Kia Rio sedan revealed
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24th April, 2011
Kia Motors America (KMA) has celebrated the world
premiere of the all-new 2012 Rio sub-compact sedan at the New York Motor Show.
Scheduled to join the KMA line-up later this year – along with its 5-door hatchback 'sibling'
unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and shown today for the first time in North America –
the all-new Rio sedan ushers in the next chapter of Kia Motors’ ongoing design-led transformation
with eye-catching design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car segment. With
all-new ISG (stop-start) technology and class-leading horsepower with promising fuel economy, Rio
promises consumers impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or fun-to-drive
performance.
“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,” said Michael Sprague, vice-president, marketing & communications,
KMA.
Class-Leading Fuel-Efficiency and Horsepower
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 consumers that elusive combination of power and impressive
fuel efficiency, achieving class-leading 100 kW power and class-leading fuel economy rating. 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.
Sleek and Streamlined Exterior
Designed at Kia’s studios in Irvine, California, the all-new Rio sub-compact sedan and hatchback
exhibit highly sculpted sloping 'shoulder' lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, projecting an
'athletic' profile that conveys power and agility. It also echoes the aggressive lines found on
other recently launched Kia vehicles such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage. Both Rio models sport
their own interpretations of Kia’s signature grille, slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp
design, providing a new twist on the Kia family look that includes a bigger air intake to exude a
youthful 'persona'.
Luxuriously Equipped Interior
Inside, the 2012 Rio envelopes driver and passengers in 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 (2,570 mm) 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.
Presenting buyers of sub-compact cars with more choices than ever before, 2012 Rio will offer a
selection of optional upgrades with numerous features collected into Convenience, Eco and Premium
Packages.
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All-New Advanced Platform
The 2012 Rio brings with it an all-new platform – longer, wider and lower than the previous
generation. Its aggressive and playful stance is reinforced by an overall length of 4,366 mm (Rio
sedan) or 4,046 mm (Rio 5 door) with a platform measuring 1,720 mm wide and 1,455 mm high. Employing
high-tensile-strength steel (63 per cent), Rio’s lightweight design offers increased torsional
stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement, plus increased crash safety
capabilities while reducing overall weight.
Safety-Minded
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.
NOTE: Details outlined in this news article relate specifically to the North American version
of the new Kia Rio. Next Car will publish details of the Australian version once details are
confirmed. A local release is expected in 2012. Stay-tuned to Next Car for the relevant
particulars.
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