With the arrival of the 2012 Rio sedan in showrooms now, Kia completes its revamped B-segment range. The Rio 5-door hit dealerships a few months ago. It should account for 70 percent of Rio sales if Kia's historical hatchback/sedan split of 70/30 holds true for the category. For the 30 percent who prefer sedans, your Rio has arrived.
What was new for the hatchback remains true for its four-door counterpart. Power comes from a direct-injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 138 hp, which comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission on the base LX trim level. Midrange EX and range-topping SX versions are only available with a six-speed automatic. With either gearbox, the powertrain receives an EPA rating of 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
The Rio's 138 hp is tied for most power in the B-segment with its Hyundai Accent cousin and Chevrolet's Sonic, which also makes 138 hp from its standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder and available turbocharged 1.4-liter four.
The Rio's new platform is longer, wider and rides lower than the previous-generation car. High-strength steel makes up 63 percent of the basic structure. Styling is instantly recognizable as a Kia thanks to the slimmed-down "Tiger" grille.
The entry-level LX rides on 15-inch steel wheels, wears body-color door handles and side mirrors and has a tilt steering-wheel column and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Stepping up to the EX gets you power locks and windows, keyless entry, cruise control, a telescoping steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity. The full-zoot SX gains stiffer suspension tuning, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, LED accent lights and rear lamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, heated power-folding exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, metal pedals and the Microsoft-driven UVO voice-activated infotainment system with rearview camera.
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