- The 2012 Kia Rio five-door will be priced at $14,350 when it goes on sale next month, reflecting a $1,440 price cut, Kia Motors America announced on Monday.
- The redesigned Kia Rio five-door will offer start-stop technology as part of a $400 Eco option.
- The start-stop technology provides an increase in fuel economy and is a feature typically seen on more expensive cars, such as BMWs and Porsches.
IRVINE, California — The 2012 Kia Rio five-door will be priced at $14,350 when it goes on sale next month, reflecting a $1,440 price cut, Kia Motors America announced on Monday. Pricing includes a $750 shipping charge.
The 2011 Kia Rio LX five-door hatchback starts at $15,790, including a $695 shipping charge.
The top-of-the-line 2012 Kia Rio SX five-door starts at $18,750, including shipping. It features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlight and taillight accents, a sport-tuned suspension with larger front brakes and twin chrome exhaust tips.
The redesigned Kia Rio five-door will offer start-stop technology as part of a $400 Eco option package.
The start-stop technology provides an increase in fuel economy and is a feature typically seen on more expensive cars, such as BMWs and Porsches. The start-stop technology turns the engine off when the vehicle is not in motion, such as at a stop light or in traffic. Kia Motors America said the option is expected to be available in early 2012.
The redesigned Rio five-door hatch is equipped with a 138-horsepower 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission on the LX model only or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Kia Motors America said the 2012 Rio with the start-stop technology will return 31 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. The EPA says the 2012 Rio returns 30 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway, but doesn't reflect the start-stop technology in its test procedures.
The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge on Monday said the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline stands at $3.49 versus $2.70 a year ago.
Inside Line says: The 2012 Kia Rio five-door hatchback is designed to lure consumers with the prospective of a price cut and fuel savings.
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jscion says:
02:28 PM, 10/14/2011
The more I look at the Rio SX hatchback the more I absolutely love it. I have to say that I am a huge Kia fan. How can you not admit that their cars have become beautiful, well-built products at a reasonable price. The Audi-esque look combined with (in my opinion) late '80's, early 90's Acura styling is really cool. I can't find any downfalls with this car other than the lack of a manual transmission in the SX model.
Kia would be smart to bring the 3-door version over here, stuff the turbocharged version of the 1.6L I-4 from upcoming 201hp turbocharged variants of the Veloster, some really awesome 17-inch alloy wheels with all the features and options you could want. You could get a "Rio Turbo" with leather, the luxury package with leather, a moonroof, etc., loaded for less than $24K. The numbers a 2500lb. car would get with that much power would be exciting....just sayin
twistedrider says:
12:08 PM, 09/28/2011
With gas prices hovering towards $4/gal and always going up, this and the base Veloster
makes perfect cents. I see more and more boring hybrids on the road nowadays, so this is a refreshing to the pricey alternatives. The turbo version on the Veloster will probably satisfy the enthusiast crowd.
peartree1 says:
03:20 PM, 09/26/2011
Start/stop only comes on BMWs and Porsches? Is this a H/K fluff piece or what?
isend2c says:
02:25 PM, 09/26/2011
I haven't heard anything about any turbo for the Rio / Accent. Who has, and where are you hearing it from? The Accent / Rio are supposed to be cheap, value-focused cars, not hot hatches...
...Not that I wouldn't like to see the 1.6 Turbo from the Veloster or the 2.0 Turbo from the Optima in here...
ipunnamja says:
01:48 PM, 09/26/2011
looks like a golf/gti
deathtollwrx says:
12:56 PM, 09/26/2011
Isn't SX top of the line trim for all American Kias?
Hmm imagine a 274 horsepower power plant from the Optima.
Then be sad because you know it's not going to happen... probably not even 200..
Infact I am going to go out on a limb and it will never get more than 138 horses.
eldaino2 says:
10:41 AM, 09/26/2011
jscion: the 1.6 litre engine looks good on paper, but in the real world its already being harped on for being underpowered.
having 17's is cool, but hardly necessary and more than likely just adds weight and expense.
styling is subjective, but i agree with you: this looks very distinctive.
however, wtf is wrong with insideline?
start/stop technology is only on high end porsches and bmw's? my wifes insight has it and that car starts at 18k. the saturn astra had it standard to and thats anything but an expensive car. your kia/hyundai reports are sounding like PR pieces.
jscion says:
10:32 AM, 09/26/2011
The attention to features that are usually missing from small cars like 17-inch alloy wheels, decent power, dual exhaust and up market styling are all here. I'd say the Rio out does the competition.
vantageman says:
10:27 AM, 09/26/2011
Nice looking car, I really like the styling direction that Kia is taking its clean modern and very nice looking across the range
yellowperil says:
10:12 AM, 09/26/2011
I agree with Ed124. Why pay more for Veloster, other than for eye-catching appearance?