Pricing details on the new 2012 Kia Rio 5-door Hatchback have been released. Prices start at $13,600 for the base model equipped with a manual transmission, while opting for an automatic transmission brings the price to $14,700. At these price points, the 2012 Rio’s has a lower starting price than the outgoing model’s.
The 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door Hatchbacks is available in three trims: LX, EX and SX. Standard features on all trims include air conditioning, electric power steering, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and auxiliary ports, SiriusXM satellite radio with three months complimentary service. Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four- wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
A fully loaded Kia Rio SX trim starts under $18,000 and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and tail light accents, a sport-tuned suspension with larger front brakes, projection headlamps, twin chrome exhaust tips, fog lamps, as well as standard UVO powered by Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display.
All 2012 Rio trims are powered by a 138 horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder engine. Although the base LX model comes standard with a manual, the EX and SX trims come standard with an automatic. Start-stop technology (called ISG) is also offered, allowing the Rio to achieve an estimated fuel-economy rating of 31/40 mpg city/highway. Do without the start-stop technology and Kia’s subcompact still manages an impressive 30/40 mpg.
The Rio has long been overlooked by consumers, but with a more attractive styling, higher-quality interior, more standard features, better fuel-efficiency and a very competitive price point, its popularity will likely increase.
