After rolling out the China market Kia K2 sedan at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show on Tuesday, the South Korean automaker exposed the sub-compact sedan’s North American sibling that will be sold under the Rio nameplate. Even though the K2 and Rio share the same underpinnings being the sedan versions of the all-new Rio hatchback, which was unwrapped in Geneva this past March, the two models get feature unique exterior designs.
The North American Rio sedan keeps the hatchback model’s front end styling with the large, almond-shaped headlights adding a new window line and a different rear end design. Same goes for the interior which is identical to the five-door model we saw in Geneva, sans the different trim and features.
The 2012 Rio is longer, wider and lower than the previous generation model, measuring 4366mm (171.9-in.) long, 1,720mm wide (67.7-in.) and 1,455mm (57.3-in) high. Kia said that thanks to the use of high-tensile-strength steel (63 percent), the new Rio offers increased torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement, plus increased crash safety capabilities while reducing overall weight.
In the USA, the new Rio is powered by a 135HP 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. Kia said that the new Rio is estimated to return 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway (7.8-5.8L/100km). The Rio will be offered with Kia’s start-stop ISG technology.
"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 line-up," said Michael Sprague, vice-president, marketing & communications, KMA.
19 Comments:
Great looking car, a vast improvement over the current design. This along with improved performance, and economy, looks like big hit here! Really looking forward to the 5 door design.
Looks hot!
Too bad it is lower - harder to get in\out of.
Really looks like a mini-Optima, even more than the new Accent looks like a mini-Sonata.
My only gripe is the somewhat dated looking interior, was expecting something a tad more exciting, what with Kia being the sportier counterpart to Hyundai.
Lower weight?? So it's going to be UNDER 2400lbs? That's awesome.
Meanwhile a significant increase in horsepower and fuel economy; much better looks; start-stop technology - finally!
Looks like we have a winner.
Exterior styling is at least current, and desirable.
Reminds me of a last-gen Jetta with S4 wheels. Not a bad thing at all. Heated seats and leather in this class??! Go Kia, good job.
this car is for poor people, like those on welfare however from what I see those people would rather buy a Altima
poor people got 135HP 1.6-litre GDI and 6 speed A/T Kia
rich people got 109HP 1.5-liter VVT and 4 speed A/T Toyota
in East Asia ...
yea ... rich ~ but poor performance
lol you dont understand me at all. And who cares about smelly east asia?????
Kia definitely needs to rework their logo. It is beginning to bug me a lot. Currently it doesn't sit well with the front grill with any of the models in their lineup.
Is it me or is there something funky about the way front hood meet up with the grill.
Win. You can see Kia now have german head-designer, you almost don't see them releasing strange unproportional cars so characteristic of asian brands.
very nice design, inside and out! Now make a coupe version, please.
I love this design both inside and out. Honda, you are so screwed!
Not sure if I'll ever be in the market for a KIA but this is the best looking Kia to date.
Yowza! Me like!
Poor people? for a 3rd car / commuter car I think it's great! If the diff in price is only $3-4k the 2012 Soul might be my choice - can't wait for a six M/T in the soul but would have to drive both the Rio5 and the Soul to be sure.
Exterior styling is at least current, and desirable.
Its a good car , nice options and interior . Meanwhile I would buy toyota instead of kia coz both cars are having the same prices
RIO sedan is awesome with Stance look ;)
Download high-res --> http://fav.me/d5flhu2
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