New York 2011: 2012 Kia Rio Sedan and 5-Door

New York 2011: 2012 Kia Rio Sedan and 5-Door

Kia pulled the wraps off the sedan version of its Rio subcompact, and rolled out the 5-door we saw in Geneva for comparison. Both continue a clean, athletic aesthetic Peter Schreyer has been introducing to the lineup with every product refresh since he joined the team (only the Sedona’s left). The traditional Kia grille is flanked by large, expressive headlamps on each variant, but in the top-level SX trim shown, the 5-door gets a more sporting visage with three separate lower-fascia air ducts (the sedan’s are connected into one), and projector beam headlamps (sedans get basic halogen). A bold body-side graphic has the rear shoulder line angling sharply down on the front doors to meet the lower rocker line. The tail treatment of the sedan shrinks the Optima’s basic looks. Dimensionally, the wheelbase gets a 2.8-inch stretch while the sedan body grows 5.0 inches longer and an inch wider as the roofline drops 0.6 inch relative to the old sedan. Rolling stock choices for both variants include 15 inch rims wearing 185/65 rubber on base LX and EX models; while SXs get 17s with 205/45 Hankook Optimo tires.Under the hood, all Rios get the same direct-injected 1.6-liter Gamma engine, rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque–a boost of 28 hp and 16 lb-ft over the outgoing 1.6-liter. Fuel-sipping technologies like electric power steering, smart charging (the alternator tries to do most of its work while braking or coasting), and continuously variable valve timing on both cams. Choose either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and we’re told you’ll see 30-mpg city/40-mpg highway economy. Real-world economy may be even better if you select the optional Eco Package, which includes Idle Stop and Go (aka auto-stop-start) system–a segment first–as well as a driving monitor system to help optimize efficiency. Elsewhere on the ecological front: soy-based foam is used in the seats and 85 percent of the Rio’s materials are recyclable.
Extensive use of high-strength steel (63 percent, particularly in the B-pillar ring and cross-car side-impact reinforcements) helps reduce the weight of the body while delivering five-star crash performance in NHTSA’s latest testing, and of course vehicle stability management remains standard. Upscale options include Kia’s UVO infotainment system (think SYNC), navigation, push-button starting, and a backup camera. Pricing has not been finalized yet, but is expected to start below $13,000.