2012 Kia Rio / Rio5 - Car and Driver
When the outgoing Rio launched, a Kia exec was proud to report that the car would still offer U. S. customers the option of hand-cranked windows. We're happy to say that, while new Rios still will be available with crank windows, the company has higher-tech ways of making the Rio easy on owners' wallets. First, out comes the old 1. 6-liter four-cylinder boat anchor, which made 110 hp, and in goes a new 1. 6-liter that uses direct injection to crank out 138 hp. Of more interest to the frugally minded, Kia is estimating that the engine will be good... That means that, in addition to meeting the magic 40-mpg rating (Kia's ad agency will no doubt be thrilled), the Rio will join its sibling, the equally new Hyundai Accent , and the upcoming Chevy Sonic at the top of the horsepower ratings for the... While the Rio probably won't be as slender as the 2291-pound Mazda, Kia does tell us that the engine in its new subcompact is 29 pounds lighter than was its counterpart in the previous car. The new Rio will be offered as a sedan or a five-door hatchback (known as Rio5), and in three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX. Both body styles will be offered with the choice of manual or automatic gearboxes packing. Source: www.caranddriver.com
