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Image credits: © Kia.
2008 Kia Rio5 news, pictures, and information | ||
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Five-Door LX Model Added to Kia's Subcompact Segment Leader
Since being redesigned for 2006, Kia's Rio sedan and Rio5 five-door have been awarded accolade upon accolade. Considered 'Most Fun to Drive' by the Wall Street Journal (2006) and being voted a 'Most Wanted' sedan and wagon by Edmunds.com (2007), editors highlight the entry-level vehicle's exciting handling and performance spunk. Proof of its superior build and utmost quality lay in back-to-back 'Highest Ranking' finishes in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study SM (IQS) in 2006 and 2007.The 2008 Rio and Rio5 look to add to these successes by continuing to offer the same lineage of sporty finesse, top-of-the-line quality and high fuel economy. To further push the envelope in terms of value, the Rio5 LX has been added to the lineup and provides yet another affordable option to those preferring the sporty styling cues and interior flexibility of a five-door. The Rio5 LX will offer the same features as the sedan version such as an eight-way adjustable drivers seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, an AM/FM/CD audio system, six standard airbags as well as one of the roomiest interiors in its class.
Quick and Nimble
All vehicles in the Rio lineup feature a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder CVVT engine, which produces 110 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. Equipped wîth either the standard five-speed manual transmission or the optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission – available for LX and SX trims – Rio and Rio5 overpower the likes of §egmènt competitors Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. An independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar combined wîth a semi-independent rear suspension provide responsive handling for all driving situations. The engine-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion §teering system adds balanced control to create a smooth, comfortable ride for the short trip or the long haul.
Outward Personality
With five trims to choose from, the 2008 Rio model line offers styling flexibility for the fun and frugal. Available wîth standard 14-inch wheels and 175/70R14 tires or optional 16-inch alloys paired wîth 205/45R16-sized rubber, the eye-catching Rio and Rio5 can be equipped to be subtle or sporty. Clear-lens headlights as well as body-color bumpers, outside mirrors and door handles provide a sleek, clean look whereas SX-trim upgrades of fog lights and a body-color rear spoiler add athleticism. Body-side moldings finalize the exterior styling cues that hint at the vehicle's fun-to-drive persona.
Inward VersatilityThe sportily attractive exterior opens its doors to an interior high on appeal and function. Full cloth trim, an eight-way adjustable driver's seat wîth a fold-down armrest, a rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets are standard features in every Rio. Intelligent use of space is also evident in the form of numerous storage areas, a center stack tray, a front passenger luggage hook and a rear mesh seatback pocket. The LX trim offers additional conveniences such as an AM/FM/CD audio system, an auxiliary audio input jack (new for 2008), rear seat adjustable headrests, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Stylish SX models include the addition of: red-stitched gray sport seat and door trim; metal-finish dash and door trim; a leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob as well as metal pedals wîth rubberized inserts and auxiliary audio input jack (new for 2008).
Small but Spacious
The Rio and Rio5 may be considered entry level but room afforded to passengers and cargo is nothing short of high end. Its 98.4-inch wheelbase and 57.9-inch height is similar to §egmènt competitors, yet through smart design the Rio lineup provides 92.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is more room than larger sedans such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Trunk space is also generous wîth the Rio sedan offering a deep and spacious 11.9 cubic feet while the Rio5 offers 15.8 cubic feet of rear storage. When the standard 60/40-split fold-flat rear seats are folded down, cargo volume in the five-door increases to 49.6 cubic feet.
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 1.6 L., 4-cylinder Power: 110 hp Torque: 107 ft-lbs | |
Following Kia's core philosophy of providing best-in-class safety, the 2008 Rio and Rio5 offer an extensive list of standard safety technology, which includes: dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear three-point seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A four-sensor, four-channel antilock brake system (ABS) is an available option on LX and SX models.
To complement its standard safety features, all Rio vehicles are backed by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection wîth a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a five-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance plan.
| SOUL RANKED HIGHEST IN ITS SEGMENT IN STRATEGIC VISION'S TOTAL QUALITY INDEX STUDY | |
 | ◾Soul recognized by veteran consumer research-based consultancy, Strategic Vision ◾New car buyers selected Kia's urban transport based on quality perceptions and ownership experience IRVINE, Calif., May 17, 2013 – Kia Motors America (KMA) has been one of the fastest-growing car companies in the U.S. over the last five years1, and its edgy urban passenger vehicle, the Soul – a key factor in that growth – was recently named to Strategic Vision's 2013 list of Total Quality Vehicles. The ...[Read more...] |
| 2014 MAZDA6 NAMED TO WARD'S ‘10 BEST INTERIORS' LIST | |
| The all-new 2014 Mazda6 today was named to WardsAuto World's 10 Best Interiors list, as chosen by the publication's editors. The redesigned mid-size sports sedan features Mazda's new design language called KODO 'Soul of Motion,' which translates muscular movement and power into agile proportions, detailed sculpting and expressive character. The Mazda6 also was recently named one of the top three vehicle designs in the world for 2013 by the World Car Awards. 'The automotive industry, regardl...[Read more...] | |
| READER'S DIGEST NAMES KIA SOUL 'BEST CAR DEAL UNDER $15,000' | |
 | •Soul combines out-of-the-box design, quality, safety and technology features with a low cost of ownership •Reader's Digest accolade adds to Soul's long list of awards IRVINE, Calif., March 7, 2013 – Kia Motors America (KMA) has been one of the fastest-growing car companies in the United States over the last five years1, and its top-selling urban passenger vehicle, the Soul, adds another award to the collection after being named one of the 'Best Car Deals Under $15,000' by Reader's ...[Read more...] |
| Chrysler Group LLC Reports February 2013 U.S. Sales Increased 4 Percent; Best February Sales in Five Years | |
| • Best February sales since 2008 • 35th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains • Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in February compared with same month a year ago - Dodge brand sales increase 30 percent; best February sales since 2007 and largest year-over-year percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand - Dodge Dart sales increase 8 percent month over month; best sales month since June launch last year - Dodge Dart, Ram 1500,...[Read more...] | |
| All-new Dodge Dart and Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Named to 'Wards 10 Best Interiors' List for 2012 | |
 | • New 2013 Dodge Dart built with materials and precision craftsmanship typically found in more expensive vehicle segments • High-tech, unseen-in-the-segment features available on the Dart include class-exclusive customizable 7-inch gauge cluster, 8.4-inch Uconnect® touchscreen, heated steering wheel and illuminated floating island bezel in the instrument panel • All-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series sedan is the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler vehicle ever • ...[Read more...] |
 2008
Kia
models |
| Kia Amanti |
| Kia MPLA Rio5 Concept |
| Kia pro_Cee'd |
| Kia Rio |
| Kia Rondo |
| Kia Spectra |
| Kia Spectra5 | 2008 Kia Concepts |
| Kia Kee Coupe Concept |
| Kia KOUP Concept |
| Kia Rondo SX |
| Kia Soul Burner Concept |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Hyundai | Scion |
| Suzuki | |
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| Artega GT |
| Caterham RST-V8 |
| Chevrolet Aveo |
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| Chrysler PT Cruiser |
| Fiat Fiorino Portofino Concept |
| GMC Canyon |
| Grabercars La Bala |
| Honda Fit |
| Hyundai Accent |
| Kia: 2001-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Kia History |
| Other models by Kia |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| Amanti Borrego | Optima Picanto | Rio Rondo | Sedona Sephia | Sorento Soul | Spectra Sportage |
| 2007 Rio | 2009 Rio |
