subject: Kia Canada Launches The All-new Rio 5-door [print this page] 2012 Rio 5-door bristles with technology thanks to Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and available Idle Stop and Go (ISG)
SEATTLE, Sept. 29, 2011 /CNW/ - Kia Canada today officially launched the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door sub-compact. First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Rio ushers in the next chapter of Kia Motors' ongoing design-led transformation with previously unseen levels of eye-catching design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car segment. With all-new GDI technology and increased power the Rio also returns remarkable fuel economy of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway, promising consumers impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or fun-to-drive performance.
"The all-new Rio was engineered to offer an unparalleled blend of world-class design, safety, quality and technology in a fuel efficient and practical package" said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing at Kia Canada Inc. "Customers will be delighted to discover and experience all of Rio's attributes which rise above the typical sub-compact fare."
Available in five trims - LX, LX +, LX ECO, EX and EX Luxury - the 2012 Rio offers a 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder engine with a standard six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Rio offers consumers the elusive combination of power and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving class-leading 138 horsepower while also maintaining fuel economy ratings of 6.6 l/100 km in the city and 4.9 l/100 km on the highway. Rio also offers available ISG technology, new to the Kia lineup, where the engine turns off when the vehicle is not in motion such as at a stop light or in traffic. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake pedal, resulting in lower levels of fuel consumption and emissions. This technology is not currently offered by any other model in the segment.
Conceived at Kia's design studios in Irvine, Calif., the all-new Rio sub-compact exhibits highly sculpted sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, projecting an athletic profile that conveys power and agility while mimicking the aggressive lines found on other recently launched Kia vehicles such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage. The Rio sports its own interpretation 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.
The LX trim includes body-colour door handles and side mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, and a standard rear spoiler which not only complements the sporty design of the new Rio but also improve aerodynamics. To accentuate the premium look, side mirrors are attached to the door rather than the plastic triangle like so many others in the segment. Also standard are: power windows, driver's seat height adjuster, map lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, sliding centre console armrest and 60/40 split folding rear seats.
Moving to the LX + trim offers air conditioning, heated front seats, cruise control, keyless entry, fog lights, and Bluetooth10 hands-free phone connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones. The LX ECO adds 15" alloy wheels and ISG technology and that appeals to the environmentally friendly consumer. In addition, automatic-transmission equipped 2012 Rios feature an Active Eco System, a driver-activated feature, for optimal fuel-efficient driving.
The EX trim brings standard 16 inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof and electrically-foldable outside mirrors with turn signal indicators. For consumers looking for higher levels of sporty refinement, the EX Luxury offers standard 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes, and twin-tip exhaust. In addition the EX trim offers consumers an even more upscale look and feel with leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as well as soft-touch dashboard finish, and leatherette door trim.
Moving up to the EX w/ UVO treats you with UVO powered by Microsoft in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display audio infotainment as well as automatic headlights.
Finally, the EX Luxury rewards with two-tone leather seats, heated steering wheel, fully automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, push-button start, smart key, alloy pedals, LED taillights, LED positioning lights, Supervision instrument cluster, and UV-reducing solar glass.
The 2012 Rio envelops driver and passengers in a bold and modern cabin centered on Kia's characteristic horizontal three-cylinder instrument panel, emphasizing a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. An extended wheelbase (2,570 mm) greatly enhances passenger and cargo capacity for additional comfort, offering 1,015 mm front headroom, 960 mm rear headroom, 1,112 mm front legroom and 790 mm rear legroom.
In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players.
The 2012 Rio 5-door brings with it an all-new platform - longer, wider and lower than the previous generation. Its aggressive and playful stance is assisted through an overall length of 4,045 mm with a platform measuring 1,720 mm wide and 1,455 mm high. Employing high-tensile-strength steel, Rio's lightweight design offers high torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement. Though a more expensive alternative, using these materials also increases crash safety capabilities while reducing overall weight. To ensure good noise vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction, the 2012 Rio was outfitted with hood and dashboard insulators as well as expandable foam in the A and C pillars.
Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Rio utilizes front MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar are used in the front with a torsion beam axle suspension in the rear to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide the utmost comfort for a variety of driving situations.
The 2012 Rio is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the Kia line-up. Rio's high-strength steel structure includes an innovative Halo Body construction designed to help protect occupants in certain side impact and roll-over collisions, while additional standard safety features include six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). Also standard on all Rio trims for increased driver and passenger safety are Electronic Stability Control (ESC), four-wheel disc brake with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which coordinates the car's ESC and ABS to help the driver stay in control of the vehicle.
The 2012 Kia Rio 5-door will be available in Canadian showrooms in early October and will be joined by a 4-door sedan version by year's end.
Like all Kia models in Canada, the 2012 Rio is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a five-year or 100,000-km limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 100,000-km limited comprehensive warranty, and a five-year unlimited-km anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/100,000-km roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
Overall, the LED lights are widely used most new cars such as LED Dome Lights, LED Daytime Running Lights, and will come out with even more innovation in the future.
