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Image Left 2008 RioImage Left 2008 Rio5Image Left 2008 MPLA Rio5 Concept2010 Rio Image Right
 
Image credits: © Kia.

MSRP: $11,495-15,125
Invoice: $11,045-14,355

2009 Kia Rio news, pictures, and information

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 Versatility
The 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).

Vital Stats
Engine : 1.6 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 110 hp
Torque: 107 ft-lbs

5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic
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.


Safety Features Abound
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.

Source - Kia
For more information and related vehicles, click here

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Arrow Right 2009 Kia models
Kia Amanti
Kia Borrego
Kia Borrego Limited SEMA Concept
Kia ceed Hybrid
Kia Optima
Kia Rondo
Kia Spectra
Kia Spectra5
Kia Sportage
2009 Kia Concepts
Kia KND-5 Concept
Kia No 3 Concept MPV
Kia Soulster Concept

Comparable Vehicles
Chevrolet Aveo($11,965-14,100)
Hyundai Accent($11,070-15,870)
Hyundai Elantra($14,120-17,820)
Kia Spectra($13,200-17,345)
Mitsubishi Lancer($14,340-38,290)
Nissan Versa($9,990-16,210)
Suzuki SX4($13,300-19,640)
Toyota Yaris($12,205-15,880)
 
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HyundaiScion
Suzuki
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BYD Auto F3
Chevrolet Aveo
Chevrolet Colorado
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5
Dacia Sandero
Daihatsu Materia
Dodge Circuit EV Concept
EDAG Light Car Open Source Concept
GMC Canyon

 
Kia: 2001-2010
Similar Automakers
Kia History
Other models by Kia
Manufacturer Website

Kia
Monthly Sales FiguresVolume
April 201347,556 
March 201349,125 
February 201341,505 
January 201336,302 
December 201239,178 
November 201241,055 
October 201242,452 
September 201248,105 
August 201250,028 
July 201248,074 
June 201251,326 
May 201251,771 
(More Details)

 
Amanti
Borrego
Optima
Picanto
Rio
Rondo
Sedona
Sephia
Sorento
Soul
Spectra
Sportage

Image Left 2008 RioImage Left 2008 Rio5Image Left 2008 MPLA Rio5 Concept2010 Rio Image Right
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