09 June 2011
Never been to Rio, but want to experience everything it has to offer? No need to hop on a plane, Kia’s got the next best thing!
Kia Motors America (KMA) recently celebrated the world premiere of their all-new 2012 Rio sub – compact sedan at the New York International Auto Show, shining in eye catching design, advanced technologies as well as style and sophistication within the small car industry.
This launch marks the new chapter of Kia Motors’ ongoing design-led transformation, becoming a front-runner within their extremely competitive segment of the market. So what does this launch mean for the consumer? A whole lot of new and fabulous features for the lovely, low Kia prices we’ve all come to know and love.
Let’s be honest – the old Kia Rio wasn’t the best looking car in the car park, some describing it as dull, old and humdrum. The all-new Rio sports a design that reflects Kia’s clear ongoing efforts to lose its ‘forgettable’ image, following the same basic design as the 2011 Optima and Sportage.
The Rio exhibits highly sculpted sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, projecting an athletic profile that conveys power and agility, while Kia’s signature grille (slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp design) provides a new twist on the Kia family look that includes a bigger air intake to express a youthful image.
KMA’s vice president of marketing and communications Michael Sprague 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.
“… 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.” What’s not to be excited about?!
Details! The 2012 Rio is available in 3 different trims – LX, EX, SX. It’s powered by a 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) 4-cylinder engine with the option of either a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic. With just one other vehicle in this segment offering a GDI engine, the Rio offers consumers a great combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving class-leading 135 HP power and a fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg city/highway (7.8 – 5.8 L/100 km).
The Rio also offers ISG technology, new to all Kia vehicles, where the engine turns off when the vehicle is 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, typical of Australian city centers. The Rio promises not to dent your wallet too heavily through its efficiency, while not losing the feeling of power and ‘wind in your hair’, fun-to-drive performance.
Now to the interior – the part you get to love. Comfort, spaciousness and of course style are key themes evident in Rio’s interior design, housing driver and passengers in a bold and modern cabin based on Kia’s characteristic horizontal 3-cylinder instrument cluster and 2-tone trim finish. The extended wheelbase of 2570 mm allows for maximum passenger and cargo capacity for extra comfort. But comfort only gets you so far… we need gadgets!
Standard features include an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for MP3 connection. The ranging-topping SX trim offers consumers UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system and a rear camera display for easy reverse parking.
For all the understandably safety conscious people out there, here is some peace of mind for you. The 2012 Rio is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including 6 airbags, 3 point seatbelts, Electronic Stability Control (ECS), 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 you stay completely in control of the vehicle at all times.
The Rio is set to be released in Australia in the third quarter, however it’s unclear as to which of the 6 available engines will be on offer down under. Overall, the 2012 Rio presents buyers with a sub-compact car with more choice and options than almost any other company in that market segment, with a selection of optional upgrades with numerous features under Convenience, Eco and Premium Packages. So if you can’t go to Rio, get your hands on the next best thing – 2012 Kia Rio!