2012 Kia Rio : First Look

Jay Williams - 27/April/2011

Seoul, South Korea - Kia has unveiled its new 2012 Rio sub-compact sedan at the New York International Auto Show this month.

With all-new ISG (stop-start) technology and class-leading horsepower and fuel economy (5.8L/100km), Rio promises consumers impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or fun-to-drive performance.

Michael Sprague, vice-president, marketing & communications, KMA said,"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 line-up."

"With gas prices rising, sub-compacts are becoming increasingly 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."

Available in the USA with a choice of three trims - LX, EX and SX - the 2012 Rio is powered by a 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in this segment to offer a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, the 2012 Rio offers 100kW of power and 7.8-5.8L per 100km city/highway.

Rio also offers ISG technology, new to the Kia line-up, where the engine turns off when the vehicle is not in motion. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake pedal, resulting in lower levels of fuel consumption in stop-start urban traffic.

Inside, the 2012 Rio features a bold and modern cabin, centred on Kia’s characteristic horizontal three-cylinder instrument cluster and finished in two-tone trim to emphasise a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. The extended wheelbase (2570mm) greatly enhances passenger and cargo capacity for additional comfort.

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. The range-topping SX trim offers consumers UVO powered by Microsoft  in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system, complete with rear camera display.

The 2012 Rio is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including six airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, 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 at all times.

The 2012 Rio is scheduled to join the Kia America line-up later this year - along with its 5-door hatchback sibling unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. There hasn't been any word on when the 2012 Rio will hit Australian shores, but, more information will be available locally closer to the time of launch.

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