2012 Kia Rio

2012 Kia Rio

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 wîth 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 wîth previously unseen levels of eye-catching design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car §egmènt. 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 wîth 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.’

Price: $14,350.

Engine

In Europe, the new Rio will offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines – wîth 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 §egmènt and Rio will be available wîth two versions of Kia’s ‘Ú2′ power unit – both fitted wîth 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 wîth 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.

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 wîth heightened customer expectations. The electric power-assisted rack and pinion §teering 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 §teering 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, wîth 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 – wîth 256 / 262 mm (front / rear) diameter discs – is standard on all new Rio models fitted wîth ESC (electronic stability control). Models not fitted wîth 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.

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.

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 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.

Fuel-Efficiency and Horsepower

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2012 Rio is available wîth a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder wîth the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the §egmènt 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.

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

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.