Kia models ranked best in class for consumer appeal

J.D. Power and Associates place Soul, Optima at the top of rankings

by Griffin Rogers

Two car models from Kia Motors America, headquartered in Irvine, received the highest scores in a recent study by J.D. Power and Associates for consumer appeal. The Kia Optima and Soul were recognized as two of the most appealing vehicles within their class.

In the “Midsize Car” category, the 2012 Optima ranked highest in a tie with the Volkswagen Passat. The 2012 Soul outclassed other vehicles in the “Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle” group.  

The 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout study measures the vehicle buyer’s gratification with their recent purchase. Design, layout, performance and content are among the factors taken into consideration. This year’s study focused on buyers’ needs and preferences to downsize their vehicles without sacrificing quality or amenities.

"As key entries in Kia's design-led transformation, the Optima and Soul have attracted new customers to our showrooms, and the results of the J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL Study illustrates just how delighted these new buyers are with the purchase of their new Kia vehicles," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications at KMA.  

Owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicles were gathered in the study, along with responses from more than 74,000 new car owners who had purchased a car within 90 days.

"Both of these popular models, along with the rest of the Kia vehicle line, continue to deliver on a promise to offer U.S. consumers high-quality vehicles with an impressive combination of design, performance, comfort, safety and technology,” Sprague said.

2012 Kia Optima And Sorento Named Among Best Family Cars Of 2012 By Edmunds.com And Parents Magazine

Kia's Midsize Sedan and Crossover are Two of Only 15 Vehicles to be Honored

- Optima and Sorento heralded for their abundance of family-friendly attributes, including safety, comfort and reliability

- Kia's flagship midsize sedan benefits from an upscale personality and fuel-efficient powertrains[1] while the automaker's mainstay crossover boasts a spacious seven-passenger cabin

IRVINE, Calif., June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents magazine and Edmunds.com have named the 2012 Kia Optima midsize sedan and Kia Sorento crossover utility to the publications' "Best Family Cars of 2012" list. The accolade recognizes vehicles focusing on reliability, safety and affordability as top priorities, with the Optima and Sorento's "Top Safety Pick" designations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) playing a key factor in being named as two of only 15 vehicles to the coveted list.  Other criteria the judges considered were performance, interior quality, exterior design, family-friendly features and technology.
"As bold design and value are no longer mutually exclusive, the Optima and Sorento have changed the way many consumers look at what family cars can and should be," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "This recognition from leading family and automotive resources Parents magazine and Edmunds.com reinforces why these two Kia vehicles are among our top-selling products and why more families are considering Kia for the first time."
This is the fifth year editors from Parents magazine and auto experts at Edmunds.com have collaborated on naming the "Best Family Cars."  Hundreds of vehicles are evaluated throughout the judging process, and owners who drive these cars are also consulted prior to naming the winners.
"Buying a new car is a big family decision and our guide makes the process easier," said Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents magazine. "The Optima and Sorento made our list because they are safe and affordable, plus they have smart, family-friendly features to make kids and parents happy."
Although both vehicles are best-selling and award-winning, the Optima has been widely considered the showpiece of Kia's model line.  "Kia has reinvented itself over the last few years, and the beautiful Optima sedan is a big part of that revolution," said Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com.  "Both inside and out, the affordable Optima looks like it costs more than twice its price.  Add its roomy interior, fuel efficient powertrains and 100,000 mile warranty[2] to the mix, and it's easy to recommend the Optima to America's families."
About the 2012 Sorento
Kia's first U.S.-built vehicle,* with a starting MSRP of $21,250[3], the Kia Sorento combines outstanding horsepower and fuel economy[4] with cutting-edge technologies.  It also offers a GDI engine and Kia's UVO powered by Microsoft®[5] voice-activated infotainment and communications system.  As one of Kia's best-selling vehicles, Sorento also provides a host of convenience features, including power-folding mirrors, memory seat settings, power passenger seat, ventilated driver's seat and heated, wood-trim steering wheel.
About the 2012 Optima
The 2012 Kia Optima stands apart from the crowd with its head-turning design, fun-to-drive performance, modern amenities and long list of standard safety features with a starting MSRP of $19,500[6]. Kia's second U.S.-built vehicle* offers drivers cutting-edge technologies, including a standard eight-speaker Infinity®[7] audio system, HD Radio™[8], and Kia's UVO powered by Microsoft®2 voice-activated infotainment and communications system.
Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[9] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[10].  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*.  Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
About Edmunds.com, Inc. 
Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its acclaimed mobile site, Edmunds.com Android App and five-star Edmunds iPhone and iPad apps make car pricing and other research tools available for car shoppers at dealerships and on the go. Its automotive enthusiast web site, InsideLine.com, is the most-read car publication of its kind. Its highly regarded mobile site and iPhone app features the wireless Web's most comprehensive gallery of automotive photos and videos. Edmunds.com Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit. Follow Edmunds.com on Twitter@edmunds and fan Edmunds.com on Facebook.
About Parents Magazine
Parents, published monthly by Meredith Corporation, has been America's #1 family magazine for more than 85 years. Since its inception in 1926, it has been a trusted source by every generation of parents.  Currently, the magazine is a powerful community of nearly 16 million readers devoted to supporting the efforts of parents, educators and other citizens who strive to make the world a better place for our children. Parents can be found online at www.parents.com.
[1] EPA fuel economy estimates 22 mpg/city and /32 mpg highway for 2012 Sorento. EPA fuel economy estimates 24 mpg city /35 mpg highway for 2012 Optima.  Actual mileage will vary.
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
[2] Warranty is a powertrain warranty and is limited. See retailer for warranty details or go to kia.com.
[3] Starting prices are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), which excludes $800 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
[4] EPA fuel economy estimates 22 mpg/city and /32 mpg highway for 2012 Sorento.  Actual mileage will vary.
[5] Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
[6] Starting prices are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), MSRP excludes $750 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
[7] Infinity is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
[8] HD Radio™ and the HD, HD Radio, and "Arc" logos are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation.
[9] Source:  Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.
[10] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.
SOURCE Kia Motors America
Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1dtbS)

2012 Kia Sportage Recognized by USAA as "Best Value" for Second Consecutive Year
USAA's "Best Value" List Focuses on Cost, Safety and Reliability
- 2012 Kia Sportage tops all other utilities in the Small SUV category
- Sportage lauded for affordability, crash test scores, build quality and fuel economy

IRVINE, Calif., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United Services Automobile Association (USAA), a leading financial services provider to the U.S. military and their families, honored Kia Motors America (KMA) by naming the 2012 Kia Sportage to its second annual "Best Value" vehicles list, which identifies the top 2012 automobiles in 16 categories that give consumers the most bang for their buck. The Sportage rose to the top in the Small SUV category, recognized for offering a competitive price and low insurance costs as well as being one of the Small SUV Top Safety Picks for 2012 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"The Kia Sportage being named to USAA's 'Best Value' list for the second year in a row is not only indicative of this utility's affordability factor, but also validates it as one of the most well-rounded offerings in its segment," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "The Sportage is the ideal vehicle for anyone who seeks a lively crossover that's comfortable and offers an abundance of safety features and amenities."

"Best Value" automobiles offer the best financial value of all vehicles USAA evaluates as part of a broader rating system called USAA Preferred, which uses quantitative data to evaluate vehicles' cost, safety and reliability, among other key factors. There are nearly 80 cars, trucks and minivans that are currently designated as USAA Preferred vehicles, and the "Best Value" list represents the vehicles that rose to the top of each category.

"The goal of the list is to help members identify vehicles that typically offer better safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability and lower MSRP compared to other vehicles in the same category," said Steve Thompson, an assistant vice president at USAA. "The Kia Sportage rose to the top as a vehicle that offers these key elements, making it a great buy for the value-minded consumer."

For more information about the USAA Best Value list, and the specific automobiles featured, visit www.usaa.com/bestvalue.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(1) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking(2). Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia ? KMMG ? is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. ? the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan.* Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website ? www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

About USAA
USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 9 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military ? and their eligible family members. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit USAA online today.

About the Best Value List
USAA Preferred "Best Value" vehicles are typically those vehicles ranked highest in each vehicle category AND obtain "Good/Acceptable" crash test ratings from IIHS and represent vehicles which are determined to be the best financial value using a USAA-developed proprietary statistical model. The model relates MSRP to vehicle features (engine type, drive train, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, number of airbags, transmission, body additions, curb weight, horsepower-to-curb weight, height and vehicle category), fuel economy, insurance cost, additional warranty cost, depreciation, and IIHS Top Safety Pick to determine the value. In providing this analysis, USAA does not consider factors other than those disclosed. For more information, visit www.usaa.com/bestvalue.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally-sourced parts.
(1) Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study
(2) Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis
 

The best car for teens

The best car for teens Kia Motors Saturday, April 07, 2012 The award-winning all new Kia Rio has been honored once again, this time as one of the 'Six Best New Cars for your Teenager' by Vroomgirls.com - the first comprehensive automotive website created by and for women. The site hailed the Rio for its modern styling, high fuel economy and exceptional overall value. Also highlighted was the subcompact's abundance of standard amenities, including USB connectivity and steering-wheel controls, while the bluetooth hands-free feature received nods as well.

"All New Kia Rio being recognized as one of the 'Six Best New Cars for your Teenager' by Vroomgirls.com further validates all of the virtues which have made it popular with both parents and young drivers," said Michael Sprague, Vice-President, Marketing & Communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Excelling in design, fuel economy, value and driving enjoyment makes the Rio a truly well-rounded choice in the competitive subcompact segment."

Editors from Vroomgirls.com evaluated vehicles based on several main parental-focused criteria, including safety, reliability and value, but also considered factors important to teenage drivers such as user-content, fun-to-drive character and styling. Vroomgirls.com selected the vehicles that offer the best combination of these characteristics.

"Parents want a safe, reliable car for their kids, but teens only care about what's cool," said Tara Weingarten, Vroomgirls.com Editor-in-Chief. "The 2012 Kia Rio checks both of those boxes."

The award winning all new Kia Rio comes in both four door sedan and five door hatch back, and are backed by a three year/100,000km warranty in Fiji. Now available from Kia Motors Fiji Showroom along with the full line up of award winning Kia vehicles, located at the corner of Grantham Road and Carpenter Street, Garden City, Raiwai Suva.

2012 Kia Sorento Named to "10 Best Family Cars of 2012" List By Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com

Kia's Popular CUV Receives Honor for Second Year in a Row

-- The brand's best-selling vehicle delivers safety, comfort and functionality for true family car appeal

-- Sorento's affordability and low cost of ownership make it an impressive overall value

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The award-winning Kia Sorento is again in the limelight, this time being named to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com coveted "10 Best Family Cars of 2012" list. The ultra-popular CUV enjoys this accolade for a second year in a row. Lauded for its outstanding drivability, functionality, refinement and comfort, the Sorento has defined a number of milestones for Kia, including becoming the first model in the product line to surpass 100,000 sales in a single year as well as being Kia's first U.S.-built(1) vehicle at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) in West Point, Ga.
"Sorento's achievement of being recognized as one of the '10 Best Family Cars of 2012' by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com is a testament to its exceptional safety, comfort and feature content," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America. "As Kia's best-selling vehicle, Sorento's low cost of ownership has resulted in strong consumer ratings, making it a favorite among family buyers."
Editors from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com evaluated vehicles based on several main criteria important to family car buyers, including safety, child-friendliness, comfort, economy of operation – which factors fuel consumption, insurance premiums and repair costs – and resale value. The kbb.com editors selected the vehicles that offer the best combination of these characteristics and the highest overall value for everyday families.
Kbb.com editors underscored the Sorento's available three row seating capacity and highway fuel economy of 32 miles-per-gallon(2). "Good fuel economy is only part of the story," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "The Sorento starts under $24,000 and offers a voice-controlled infotainment system plus a great big panoramic moonroof."
For more information about kbb.com's "10 Best Family Cars of 2012," visit http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-best-family-cars-of-2012/.
Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(3) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking(4). Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan(5). Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kbb.com provides consumer pricing and information on minivans, pickup trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.
(1) Assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts
(2) EPA fuel economy estimates 22 mpg/city and 32 mpg/highway for 2012 Sorento 2WD with optional 2.4L GDI engine. Actual mileage will vary.
(3) Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study
(4) Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis
(5) Optima Hybrid is not built at KMMG

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2012-kia-sorento-named-to-10-best-family-cars-of-2012-list-by-kelley-blue-books-kbbcom-140855093.html

It May Soon Be Impossible To Buy A Bad Car

In the past, there were certain car brands that were taboo due to lagging reliability, cheap quality, and social stigmas. It seems that those days are close to being numbered.

According to The Washington Post, increased global competition has forced manufacturers to reinforce the quality of the products that they release, which has made the appearance of lemons on the dealer lots few and far between. The change in the quality of cars has also had an effect on premium prices. Because cars have become so similar in each class, it makes it much more difficult for consumers to justify a premium price for a Honda over a Kia, for example.

That also means that Hyundai, Kia, and others are gaining a very positive reputation with new, quality, products. They no longer need to compete solely as a bargain brand.

And the quality improvements across the boards are for real. The Washington Post reports that JD Power is now finding fewer problems per car than ever before. In fact, they have found that the average car on the road has 132 problems per every 100 vehicles.

In 1998, the average was 278 problems per 100 cars.

Now that quality across the board is similar, consumers are now purchasing cars that pique their interest or that they feel a connection to. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/it-may-soon-be-impossible-to-buy-a-bad-car-2012-

2012 Kia Rio, Optima get MotorWeek best subcompact, midsize honors
Posted on February 12, 2012 by Weekly Driver News Service

The 2012 Kia Rio and Kia Optima have been designated with Drivers' Choice Awards as the best subcompact and midsize sedan by MotorWeek at the Chicago Auto Show.

The long-running television program recognized the Kia models for their performance, fuel efficiency and overall value.

The Rio and Optima bring many convenience features to their respective segments, including Bluetooth wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM satellite radio capabilities with three months complimentary service.

The annual MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards represent the editors' best automotive picks for a range of lifestyles. This year, a team of 15 judges comprised of MotorWeek's editorial staff, evaluated more than 150 cars, trucks and utility vehicles. Decisions are based on performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and dollar value. The winners represent what MotorWeek considers to be the best in each class.

The 2012 Kia Rio is available in LX, EX and SX trims, all with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine. The Rio features a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or six-speed automatic. Gas mileage is an EPA estimated 30/40 mpg (city/highway).

The 2012 KIa Optima features the same trims with standard equipment that includes cruise control, USB port, satellite radio dual-zone climate control and smart-key system. Options include leather trim, a panoramic sunroof and Infinity audio. Heated-and-cooled front seats are available in mid-level EX or SX trims.

Hyundai's biggest rival? It's Kia

 

By STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

If you think the biggest automakers are afraid of fast-rising Hyundai, consider what company is catching Hyundai's attention -- its own smaller sibling, Kia.
Both are owned by giant Hyundai of South Korea. Bloomberg News says Kia is on a roll, and the two affiliates have been pitted against each other internally.

Both Hyundai, the car brand, and Kia had record sales last year. One of the reasons is the Kia Optima, shown above. Kia is even developing its own near-luxury model to challenge Hyundai in South Korea with the well-regarded Genesis. Reports Bloomberg:

Frank Ahrens, a spokesman at Hyundai, says the intensity of the sibling competition is "car-to-car" across segments. His Kia counterpart, Michael Choo, who refers to Hyundai as an affiliate instead of the parent company of his employer, says the two compete "head-to-head" in most of the world's auto markets and vehicle categories.

Both spokesmen declined to say whether the competition is by design, saying any such strategic decisions are made by Chairman Chung, who was unavailable for an interview.

Kia was flat on its back a decade ago. Hyundai acquired it out of bankruptcy, taking a 51% stake. Kia now benefits from Hyundai's engineering.

Both brands seem to be going upscale rather than just one," Christian Yang, an analyst at IHS Automotive, an industry researcher, tells Bloomberg. "The K9 will again represent problems if Hyundai and Kia's plans of alignment does not go as planned."


2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick

• 2012 Soul
• 2012 Sorento
• 2012 Optima
• 2012 Optima Hybrid
• 2012 Sportage
• 2012 Forte Sedan

• 2012 Rio 5-Door

Review and photos by Paul Williams

Phoenix, Arizona – The Rio is Kia’s subcompact car, with the four-door Sedan version complementing the recently introduced Rio four-door hatch. The sedan rides on an all-new platform shared with the Hatch that is longer, lower and wider than the previous generation Rio. And like the hatch, it features styling that is more distinctive and attractive thanks to Kia’s ex-Audi Chief Designer, Peter Schreyer.

The Rio sedan and hatch are fundamentally the same vehicle, although the sedan is 320 millimetres longer than the hatch, and has a different front fascia, grille, headlamps, LED positioning lights, solar glass and available rear LED lights. Also at the rear… well, that’s pretty obvious: it has a trunk.

Choosing one Rio over the other is simply a matter of personal preference. Interior dimensions are virtually the same between the two models, although the sedan is priced slightly below the hatch.

Also standard on the LX are 15-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, tilt steering column, trip computer, map lights, power door locks, power windows, driver seat height adjustment, power and heated mirrors, satellite radio with speech recognition, auxiliary/USB inputs, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and body-coloured mirrors and door handles.

Notable are features like the four-wheel disc brakes, satellite radio, power mirrors and power windows that are rarely found on base subcompacts. Likewise, the GDI engine with its generous output is noteworthy, as is its designation as one of Ward’s Autos Ten Best engines.

Kia expects the LX+ to be the “volume seller” at $15,295. It adds air conditioning, cruise control, fog lights, heated seats, Bluetooth and keyless entry to the base package, creating a very well equipped car for the price.

Other trim levels include a $17,395 LX Eco that maximizes fuel economy by including an idle stop/go feature that shuts down the engine at stoplights, restarting it when the driver releases the brake.

The $16,695 EX adds features like a power sunroof, auto folding mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the $17,195 EX+ adds the UVO infotainment system and rear view camera. The $20,495 EX Luxury offers many items found in larger, luxury-oriented vehicles like a heatable steering wheel, rain sensing windshield wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels with sport suspension and bigger front brakes, electronic climate control, two-tone leather upholstery, and the option of a navigation system ($1,200). Automatic is the only transmission offered with the EX Luxury.

We drove both the LX+ with manual transmission and EX Luxury with automatic. Normally I find the manual transmission versions of small cars to feel more peppy and responsive than those with an automatic, and while this version of the Rio has those attributes, the automatic model seemed equally capable. 

Kia Wins What Car? Low Carbon Award

Kia has scooped the What Car? Ultra Low Carbon Award for its environmentally efficient range of cars. Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, received the award and commented: ”Kia has been striving over recent years not only to deliver exciting, attractive, high-quality cars - but also to deliver real benefits to customers in the form of cleaner technologies that don’t carry a price premium. We are delighted that What Car? – one of Europe’s leading consumer magazines – has recognized our efforts.”

Despite Kia's environmental credentials, the manufacturer lacks 'mass recognition' among British motorists. Let us, therefore, consider the highlights of their range. The all-new Picanto rivals the popular Ford Ka, whereas the larger Rio is a supermini. The Venga is a compact MPV that faces the capable Nissan Note – and the Cee'd is a Vauxhall Astra class workhorse. This comes in hatchback and estate guises. The Sorento is a large four-wheel- drive, and the Sedona is a seven-seater people carrier. Something for everyone, perhaps?