Kia’s brand-new Rio small sedan was joined by the hatchback version of the sub compact model named Rio5 at this week’s New York Auto Show. Unlike the four-sedan that received its world premiere in the Big Apple, we got our first taste of the Rio5 at the Geneva Salon in March. The only visible styling changes over the European model, concern the colored turn signals up front and the market-specific trim options inside.
The 2012 Rio5 is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. The direct-injection four-pot delivers 138 horsepower, and thanks to the addition of Kia’s ISG start-stop technology, it returns 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Kia’s newcomer will be offered with a choice of three trim levels, LX, EX and SX. The base LX includes 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, driver’s seat height adjuster, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which coordinates the car’s ESC and ABS.
Moving up to the EX gets you standard power windows with automatic up/down on the driver’s window, Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls, 60/40 split folding rear seats and leatherette door trim and power door locks with keyless entry.
Finally, the range topping SX trim adds 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, dual chrome tip exhaust, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, cruise control, UVO powered by Microsoft in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display, and chrome-coated accents throughout.
Pricing and availability in the States will be announced at a later date.
*Live Photos Copyright Carscoop / Phil Alex
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