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2012 Kia Rio

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

2012 Kia Rio
• Sub-Compact Sedan and Hatchback Sibling Offer Best-In-Class Horsepower and Achieve Úp to 40 Miles Per Gallon1

• Rio models bring Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology to small car segment

• 2012 Rio offers outstanding combination of styling, fuel economy and power rarely seen in the class

NEW YORK, April 21, 2011 - Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally unveiled the all-new 2012 Rio sub-compact sedan at the New York International Auto Show. Scheduled to join the KMA lineup this fall – along with its hatchback sibling unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and shown today for the first time in North America – the all-new Rio ushers in the next chapter of Kia Motors' ongoing design-led transformation with previously unseen levels of eye-catching design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car segment. With all-new ISG technology and class-leading horsepower and fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon2, 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 lineup,' said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. 'With gas prices rising, sub-compacts are becoming increasingly more popular and with more power, up to 40 miles per gallon fuel economy and stunning design, the all-new Rio sets the standard in the sub-compact class and becomes a vehicle that is not only affordable, but one that people will aspire to own.'

Class-Leading Fuel-Efficiency and Horsepower2012 Kia Rio
Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio offers consumers an elusive combination of power and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving class-leading3 138 horsepower while also maintaining a class-leading fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway)4. Rio also offers ISG technology, new to the Kia lineup, where the engine turns off when the vehicle is not in motion such as at a stop light or in traffic. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake pedal, resulting in lower levels of fuel consumption.

Adding further to Rio's improved performance, engineers worked to reduce engine weight by 29 pounds over the previous generation by adding an aluminum valve cover and block to the third-generation Gamma engine, while incorporating cast iron lining for increased durability.

Sleek and Streamlined Exterior

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 with 185/65R15 tires, while the Rio5 also comes with 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 segment. Moving to the EX trim brings additional standard conveniences, including power door locks with keyless entry and a standard rear wiper for the Rio5. For consumers looking for higher levels of sporty refinement, the SX trim offers standard 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, dual chrome tip exhaust, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators and, unique for the Rio5, projector headlamps.

Luxuriously Equipped Interior

2012 Kia Rio
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 with automatic up/down on the driver's window, Bluetooth®5 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones, telescoping steering column, 60/40 split folding rear seats and leatherette door trim. The SX trim offers consumers an even more upscale look and feel with standard metal pedals, metal grain, a Supervision™ meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, cruise control, ÚVO powered by Microsoft®6 in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with 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 with SIRIÚS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service7 and auxiliary and ÚSB audio input jacks for connecting with 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 steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators, trip computer, cruise control and the ÚVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display8 . The Eco Package appeals to the environmentally friendly consumer with ISG technology and an Active Eco System for optimal fuel-efficient driving. Úpgrading the SX trim with the luxurious Premium Package includes a navigation system (replaces the ÚVO system), push-button start with Smart Key, leather seat trim, heated front seats and a moonroof to give an open, airy feeling.

All-New Advanced Platform

2012 Kia Rio
The 2012 Rio brings with 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) with 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 with 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 with a torsion beam axle suspension in the rear to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide the utmost comfort for a variety of driving situations.

Safety-Minded

The 2012 Rio is equipped with 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 with 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.
Competitive Warranty

The 2012 Rio is covered by Kia's warranty program10, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CÚV, Sportage compact CÚV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

Source - Kia

Revolutionary Kia Rio to make Geneva Motor Show debut

2012 Kia Rio
• Korean spice and Latin flair for Kia's B-segment newcomer
• CO2 emissions for Rio model range start from an industry-leading 85 g/km
• New model is a revolution, not evolution from its predecessor
• Bespoke feel for sophisticated interior, with a wide variety of trim options
• Available in 5- and 3-door bodystyles in Europe 2012 Kia Rio
Kia's fourth-generation Rio, revealed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the latest model into line with the rest of Kia's striking design-led product range.

2012 Kia Rio
In addition to appealing to consumers' aesthetic tastes, the new Kia Rio will spearhead the company's efforts to significantly grow its market share across the globe by offering potential owners industry-leading environmental credentials.


2012 Kia RioTarget CO2 emissions for the model range start at just 85 g/km – representing a new industry-wide low. This impressive figure places the B-segment Rio ahead of all other models in its class and even all vehicles currently on sale in the entire European market.

Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the remarkable international sales success of the previous generation model, Kia's engineers and designers have created a new Rio which combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that also communicates Latin flair, for a truly global appeal.

'The Kia Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive with a fresh feeling of sportiness – a car that people will want to buy for its looks, as well as its environmental credentials' comments Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.


Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the third-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company's third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units.

The new Rio model is longer (by 20 mm), wider (by 25 mm), and lower (by -15 mm) and features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) – greatly enhancing passenger space and cargo capacity. With an overall height of 1,455 mm, new Rio is one of the lowest cars in Kia's European product range.

Manufactured for the first time with a choice of 5-door and 3-door bodystyles (in Europe), new Rio is set to completely redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in one of the most competitive sectors – the B-segment.

Kia's market research predicts that global demand for B-segment cars is going to grow significantly over the next two years.

2012 Kia RioWith two bodystyles for sporty new Rio – plus the already popular Soul and Venga models appealing to people who want to stand out from the crowd or need a spacious and versatile compact MPV – Kia is confident of capturing a larger share of this growing market segment.

To lower fuel consumption and help achieve Rio's class-leading emissions, Kia engineers have carried out an extensive programme to shed weight across a broad range of components. As a result, although new Rio is a significantly larger car than the third-generation model with extra equipment, its weight-gain has been kept to a minimum.

The 5-door version of new Rio will go on sale in Europe during the third quarter of 2011 with the all-new 3-door model joining Kia's B-segment line-up in the first quarter of 2012. Both versions will be manufactured exclusively at Kia's Sohari plant in Korea.

‘Premium presence' for compact new car
With new Rio, Kia has created a car that answers consumer demand for more quality, more choice, and attractive, exciting design.

This new car is no evolution of its predecessor, it is a revolution. The bold and distinctive personality of the new Rio represents a complete departure from its predecessor and fits perfectly into the revitalized new family of Kia products.

Viewed head on, new Rio has its own unique interpretation of the Kia corporate grille which is integrated beautifully with the front lamps to create a new twist on the Kia family look. In this latest form, the Kia logo now sits above the grille. Below the grille, the treatment of front bumper and spoiler again shows signs of the Kia design DNA, with its distinctive on-road presence. In profile, the ratio of body to glass, combined with the car's strong wedge form, give Rio a dynamic, sporty stance. So Rio has now been given a completely fresh personality which perfectly complements its siblings Picanto and Venga.

Rio shows its connection with the Sportage, too, through its strong and stable rear, flowing C-pillar, dominant high shoulder and fast rear screen angle. The coupe-like roof-line contrasts dramatically with the strong and static rear bumper and gives a power and solidity to the rear view.

This bold but elegant appearance is strengthened by the distinctive feature line which adds tension to the flanks and accentuates the dynamic stance of the car. The careful balance of window graphic, wheelbase and overall proportion give Rio a refinement and premium presence which is rare in the B-segment.

To maximise the impact of Rio´s striking appearance is a fresh new palette of 10 body colours. Kia's colour and trim team have developed a spectrum of exclusive colours for Rio which underline its refined and stylish character. These include a Wendy Brown and a Graphite Grey, both colours with a classic premium flavour.

With the introduction of the new Rio, the Kia product portfolio has just taken the next important step towards becoming a family of vehicles which has an attractive and coherent brand style but still manages to retain individual product character.

Sophisticated and spacious interior
To complement the striking exterior, Rio's interior design has also been transformed, with a clean sophisticated theme. The concept follows the corporate Kia interior philosophy with the characteristic horizontal instrument panel, accentuating the feeling of width and space. It is a theme which cleverly combines chic modernity with rationality and achieves a calm timeless quality.

The quality and refinement of interior materials and the attention to detail in fit and finish have been design priorities for new Rio.

As in other recently-launched Kia models, the signature interior architecture – with its ‘three cylinder' instrument cluster, precise instrument graphics and clear functionality – have been retained. New for Rio, however, are the centrally-located toggle switches, which are neatly integrated into the central heater unit, and control some of the secondary functions.

The sophistication of this interior concept is also reflected in the breadth of trim options which give the car a genuine premium feel, with three trim concepts available. In Rio customers can select from a choice of two-tone interiors, with Cognac Brown or Desert Grey combinations and high quality interior decor. The bespoke feel of the interior underlines the new focus for Rio as a mature, refined, compact premium car.

The current trend towards downsizing of vehicles which is being seen across Europe means that cars in the B-segment are becoming more mature and refined as they are required to satisfy the premium aspirations of more sophisticated customer groups. More refinement, more features, higher quality but above all more choice and distinctive design is in demand.

The radically-new Rio is Kia´s answer to these new market conditions, and numerous ‘big car' comfort and convenience features will be offered to consumers on a B-segment Kia for the first time when new Rio goes on sale in Europe.

Optional features available on new Rio cars for the European market will include smart-key entry system with engine start/stop button, RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AÚX, iPod and ÚSB connections, Bluetooth® handsfree (with voice recognition available from December 2011), cruise control, climate-control air-conditioning, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. In some markets, the dashboard will come pre-wired to accept the optional portable navigation system.

The new Rio's cabin is more spacious and also feels more spacious. The base of the windscreen is moved forwards by 156 mm and up by 18 mm, while the 70 mm longer wheelbase and 25 mm wider bodyshell bring space benefits for all occupants and cargo capacity. Front legroom is increased by 45 mm, front headroom by 8 mm.

The trunk space is 100 mm wider and the capacity is now 288 litres – a 7% improvement over the previous model. The backrest of the rear seat is split 60/40 for maximum versatility. Úsers can fold the backrest down, to create an almost flat-floored load area.

Cabin storage includes a larger, 15-litre glove box, a larger centre console with 3-litres of extra capacity and pockets to hold a 1.5-litre bottle in the front doors and a 0.5-litre bottle in the rear doors.

Four highly efficient engines with 70-to-109 ps output
In Europe, the new Rio will offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines – with a 70-to-109 ps power range – and an industry-leading CO2 base-line rating of just 85 g/km, plus fuel consumption as low as 3.2 litres per 100 km.

In many countries, diesel power is the preferred option in this segment and Rio will be available with two versions of Kia's ‘Ú2' power unit – both fitted with 16-valves and a WGT. The 1.4-litre generates 90 ps and 216 Nm of torque, while the 1.1-litre produces 70 ps and 162 Nm. Both engines deliver maximum torque from just 1,750 rpm.

Buyers who prefer their new Rio powered by gasoline can select from a 1.4-litre Gamma or 1.25-litre Kappa engine.

A well-proven power unit in the Kia line-up, the updated ‘Gamma' has friction-reducing modifications and dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing), to achieve a responsive performance and competitively modest fuel consumption. With maximum output of 109 ps and peak torque of 136 Nm, this engine powers the fastest Rio – accelerating to 100 kph in 11.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 181 kph (112 mph).

Kia's advanced ‘Kappa' family of engines – also appearing in the New Picanto at the Geneva Show – features dual CVVT, a cast aluminium block, off-set crankshaft, maintenance-free timing chain and low-friction ‘beehive' valve springs. These technologies significantly improve efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. The 1.25-litre engine in Rio delivers 85 ps and 117.8 Nm of torque, while achieving fuel economy of 4.8 l/100 km.

Regular Rio models will have a CO2 rating of 94-to-124 g/km. In Europe, these figures can be further reduced by specifying Kia's optional fuel-stretching ISG technologies (automatic stop-start, advanced alternator control, upgraded starter motor and low-rolling resistance tyres) – available on all models.

Equipped with ISG, Rio's emissions will range from 85-to-114 g/km, so the two diesel models (under 100 g/km) qualify for local emissions-based tax savings, where available. For these models, fuel economy will range from 3.2 to 4.8 litres per 100 km, contributing to lower running costs.

Standard transmission for both diesels and the larger gasoline engine will be a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.25-litre 85 ps engine has a five-speed box. A four-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.4-litre 109 ps gasoline engine.

Improved stability, ride and refinement
Developed from the previous model, the New Rio's suspension and running gear has been engineered to carry over that popular car's responsive handling while improving stability, ride quality and refinement – in line with heightened customer expectations.

The electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering now features a combined torque/angle sensor to protect against side wind gusts. It is geared to require 2.82 turns (lock-to-lock) and the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach.

Mounted on a sub-frame to isolate road shocks, the MacPherson strut front suspension is largely unchanged, with small alterations to accommodate the new model's longer wheelbase, wider track and different weight distribution.

The CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle) at the rear is stiffer (reducing under-steer) and the strength of the connection between the trailing-arms and the stub-axles is doubled, improving stability. Wheel travel is increased by 10 mm and the geometry is improved to reduce bump-steer and deliver a more compliant ride.

An all-disc braking system – with 256 / 262 mm (front / rear) diameter discs – is standard on all new Rio models fitted with ESC (electronic stability control). Models not fitted with ESC feature 203 x 10 mm drum brakes at the rear. The performance of the braking system is supported by ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and emergency ‘brake assist' systems.

Comprehensive ‘active' and ‘passive' safety
For new Rio, an all-new bodyshell was created using a higher percentage of high-strength steel than the third-generation model, enhancing strength and rigidity. Special attention was given to strengthening the engine-bay longitudinal side members, floor panel side members, floor level cross-member between the B-pillars and the transverse dashboard bulkhead.

Kia's engineers are confident that new Rio will achieve a 5-Star safety rating in EuroNCAP crash tests, following the top ratings scored by cee'd, Venga, Soul, Sportage and Sorento.

In Europe, standard safety equipment will include up to six airbags, ‘active' front seat head restraints (to protect against whiplash injury in a rear impact).

Available optional safety equipment will include electronic stability control (standard in some markets), hill-start assist (to prevent roll-back when moving off on gradients), new front ‘cornering' lamps, an adjustable speed-limiter, rear parking sensors, and tyre pressure monitoring system.

A new system called ‘ESS' (Emergency Stop Signal) will be available for additional safety. To alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly, sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then automatically flash the brake lights three times.

Night time driving is made safer by the availability of Xenon projection headlamps, new front ‘cornering' lamps, and LED daytime running lights and LED lights rear lights.

Measures to minimise NVH include increasing the rigidity of the car's bodyshell structure with a stiffer steering column support bracket, reinforced panels within the C-pillar, strengthened rear fascia and increased stiffness for the inner and outer skins of the tailgate, plus larger hydraulic mountings for the engine and transmission to dampen vibrations. Overall, Kia is confident that new Rio will be a class-leader in the B-segment for refinement.

Source - Kia

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Kia Monthly Sales Volume

February 2024
59,059
January 2024
51,090
December 2023
60,275
November 2023
58,338
October 2023
59,164
September 2023
67,264
August 2023
72,147
July 2023
70,930
June 2023
70,495
May 2023
71,497
April 2023
68,205
March 2023
71,294
Additional Sales Volume Data

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

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