Print

2012 Kia Rio Phoenix AZ

2012 Kia Rio
2012 Kia Rio
Kia header
Rio inventory button
new car button
used car button
certified pre-owned button
gas mileage
logohome linkvalue trade linkquick quote linkget financed linkcurrent specials link
 

2012 Kia Rio

This year, Kia took its 2011 Rio back to the drawing board for some serious changes. After redesigning the Rio from top to bottom, the company has changed the car into a real contender in the sub-compact category. The new Kia is roomier, more attractive, packed with features and vastly improved under the hood. The 2012 Rio is available as either a sedan or a five-door hatchback known as the Rio5.

The Rio is available in three trims: LX, EX and SX. All three trims come with a newly-designed 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder engine and either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission?a welcome change from the the uninspired five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions offered last year.

 

interior photo 1
 The car's GDI (Gasoline Directed Engine) produces an impressive combination of power and efficiency by packing a 138-hp punch while still averaging 30/40 mpg city/highway. That's both an improvement in fuel efficiency and an increase in horsepower since last year. The 2012 Rio also has optional ISG technology which causes the engine to shut down when the car isn't in motion and automatically restart when the driver releases the brake. This improves fuel economy and lessens emissions in stop-and-go city traffic. 

The Rio's wheelbase is lower, wider and longer than in previous years and supports an athletic-looking wedge-shaped exterior. This larger wheelbase allows for a larger interior with more legroom and more space for an array of available features. The 2012 Rio base model comes with an AM/FM radio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio and USB connectivity; options from there range from heated exterior mirrors to entertainment systems to navigation systems. The Eco Package increases fuel efficiency and the Premium Package turns this sub-compact into a tiny sanctuary of luxury. 


 

With a 63 percent high-tensile-strength-steel frame, the Rio's lightweight build offers increased torsional stiffness and excellent handling. Overall weight is reduced without compromising safety, and the Rio offers a surprisingly smooth ride for such a little car. Besides its fine design, the car also has an impressively high level of safety features, and comes with six airbags, a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which coordinates the ESC and ABS systems to help the driver maintain control.

The 2012 Kia Rio's excellent safety features, new design and significant mechanical improvements have transformed it into a true competitor in the sub-compact category traditionally dominated by the Honda Civic and Ford Fiesta. Add in an impressive array of options and a surprisingly low price and the 2012 Kia Rio emerges as one of the best deals on the market right now.

interior photo 2