- The 2012 Kia Rio was revealed on Friday ahead of its debut at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show.
- The Rio wears the new face of the Korean brand that has been rolling out across such vehicles as the Kia KV7 concept shown at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.
- Kia confirms that the 2012 Rio will go on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2011.
GENEVA — The 2012 Kia Rio was revealed on Friday ahead of its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show and it appears that the little subcompact's long identity crisis is over. The Rio has more European flair and wears the new face of Kia, which has been slowly rolling out across the Korean brand in such products as the Kia KV7 concept shown in January at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.
The redesigned Rio bears the signature and sure hand of Kia's global design boss Peter Schreyer, who once described the brand as "anonymous" in a 2006 interview with Business Week. Schreyer, the German design star who came to Kia from Volkswagen/Audi, shaped the look of such iconic cars as the Audi TT and Audi A6. Kia officials tell Inside Line that Schreyer's goal has been to make Kia vehicles immediately identifiable in the rearview mirror.
Kia confirms that 2012 Rio will go on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2011. Pricing and range details will be announced closer to launch.
For the 2012 model year, the wedged-shaped Rio's wheelbase is stretched by nearly 3 inches, while the height is lowered by half an inch. The Rio gets Kia's so-called "tiger face" grille and a more muscular look.
Specifications are preliminary. Kia said the Rio would get a new high-performance 1.2-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine, as well as a 1.1-liter diesel engine, the latter presumably for Europe. No word on fuel-economy ratings.
Inside Line says: Nobody can accuse the Kia Rio of being anonymous anymore. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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sixwheeler says:
05:53 AM, 03/01/2011
That rear end is rather attractive and classy for a car at this size and price point, albeit it has "Seat Leon" written all over it.
xorbe says:
11:45 AM, 02/13/2011
@tempesting - it's all relative. Of course 130-140 hp in a vehicle this size would be budget fun for sure!
thedream21479 says:
03:54 AM, 02/13/2011
Kia/Hyundai...Samsung/LG ....when did Korea decide to take over the world? Just another brilliant design...
andy999 says:
12:07 PM, 02/12/2011
@ tempesting . . .
Surely, you do understand, that vehicle "performance" would include the elements of consistency and reliability, driveability comfort, having a usable power curve, desired response off of the top of the throttle pedal in normal daily driving, fuel consumption, etc, etc, etc. Yes, no one is going to head toward the KIA lot to purchase the new upcoming Rio because of a specific power output rating, 0 to 60 time, top speed, or any other factor normally associated with an "enthusiast" type or "sport" performance oriented vehicle. But, they "will" likely be interested in comparing the functionality, driveability comfort, and even acceleration response in normal driving, when compared to other "similar" type vehicles of various brands in the same size and price class. Just a thought!!!
tempesting says:
01:28 AM, 02/12/2011
LOL people bragging about performance in this segment. Cars in this segment are barely over 10k. They are the ultimate economic cars. I highly doubt actual buyers are going to worry about its 0-60 other than features for the bucks.
andy999 says:
06:57 PM, 02/11/2011
The new 1.2L direct injected Turbo engine is expected to deliver between 130 and 140HP. The new 1.6L direct injected NON-Turbo engine in the Hyundai Accent is going to be officially rated at 138HP. Very similar power output by way of different methods. The Accent and Rio should have nearly identical weight, and similar 6 speed transmissions, . . . it will be very interesting to compare whether or not there exists an advantage of one particular engine over the other. I would almost have to think, that the 1.2L Turbo may have an advantage with fuel economy at sustained highway speed, and perhaps even normal "mixed" driving with a careful person operating the throttle pedal. But, the 1.6L direct injected Accent is expected to be rated at 42mpg, so it's definitely not a slouch by any means. Both the Accent and Rio should do very well, with different approaches to high tech efficiency and performance. Can hardly wait to inspect, compare, and test drive both the new upcoming KIA Rio and Hyundai Accent. These two will likely compete for the top spot ! ! !
jscion says:
05:05 PM, 02/11/2011
Could definately see myself in one of these things. VERY NICE!!! Not sure a 1.2L engine would work for me, even with a turbocharger.
skodaz97 says:
04:41 PM, 02/11/2011
does Rosetta Stone have Korean avail.? just want to get started before it becomes official language of THE WORLD! great job kia/hyundai!
alex38 says:
04:32 PM, 02/11/2011
Much improved, little question. I like how the family resemblance is brought into this vehicle. Should be a competitor now. Kia doing some amazing things right now.
The Sorento, Kia Optima/K5, K7, Forte Koup/Sedan - ALL cars I could see myself driving. Simply fantastic looking cars and the Rio looks to be a solid addition to the family..
mazda609 says:
02:57 PM, 02/11/2011
Is it just me or does the rear end scream (2004 gen) Seat Leon?