Joining Kia’s lineup in 2011, the 5-door Rio sedan ushers in the next chapter of the automaker’s ongoing design-led transformation with eye-catching design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car segment.
Conceived at Kia’s design studios in Irvine, California, the all-new Rio sub-compact sedan and hatchback exhibit highly sculpted sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, projecting an athletic profile that conveys power and agility. It also echoes the aggressive lines found on other recently launched Kia vehicles such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage. Both Kia Rio models sport their own interpretations of Kia’s signature grille, slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp design, providing a new twist on the Kia family look that includes a bigger air intake to exude a youthful persona. Inside, the 2012 Kia Rio envelopes driver and passengers in a bold and modern cabin, centred on Kia’s characteristic horizontal three-cylinder instrument cluster and finished in two-tone trim to emphasize a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. The extended wheelbase (2570mm) greatly enhances passenger and cargo capacity for additional comfort.

The Kia’s smallest car was also their cheapest released by 2009.
While the Rio was not designed to turn heads, it wasn’t a an ugly car either. It was a good choice for people with a low budget and in need of a small city car for daily use. The Rio had a great fuel consumption and offered a stellar warranty.

The Rio was available in a sedan or a 4-door hatchback. The sedan came with 3 trim levels, the base, the LX and the SX.

The base sedan offered nothing more than 14-inch steel wheels and a 4-speaker stereo with CD and MP3 player.

The LX trim added air-conditioning, power steering, foldable rear seats and an AUX jack.

The top of the range, the SX added 15-inch alloy wheels, a leather wrapped steering wheels and new fabric upholstery.

While it’s true that it was a bit unusual to have a base model without air conditioning for 2009, we must remember that it was one of the cheapest cars available on the market.

Stand-alone features included keyless entry, tweeter speakers and the 16-inch alloys exclusively available for the SX trim level.

The Rio was equipped with the only engine available, a 1.6-liter developing 110 hp. It could be mated with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission - excluding the base trim level that only came with the manual gearbox.

Safety wise, front and side airbags along with side curtain airbags were standard. Antilock disc brakes were available for the higher trims.

While the Rio scored 4 stars out of 5 for the driver and the passenger protection, the side-impact test gave the small sedan a poor score.

Kia grew in the U.S. market with the introduction of the first generation Kia Rio in 2000. While it was a low-cost car, it managed to offer great reliability for an attractive price.

In 2006, Kia raised the bar with the Kia Rio sedan and even got the “Most Improved New Vehicle for 2006” awarded by Autobytel.

Why? Because the new Kia Rio offered class-leading power and interior room, as well as enhanced safety with six standard airbags, including full-length side-curtain airbags.

The improved interior volume was achieved with the longer wheelbase and the width and height increase.

Aesthetically, the small Rio had an European exterior design that inspired sportiness with a bold appearance.

Inside, the new Rio was fitted with improved quality materials. Besides the cloth upholstery that incorporated a sporty-looking mesh fabric, the cabin was fitted with an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat and a central armrest to enhance comfort.

The numerous storage space available inside the cabin added to the practicality of the Rio, as well as the dual 12V power outlets and a shopping bag hook placed on the back of the front passenger seat.

The new Kia Rio sedan offered more standard power than any vehicles in its class, with the new 1.6-liter DOHC engine that produced 110 hp and 107 lb.-ft of torque. Fuel consumption was also improved by 20%.

For 2006, the sedan in its base trim level offered, 14-inch tires with full wheel covers and power steering with tilt, while the rio LX added air conditioning, larger 14-inch tired and a 60/40 split folding rear seat.

Other stand-alone options were also available at an extra cost, such as power windows, power door locks, BAS, a 4-speed automatic transmission and others.