.3 (Rio 5-door) with a platform measuring 67.7 inches wide and 57.3 inches high. Employing high-tensile-strength steel (63 percent of body), Rio's lightweight design offers high torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement. Use of these high-quality materials also helps to improve performance in the event of a crash while reducing overall weight. For increased 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.

 

The 2012 Rio is equipped with high levels of standard safety features, including an innovative Halo Body construction designed to help protect occupants in certain side impact and roll-over collisions. 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.