Addition of 2012 Rio sedan complements Rio 5-Door to offer practicality, technology and impressive fuel efficiency with unparalleled design
- Similar to its Rio 5-Door sibling, the all-new 2012 Rio sedan shines with technology thanks to Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and a long list of comfort features
- Value-packed 2012 Rio sedan offers outstanding combination of head-turning style, impressive fuel economy and power in its class
SCOTTSDALE, AZ, Jan. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. today launched the all-new 2012 Rio sedan, which adds to the recently revealed Rio 5-Door hatchback. First unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, the all-new Rio sedan 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. Starting at $13,795, the all-new Rio sedan features GDI technology and increased power. The Rio 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.
"Much like its 5-Door sibling, the Rio sedan continues to offer an unparalleled blend of world-class design, safety, quality and technology, while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency and practicality," said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing at Kia Canada Inc. "The Rio sedan has an unparalleled youthful persona that will resonate well with Canadians."
Available in five trims - LX, LX+, EX, 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 gives consumers the elusive combination of power and incredible fuel efficiency by achieving a class-leading1 138 horsepower, while also maintaining fuel economy ratings of 6.6 L/100 km in the city2 and 4.9 L/100 km on the highway.
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. Its athletic profile 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.
The 2012 Rio envelops driver and passengers in a bold and modern cabin centred on Kia's distinctive 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, 955-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 audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service. Also included are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting the audio system to MP3 players. Available on the EX+ trim is Kia's all-new UVO infotainment system, which has been co-developed with Microsoft® and based on Windows Embedded Automotive software. UVO is an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.
The 2012 Rio sedan 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 4,365-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 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 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, ABS and electric assist power steering to help the driver stay in control of the vehicle.
Starting at $13,795, the LX trim includes body-colour door handles and sideview mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires. To accentuate the premium look, the power, heated sideview mirrors are attached to the door rather than the plastic triangle like so many others in the segment. Also standard are: power windows and door locks, driver's seat height adjuster, map lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, sliding centre console armrest and 60/40 split folding rear seats.
At $15,295, the LX+ trim offers air conditioning, heated front seats, cruise control, keyless entry, fog lights, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones. In addition, automatic-transmission equipped 2012 Rios feature an Active Eco System, a driver-activated feature, for optimal fuel-efficient driving.
The EX trim starts at $16,695 and brings standard 16 inch alloy wheels wrapped in 195/55R16 tires, a power sunroof, and electrically-foldable sideview mirrors with LED turn signal indicators. 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. The EX+ trims continues the added features with a UVO infotainment system, rearview camera and automatic headlights for $17,195.
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. The EX Luxury starts at $20,495 and also adds a smart key, push button ignition, heated steering wheel, supervision cluster, cooling glove box, luggage net and tray, leather seats, alloy sports pedals, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield, LED tail- and positioning- lights and special solar glass, which reduces cabin temperatures. An available navigation system is also offered for an additional $1,200.
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.
For pictures, you can contact Katherine Lupul at [email protected] or 905-755-6308
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 174 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 150 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation continues to showcase the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
1 Class-leading 138 horsepower claim is based on a tie with Hyundai Accent when compared to non-turbo 4-cylinder sub-compacts.
2 6.6 L/100 km while travelling in the city claim specific to M/T model, A/T model achieve 6.8 L/100 km.
Kia Canada Inc. Media Contacts:
Jack Sulymka
National Marketing Manager
(O): 905.755.6266
(C): 905.301.6207
e-mail: [email protected]
Cathy Laroche
Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]
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