(continued from above)
Available in three trims - LX, EX and SX - the 2012 Rio5 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-leading 138 horsepower
while also maintaining a class-leading fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg
(city/highway). 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 Rio5 hatchback
exhibits 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. The Rio5 hatchback sports its own interpretation 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 LX trim includes body-color door handles
and side mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65 R15 tires. The 2012 Kia
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
205/45 R17 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.
Kia Rio5: Review (2/2)
