“Kill it.” To do something extremely well. Kia has been killin’ it for many a quarter now, giving even corporate sibling Hyundai a run for its money. With the redesign of the 2012 Kia Rio SX five-door hatchback, the brand adds another weapon to its arsenal as it chucks away a lame predecessor for something much more impressive.
Ride along as Leftlane checks out this new visitor from South Korea, the latest entry in the increasingly competitive subcompact market.
What is it?
The Rio is available as a four–door sedan and a five–door hatchback, the latter of which wound up in our driveway. Both models can accommodate up to five passengers, if you are close friends. A major breakthrough for the Rio is that it’s the first U.S.-market non-hybrid, non-luxury vehicle to feature auto start/stop technology, which Kia bills as ISG.
Then there’s its value pricing. With LX, EX and SX trim levels, how you choose to equip your Rio is determined by the thickness of your wallet. Our test vehicle was a signal red–painted Rio SX five-door hatchback, which represents about as fancy a Rio as you’ll find.
With the Rio SX as the red-hot chili pepper version of this hot hatch, it was equipped with all of the options found in the LX and EX versions, and then some. These include power/heated mirrors, a 60-40 split–folding rear seat, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth. The added spice goes as far as a sport-tuned suspension, dual exhaust tips, LED accent lighting and 17–inch alloy wheels. Although ours was not equipped, there is an available premium package that includes a sunroof, and navigation system, among other items.
Oh, and did we mention mileage of 30 city/40 highway?
What’s it up against?
The subcompact section is a very robust segment, with several “take no prisoner” competitors. They include the new Chevrolet Sonic, Ford’s Fiesta, the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and in a case of biting the hand that feeds it, the Hyundai Accent. Once upon a time, some of these vehicles were substantially better than others. That was then, this is now: A highly competitive segment.
Regardless of the vehicle chosen, buyers can drive away with confidence that they have made the right choice according to their needs and desires.
How does it look?
VW GTI? Check. Audi A1? Ditto. Been to Europe lately? You’ll see some Seat Leon if you squint. For those who remember it, the Plymouth GLH? Not so much.
The Rio five-door has a decidedly European look, thanks to the influence from former Audi pen Peter Schreyer. That our list above includes vehicles signed off during his time in Germany is no coincidence. Broad shoulders and sculpted side panels impart a muscular appearance that enhances the Rio more than some of its slab–sided competitors. With Hankook 205/45R 17 all-season low-profilers wrapped around Hot Wheels-inspired five–spoke alloy wheels, all that’s missing is the big orange track with a loop the loop feature.
The by-now familiar Kia signature grille is here with chrome accent around its opening. Not as widespread a corporate identity, yet, it is gaining traction, right up there with the crosshairs, twin kidney beans and the three-pointed star found on some other popular marques.
And on the inside?
Our Kia Rio SX was outfitted with an interior that seemed to speak with a decidedly German accent, too. Reminiscent of those found in VW GTIs from years gone by, its dashboard offered a clean, functional and engaging layout. A driver–centric IP started with a three-gauge binnacle laid out with tachometer and speedometer, as well as temperature and fuel gauges. In the middle of the speedo was an LED display that offered ECO, mileage and vehicle information. Microsoft’s UVO in-car infotainment system had the ability to set up playlists and control an iPod or MP3 player via the head unit controls or the leather–wrapped steering wheel. Unexpected, especially in this part of the market, was the backup camera. The audio system was also enabled with Sirius XM satellite radio.
The fabric coverings on the nicely bolstered seats reminded us of late ’90s VW products (noticing a theme here?)and kept us firmly in place as we flitted about through the twisties. We found a good seating position with the manual height and rake controls and were pleasantly surprised by the amount of legroom in the backseat. The 15.0 cubic foot cargo capacity had us covered during several grocery-getting runs during our week with in the Rio. Although we never needed to, the rear seats could fold forward in a 60-40 split.
We think that overall, the Rio SX sports an interior that with a few tweaks could embarrass some of its big brother Forte’s rivals.
But does it go?
Equipped with Hyundai’s Gamma 1.6-liter direct-injection engine that makes 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, and 123 lb-ft of torque at 4,850, it’s pretty potent for the segment. But that’s not to say all is right with the world, at least as far as this aluminum block and headed powerplant is concerned.
One of the freshest engines on the market today, it still manages to rattle the cage like King Kong in that New York Theater. Step on the skinny pedal and you’ll feel like that’s not such a bad thing, however. Like the similar engine as seen in the Hyundai Veloster, it does manage to step up when squeezed.
All EX and SX models are equipped with Kia’s six-speed automatic transmission with Active Eco technology. Activated by pressing a dash-mounted button, it optimizes drivetrain shift points and adjusts the air conditioner for more efficient driving. It does, however, place limits on acceleration. We understand why Kia included such eco-minded systems in the Rio. In the words of Kermit the Frog, it’s not easy being green. We just didn’t find the ride as engaging when the Active Eco system was turned on and we question whether any owners will consciously press the button.
Speaking of engaging, we like the overall look and hunkered down feel of the Rio SX. Using high-tensile strength steel, Kia engineers were able to improve on NVH over the previous model Rio. They used expandable foam in the A and C pillars as well as Thinsulate material throughout, in an effort to leave out vibrations and excess noise. For the most part, it’s a highly successful solution. Thinsulate. It’s not just for cold-weather parkas anymore.
The SX’s sport-tuned suspension is more aggressively sprung them the standard models, which also feature MacPherson struts and coil springs up front, and a torsion beam axle with gas-charged shocks in the rear. It still manages a touch of manageable body roll. Other reports claim the SX suspension to be rather harsh and perhaps that’s the case on northern roads where temperature cracks and expansion joints are the order of the day, but around Leftlane’s outpost, we felt none of it.
Fun to drive, the Kia’s electric power-assisted steering offered true road feel with little numbness on center. It might still be a hair short of sporty, but the Rio is highly impressive otherwise.
Why you would buy it:
Because this is the year of the small car and you want to be right in the thick of it.
Why you wouldn’t:
Your tastes run toward genuine European design. Hope your wallet does, too.
Leftlane’s bottom line
With a fun ride, and good looks that actually are inspired by many great Europeans before it, Kia brings to market a car that is fun to drive.
That it nets an achievable 40 mpg on the highway and costs quite a bit less than most rivals is icing on the cake.
The Blackboard:
Looks: B
Interior: B+
Performance: B
Value: A
Overall Score: B+
2012 Kia Rio SX 5-Doorbase price, $17,700. As tested, $18,545.
Floor mats, $95; Destination, $750.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
Review: 2012 Kia Rio SX 5-Door
Reviewed by
Mark Elias on
January 4
.
Subcompacts have rarely looked this good. Is the redesigned Kia Rio 5-Door good enough to make us forget about its predecessor?
“Kill it.” To do something extremely well. Kia has been killin’ it for many a quarter now, giving even corporate sibling Hyundai a run for its money. With the redesign of the 2012 Kia Rio SX five-door hatchback, the brand adds another weapon to its arsenal as it chucks away a lame predecessor for something much more impressive.
Ride along as Leftlane checks out this new visitor from South Korea, the latest entry in the increasingly competitive subcompact market.
What is it?
The Rio is available as a four–door sedan and a five–door hatchback, the latter of which wound up in our driveway. Both models can accommodate up to five passengers, if you are close friends. A major breakthrough for the Rio is that it’s the first U.S.-market non-hybrid, non-luxury vehicle to feature auto start/stop technology, which Kia bills as ISG.
Then there’s its value pricing. With LX, EX and SX trim levels, how you choose to equip your Rio is determined by the thickness of your wallet. Our test vehicle was a signal red–painted Rio SX five-door hatchback, which represents about as fancy a Rio as you’ll find.
With the Rio SX as the red-hot chili pepper version of this hot hatch, it was equipped with all of the options found in the LX and EX versions, and then some. These include power/heated mirrors, a 60-40 split–folding rear seat, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth. The added spice goes as far as a sport-tuned suspension, dual exhaust tips, LED accent lighting and 17–inch alloy wheels. Although ours was not equipped, there is an available premium package that includes a sunroof, and navigation system, among other items.
Oh, and did we mention mileage of 30 city/40 highway?
What’s it up against?
The subcompact section is a very robust segment, with several “take no prisoner” competitors. They include the new Chevrolet Sonic, Ford’s Fiesta, the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and in a case of biting the hand that feeds it, the Hyundai Accent. Once upon a time, some of these vehicles were substantially better than others. That was then, this is now: A highly competitive segment.
Regardless of the vehicle chosen, buyers can drive away with confidence that they have made the right choice according to their needs and desires.
How does it look?
VW GTI? Check. Audi A1? Ditto. Been to Europe lately? You’ll see some Seat Leon if you squint. For those who remember it, the Plymouth GLH? Not so much.
The Rio five-door has a decidedly European look, thanks to the influence from former Audi pen Peter Schreyer. That our list above includes vehicles signed off during his time in Germany is no coincidence. Broad shoulders and sculpted side panels impart a muscular appearance that enhances the Rio more than some of its slab–sided competitors. With Hankook 205/45R 17 all-season low-profilers wrapped around Hot Wheels-inspired five–spoke alloy wheels, all that’s missing is the big orange track with a loop the loop feature.
The by-now familiar Kia signature grille is here with chrome accent around its opening. Not as widespread a corporate identity, yet, it is gaining traction, right up there with the crosshairs, twin kidney beans and the three-pointed star found on some other popular marques.
And on the inside?
Our Kia Rio SX was outfitted with an interior that seemed to speak with a decidedly German accent, too. Reminiscent of those found in VW GTIs from years gone by, its dashboard offered a clean, functional and engaging layout. A driver–centric IP started with a three-gauge binnacle laid out with tachometer and speedometer, as well as temperature and fuel gauges. In the middle of the speedo was an LED display that offered ECO, mileage and vehicle information. Microsoft’s UVO in-car infotainment system had the ability to set up playlists and control an iPod or MP3 player via the head unit controls or the leather–wrapped steering wheel. Unexpected, especially in this part of the market, was the backup camera. The audio system was also enabled with Sirius XM satellite radio.
The fabric coverings on the nicely bolstered seats reminded us of late ’90s VW products (noticing a theme here?)and kept us firmly in place as we flitted about through the twisties. We found a good seating position with the manual height and rake controls and were pleasantly surprised by the amount of legroom in the backseat. The 15.0 cubic foot cargo capacity had us covered during several grocery-getting runs during our week with in the Rio. Although we never needed to, the rear seats could fold forward in a 60-40 split.
We think that overall, the Rio SX sports an interior that with a few tweaks could embarrass some of its big brother Forte’s rivals.
But does it go?
Equipped with Hyundai’s Gamma 1.6-liter direct-injection engine that makes 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, and 123 lb-ft of torque at 4,850, it’s pretty potent for the segment. But that’s not to say all is right with the world, at least as far as this aluminum block and headed powerplant is concerned.
One of the freshest engines on the market today, it still manages to rattle the cage like King Kong in that New York Theater. Step on the skinny pedal and you’ll feel like that’s not such a bad thing, however. Like the similar engine as seen in the Hyundai Veloster, it does manage to step up when squeezed.
All EX and SX models are equipped with Kia’s six-speed automatic transmission with Active Eco technology. Activated by pressing a dash-mounted button, it optimizes drivetrain shift points and adjusts the air conditioner for more efficient driving. It does, however, place limits on acceleration. We understand why Kia included such eco-minded systems in the Rio. In the words of Kermit the Frog, it’s not easy being green. We just didn’t find the ride as engaging when the Active Eco system was turned on and we question whether any owners will consciously press the button.
Speaking of engaging, we like the overall look and hunkered down feel of the Rio SX. Using high-tensile strength steel, Kia engineers were able to improve on NVH over the previous model Rio. They used expandable foam in the A and C pillars as well as Thinsulate material throughout, in an effort to leave out vibrations and excess noise. For the most part, it’s a highly successful solution. Thinsulate. It’s not just for cold-weather parkas anymore.
The SX’s sport-tuned suspension is more aggressively sprung them the standard models, which also feature MacPherson struts and coil springs up front, and a torsion beam axle with gas-charged shocks in the rear. It still manages a touch of manageable body roll. Other reports claim the SX suspension to be rather harsh and perhaps that’s the case on northern roads where temperature cracks and expansion joints are the order of the day, but around Leftlane’s outpost, we felt none of it.
Fun to drive, the Kia’s electric power-assisted steering offered true road feel with little numbness on center. It might still be a hair short of sporty, but the Rio is highly impressive otherwise.
Why you would buy it:
Because this is the year of the small car and you want to be right in the thick of it.
Why you wouldn’t:
Your tastes run toward genuine European design. Hope your wallet does, too.
Leftlane’s bottom line
With a fun ride, and good looks that actually are inspired by many great Europeans before it, Kia brings to market a car that is fun to drive.
That it nets an achievable 40 mpg on the highway and costs quite a bit less than most rivals is icing on the cake.
The Blackboard:
Looks: B
Interior: B+
Performance: B
Value: A
Overall Score: B+
2012 Kia Rio SX 5-Doorbase price, $17,700. As tested, $18,545.
Floor mats, $95; Destination, $750.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
Rating:
