Unveiled earlier this year alongside its four-door sedan counterpart at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, the all-new 2012 Kia Rio 5-door hatchback launches in the States with a starting price of $13,600 for the manual gearbox model, not including a $750 destination and handling fee (*total $14,350).
If you prefer an automatic transmission, the starting price is $15,450, while the range-topping SX trim will set you back $18,750, with all prices including the $750 destination fee.
The new subcompact hatchback is offered in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX) with the basic model offering standard air conditioning, electric power steering, an audio system with USB and SiriusXM satellite radio, plus several safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
All 2012 Rios are equipped with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual gearbox (LX only) or a six-speed automatic transmission.
The gasoline unit delivers an output of 138HP returning 30mpg city and 40 mpg highway. Kia will also offer the Rio with its ISG start / stop technology that improves city fuel economy to 31mpg city while maintaining the same figure on the highway.
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