Kia 2012 Rio 5 Door
The Rio is accessible as a four–door sedan and a five–door hatchback, the latter of which wound up in our driveway. Both models can accommodate up to five passengers, if you are shut friends. A major breakthrough for the Rio is that it’s the first U.S.-market non-hybrid, non-luxury vehicle to feature auto start/stop technology, which Kia bills as ISG.
Then there’s its price pricing. With LX, EX and SX trim levels, how you select to equip your Rio is determined by the thickness of your wallet. Our take a look at vehicle was a symbol red–painted Rio SX 5-door hatchback, which represents concerning as fancy a Rio as you’ll notice.
With the Rio SX as the red-hot chili pepper version of this hot hatch, it absolutely was equipped with all of the choices found in the LX and EX versions, and then some. These include power/heated mirrors, a 60-forty split–folding rear seat, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth. The added spice goes as so much as a sport-tuned suspension, twin exhaust tips, LED accent lighting and seventeen–inch alloy wheels. Although ours wasn't equipped, there is an offered premium package that has a sunroof, and navigation system, among other things.
Oh, and did we tend to mention mileage of 30 town/forty highway?
What’s it up against?
The subcompact section could be a very sturdy phase, with several “take no prisoner” competitors. They embody the new Chevrolet Sonic, Ford’s Fiesta, the Honda Work, Nissan Versa and in an exceedingly case of biting the hand that feeds it, the Hyundai Accent. Once upon a time, some of these vehicles were substantially better than others. That was then, this can be now: A highly competitive phase.
Regardless of the vehicle chosen, buyers can drive away with confidence that they need made the right choice per their needs and desires.
How will it look?
VW GTI? Check. Audi A1? Ditto. Been to Europe lately? You’ll see some Seat Leon if you squint. For those who keep in mind it, the Plymouth GLH? Not thus much.
The Rio 5-door has a decidedly European look, because of the influence from former Audi pen Peter Schreyer. That our list above includes vehicles signed off throughout his time in Germany isn't any coincidence. Broad shoulders and sculpted facet panels impart a muscular look that enhances the Rio a lot of than some of its slab–sided competitors. With Hankook 205/45R seventeen all-season low-profilers wrapped around Hot Wheels-impressed five–spoke alloy wheels, all that’s missing is the large orange track with a loop the loop feature.
The by-now familiar Kia signature grille is here with chrome accent around its gap. Not as widespread a company identity, yet, it's gaining traction, right up there with the crosshairs, twin kidney beans and therefore the 3-pointed star found on some other standard marques.
And on the within?
Our Kia Rio SX was outfitted with an inside that appeared to talk with a decidedly German accent, too. Reminiscent of those found in VW GTIs from years passed by, its dashboard offered a clean, practical and partaking layout. A driver–centric IP started with a 3-gauge binnacle laid out with tachometer and speedometer, also temperature and fuel gauges. In the middle of the speedo was an LED show that offered ECO, mileage and vehicle information. Microsoft’s UVO in-automotive infotainment system had the flexibility to line up playlists and management an iPod or MP3 player via the top unit controls or the leather–wrapped steering wheel. Unexpected, especially in this half of the market, was the backup camera. The audio system was additionally enabled with Sirius XM satellite radio.
The cloth coverings on the nicely bolstered seats reminded us these days ’90s VW product (noticing an issue here?)and kept us firmly in place as we have a tendency to flitted regarding through the twisties. We tend to found a sensible seating position with the manual height and rake controls and were pleasantly stunned by the amount of legroom in the backseat. The 15.0 cubic foot cargo capacity had us covered throughout many grocery-getting runs throughout our week with in the Rio. Although we never required to, the rear seats could fold forward during a 60-40 split.
We suppose that overall, the Rio SX sports an interior that with some tweaks could embarrass a number of its huge brother Forte’s rivals.
But does it go?
Equipped with Hyundai’s Gamma one.half-dozen-liter direct-injection engine that makes 138 horsepower at half dozen,300 rpm, and 123 lb-ft of torque at four,850, it’s pretty potent for the phase. However that’s not to say all is true with the world, a minimum of as so much as this aluminum block and headed powerplant is anxious.
One of the freshest engines available today, it still manages to rattle the cage like King Kong in that New York Theater. Step on the skinny pedal and you’ll feel like that’s not such a bad issue, but. Like the similar engine as seen within the Hyundai Veloster, it will manage to accelerate when squeezed.
All EX and SX models are equipped with Kia’s six-speed automatic transmission with Active Eco technology. Activated by pressing a splash-mounted button, it optimizes drivetrain shift points and adjusts the air conditioner for additional efficient driving. It does, however, place limits on acceleration. We tend to perceive why Kia included such eco-minded systems within the Rio. In the words of Kermit the Frog, it’s not straightforward being inexperienced. We have a tendency to simply didn’t find the ride as partaking when the Active Eco system was turned on and we question whether or not any homeowners will consciously press the button.
Speaking of participating, we tend to like the look and hunkered down feel of the Rio SX. Using high-tensile strength steel, Kia engineers were ready to boost on NVH over the previous model Rio. They used expandable foam within the A and C pillars in addition to Thinsulate material throughout, in a trial to leave out vibrations and excess noise. For the foremost part, it’s a highly successful answer. Thinsulate. It’s not just for cold-weather parkas anymore.
The SX’s sport-tuned suspension is a lot of aggressively sprung them the quality models, which additionally feature MacPherson struts and coil springs up front, and a torsion beam axle with gas-charged shocks in the rear. It still manages a touch of manageable body roll. Other reports claim the SX suspension to be rather harsh and maybe that’s the case on northern roads where temperature cracks and enlargement joints are the order of the day, but around Leftlane’s outpost, we have a tendency to felt none of it.
Fun to drive, the Kia’s electrical power-assisted steering offered true road feel with very little numbness on center. It would possibly still be a hair wanting sporty, however the Rio is highly impressive otherwise.
Kia 2012 Rio 5 DoorThen there’s its price pricing. With LX, EX and SX trim levels, how you select to equip your Rio is determined by the thickness of your wallet. Our take a look at vehicle was a symbol red–painted Rio SX 5-door hatchback, which represents concerning as fancy a Rio as you’ll notice.
With the Rio SX as the red-hot chili pepper version of this hot hatch, it absolutely was equipped with all of the choices found in the LX and EX versions, and then some. These include power/heated mirrors, a 60-forty split–folding rear seat, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth. The added spice goes as so much as a sport-tuned suspension, twin exhaust tips, LED accent lighting and seventeen–inch alloy wheels. Although ours wasn't equipped, there is an offered premium package that has a sunroof, and navigation system, among other things.
Oh, and did we tend to mention mileage of 30 town/forty highway?
What’s it up against?
The subcompact section could be a very sturdy phase, with several “take no prisoner” competitors. They embody the new Chevrolet Sonic, Ford’s Fiesta, the Honda Work, Nissan Versa and in an exceedingly case of biting the hand that feeds it, the Hyundai Accent. Once upon a time, some of these vehicles were substantially better than others. That was then, this can be now: A highly competitive phase.
Regardless of the vehicle chosen, buyers can drive away with confidence that they need made the right choice per their needs and desires.
How will it look?
VW GTI? Check. Audi A1? Ditto. Been to Europe lately? You’ll see some Seat Leon if you squint. For those who keep in mind it, the Plymouth GLH? Not thus much.
The Rio 5-door has a decidedly European look, because of the influence from former Audi pen Peter Schreyer. That our list above includes vehicles signed off throughout his time in Germany isn't any coincidence. Broad shoulders and sculpted facet panels impart a muscular look that enhances the Rio a lot of than some of its slab–sided competitors. With Hankook 205/45R seventeen all-season low-profilers wrapped around Hot Wheels-impressed five–spoke alloy wheels, all that’s missing is the large orange track with a loop the loop feature.
The by-now familiar Kia signature grille is here with chrome accent around its gap. Not as widespread a company identity, yet, it's gaining traction, right up there with the crosshairs, twin kidney beans and therefore the 3-pointed star found on some other standard marques.
And on the within?
Our Kia Rio SX was outfitted with an inside that appeared to talk with a decidedly German accent, too. Reminiscent of those found in VW GTIs from years passed by, its dashboard offered a clean, practical and partaking layout. A driver–centric IP started with a 3-gauge binnacle laid out with tachometer and speedometer, also temperature and fuel gauges. In the middle of the speedo was an LED show that offered ECO, mileage and vehicle information. Microsoft’s UVO in-automotive infotainment system had the flexibility to line up playlists and management an iPod or MP3 player via the top unit controls or the leather–wrapped steering wheel. Unexpected, especially in this half of the market, was the backup camera. The audio system was additionally enabled with Sirius XM satellite radio.
The cloth coverings on the nicely bolstered seats reminded us these days ’90s VW product (noticing an issue here?)and kept us firmly in place as we have a tendency to flitted regarding through the twisties. We tend to found a sensible seating position with the manual height and rake controls and were pleasantly stunned by the amount of legroom in the backseat. The 15.0 cubic foot cargo capacity had us covered throughout many grocery-getting runs throughout our week with in the Rio. Although we never required to, the rear seats could fold forward during a 60-40 split.
We suppose that overall, the Rio SX sports an interior that with some tweaks could embarrass a number of its huge brother Forte’s rivals.
But does it go?
Equipped with Hyundai’s Gamma one.half-dozen-liter direct-injection engine that makes 138 horsepower at half dozen,300 rpm, and 123 lb-ft of torque at four,850, it’s pretty potent for the phase. However that’s not to say all is true with the world, a minimum of as so much as this aluminum block and headed powerplant is anxious.
One of the freshest engines available today, it still manages to rattle the cage like King Kong in that New York Theater. Step on the skinny pedal and you’ll feel like that’s not such a bad issue, but. Like the similar engine as seen within the Hyundai Veloster, it will manage to accelerate when squeezed.
All EX and SX models are equipped with Kia’s six-speed automatic transmission with Active Eco technology. Activated by pressing a splash-mounted button, it optimizes drivetrain shift points and adjusts the air conditioner for additional efficient driving. It does, however, place limits on acceleration. We tend to perceive why Kia included such eco-minded systems within the Rio. In the words of Kermit the Frog, it’s not straightforward being inexperienced. We have a tendency to simply didn’t find the ride as partaking when the Active Eco system was turned on and we question whether or not any homeowners will consciously press the button.
Speaking of participating, we tend to like the look and hunkered down feel of the Rio SX. Using high-tensile strength steel, Kia engineers were ready to boost on NVH over the previous model Rio. They used expandable foam within the A and C pillars in addition to Thinsulate material throughout, in a trial to leave out vibrations and excess noise. For the foremost part, it’s a highly successful answer. Thinsulate. It’s not just for cold-weather parkas anymore.
The SX’s sport-tuned suspension is a lot of aggressively sprung them the quality models, which additionally feature MacPherson struts and coil springs up front, and a torsion beam axle with gas-charged shocks in the rear. It still manages a touch of manageable body roll. Other reports claim the SX suspension to be rather harsh and maybe that’s the case on northern roads where temperature cracks and enlargement joints are the order of the day, but around Leftlane’s outpost, we have a tendency to felt none of it.
Fun to drive, the Kia’s electrical power-assisted steering offered true road feel with very little numbness on center. It would possibly still be a hair wanting sporty, however the Rio is highly impressive otherwise.
Kia 2012 Rio 5 Door
Kia 2012 Rio 5 Door
Kia 2012 Rio 5 Door
Kia 2012 Rio 5 Door
Kia 2012 Rio 5 Door
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