2012 Kia Rio
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AUSTIN, Texas — Kia continues to make a statement at each of its new car launches; be it a mid-sized sedan or a B-segment sub-compact. Here in Texas hill country Kia put its growing equity on the line with an all-new B-segment Rio three trim level hatch and sedan equipped with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or six-speed automatic. The 2012 Rio is one of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, achieving 138 horsepower while maintaining a fuel economy rating of 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
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ISG is expected to add one mile per gallon to the city cycle and should be available by the beginning of 2012. Interesting to note the ISG will come with a kill switch so that the air conditioning can remain on in hot weather. Creature comfort in this case tops fuel economy.
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Driving dynamics exceeded expectations as the Rio provided ease in handling and firm road holding capability. Its 138-horsepower engine had enough oomph to take us anywhere we wanted to go, and was quick enough not to embarrass us.
With lots of premium features and up to date technology the Rio is right in-line with the new breed of B-segment vehicles now being introduced in the U.S.
It should be noted that Kia is now the fastest growing car company (by percentage) in the U.S. and now ranks as the highest Asian brand on the J.D. Power and Associates’ Consumer Satisfaction Index (CSI). Kia’s CSI ranks fifth overall. Even ahead of its vaunted sister Hyundai.
— Ted Biederman