The Kia hatchback offers a system that shuts the engine off at stoplights
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Kia gave what it calls its “official debut” to the 2012 Rio five-door hatchback in Texas today. It’s going to start at $13,600 for the manual and $14,700 for the automatic transmission version.
Kia says the prices are lower than the previous generation.
You won’t be able to pay more than $17,700 for the top-of-the-line, sporty SX level and you’ll get 17-inch alloy wheels, 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 voice-activated infotainment system with a 4.3-inch color touch-screen and rear camera.
Kia officially rolled out its 2012 Rio 5 Door Hatchback which rides on an all-new longer, wider and lower platform.
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 six-speed automatic and puts out 138 horsepower while getting a fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway) for the sedan and hatchback.
The Rio has 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 designed to improve handling and ride quality. The use of these materials also helps to improve performance in the event of a crash while reducing overall weight.
Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Rio utilizes an independent front suspension system. 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 in a variety of driving situations. There is a sport-tuned suspension available on the SX.
See Crystal Gayle at Cowboy Kia 936-494-0600
Outside, the LX trim includes body-color door handles and side mirrors, rear wiper and washer, multi-reflector headlamps and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, while the Rio 5-door also comes with a standard rear spoiler. The EX trim brings additional standard conveniences, including power door locks with keyless entry and a chrome front grille surround. The SX trim offers standard 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED accent lights and rear combination lamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, power-folding outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators and, unique for the Rio 5-door, projector headlamps.
Moving inside, the 2012 Rio greets drivers and passengers with a modern cabin centered on Kia’s horizontal three-cylinder instrument panel and a two-tone color scheme. The extended wheelbase 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 there is an impressive 13.7 cubic feet for the sedan and 15 cubic feet in the hatchback.
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®7 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®8 voice-activated infotainment system with rear camera display9.
In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, an array of 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.
Available packaging upgrades for the Rio LX include the Power Package (A/T only), which adds power windows with automatic up/down functionality on the driver’s window, power door locks with two-turn entry system and remote keyless entry. For the EX trim, the available Convenience Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, the UVO powered by Microsoft® voice-activated infotainment system with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display12, automatic headlamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators, front fog lights, dual illuminated vanity mirrors and dual map lights. 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 mpg13 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.
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 airbags14 (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.
The 2012 Rio and Rio 5-door are covered by Kia’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. 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 comprehensive vehicle coverage.
Pricing for the 2012 Rio 5-door subcompact hatchback begins at $13,600 MSRP, while the Rio 5-door A/T starts at $14,700 — both lower than the previous generation. The EX line starts at $16,500 while the top-of-the-line, sporty SX trim starts at $17,700 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®4 voice-activated infotainment system (expected to be available this fall) with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display5.
MSRP excludes $750 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
It also is the only vehicle in the class to offer a gas-saving feature in which the engine turns off at stoplights.
See Crystal Gayle at Cowboy Kia 936-494-0600