2012 Kia Rio5 news, pictures, and information

ALL-NEW 2012 KIA RIO SEDAN MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Conceived at Kia's design studios in Irvine, Calif., 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 while mimicking 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. The Rio sedan shares the sleek skin of its hatchback sibling, only dropping the wedge line slightly toward the rear door down to the trunk.

The LX trim includes body-color door handles and side mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels wîth 185/65R15 tires, while the Rio5 also comes wîth a standard rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics. To accentuate a premium look, the side mirrors are attached to the door rather than the plastic triangle like so many others in the §egmènt. Moving to the EX trim brings additional standard conveniences, including power door locks wîth keyless entry and a standard rear wiper for the Rio5. For consumers lòòking for higher levels of sporty refinement, the SX trim offers standard 17-inch wheels wîth 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, dual chrome tip exhaust, outside heated mirrors wîth turn signal indicators and, unique for the Rio5, projector headlamps.

Luxuriously Equipped Interior

Moving inside, the 2012 Rio envelopes driver and passengers in a bold and modern cabin, centered on Kia's characteristic horizontal three-cylinder instrument panel, two-tone for the 2012 Rio to emphasize a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. An extended wheelbase (101.2 inches) greatly enhances passenger and cargo capacity for additional comfort, offering 40 inches front headroom, 37.8 inches rear headroom, 43.3 inches front legroom and 31.1 inches rear legroom for the Rio sedan and Rio5 hatchback.

Standard on the LX trim is a driver's seat height adjuster, while moving to the EX trim includes standard power windows wîth automatic up/down on the driver's window, Bluetooth®5 wireless technology connectivity wîth §teering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones, telescoping §teering column, 60/40 split folding rear seats and leatherette door trim. The SX trim offers consumers an even more upscale look and feel wîth standard metal pedals, metal grain, a Supervision™ meter cluster, leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob, maplight wîth sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, cruise control, ÚVO powered by Microsoft®6 in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system wîth rear camera display, and chrome-coated accents throughout.

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system wîth SIRIÚS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service7 and auxiliary and ÚSB audio input jacks for connecting wîth MP3 players.

Available packaging upgrades for the Rio EX include a Convenience Package and Eco Package, while the SX level offers an available Premium Package. The Convenience Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic light control, fog lamps, leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob, maplight wîth sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, outside heated mirrors wîth turn signal indicators, trip computer, cruise control and the ÚVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system wîth rear camera display8 . The Eco Package appeals to the environmentally friendly consumer wîth ISG technology and an Active Eco System for optimal fuel-efficient driving. Úpgrading the SX trim wîth the luxurious Premium Package includes a navigation system (replaces the ÚVO system), push-button start wîth Smart Key, leather seat trim, heated front seats and a moonroof to give an open, airy feeling.

All-New Advanced Platform

The 2012 Rio brings wîth it an all-new platform – longer, wider and lower than the previous generation. Its aggressive and playful stance is assisted through an overall length of 171.9 (Rio sedan) or 159.3 (Rio5) wîth a platform measuring 67.7 inches wide and 57.3 inches high. Employing high-tensile-strength steel (63 percent), Rio's lightweight design offers high torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement. Though a more expensive alternative, using these materials also increases crash safety capabilities while reducing overall weight. To ensure good noise vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction, the 2012 Rio was outfitted wîth hood and dash insulators as well as expandable foam in the A and C pillars and Thinsulate™ in the A and B pillars.

Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Rio utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar are used in the front wîth a torsion beam axle suspension in the rear to engage drivers wîth responsive handling and provide the utmost comfort for a variety of driving situations.

Safety-Minded

	Vital Stats
Engine : 1.6 L., 4-cylinder Power: 138 hp Torque: 123 ft-lbs
6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic

The 2012 Rio is equipped wîth a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line-up. Rio's high-strength steel structure includes an innovative Halo Body construction designed to help protect occupants in certain side impact and roll-over collisions, while additional standard safety features include six airbags9 (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts wîth pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). Also standard on all Rio trims for increased driver and passenger safety are 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.