Five-Door LX Model Added to Kia's Subcompact Segment Leader
11/14/2007
KIA
Since being redesigned for 2006, Kia's Rio sedan and Rio5 five-door have been awarded accolade upon accolade. Considered "Most Fun to Drive" by the Wall Street Journal (2006) and being voted a "Most Wanted" sedan and wagon by Edmunds.com (2007), editors highlight the entry-level vehicle's exciting handling and performance spunk. Proof of its superior build and utmost quality lay in back-to-back "Highest Ranking" finishes in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study SM (IQS) in 2006 and 2007.
The 2008 Rio and Rio5 look to add to these successes by continuing to offer the same lineage of sporty finesse, top-of-the-line quality and high fuel economy. To further push the envelope in terms of value, the Rio5 LX has been added to the lineup and provides yet another affordable option to those preferring the sporty styling cues and interior flexibility of a five-door. The Rio5 LX will offer the same features as the sedan version such as an eight-way adjustable drivers seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, an AM/FM/CD audio system, six standard airbags as well as one of the roomiest interiors in its class.
Quick and Nimble
All vehicles in the Rio lineup feature a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder CVVT engine, which produces 110 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with either the standard five-speed manual transmission or the optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission - available for LX and SX trims - Rio and Rio5 overpower the likes of segment competitors Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. An independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar combined with a semi-independent rear suspension provide responsive handling for all driving situations. The engine-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system adds balanced control to create a smooth, comfortable ride for the short trip or the long haul.
Outward Personality
With five trims to choose from, the 2008 Rio model line offers styling flexibility for the fun and frugal. Available with standard 14-inch wheels and 175/70R14 tires or optional 16-inch alloys paired with 205/45R16-sized rubber, the eye-catching Rio and Rio5 can be equipped to be subtle or sporty. Clear-lens headlights as well as body-color bumpers, outside mirrors and door handles provide a sleek, clean look whereas SX-trim upgrades of fog lights and a body-color rear spoiler add athleticism. Body-side moldings finalize the exterior styling cues that hint at the vehicle's fun-to-drive persona.
Inward Versatility
The sportily attractive exterior opens its doors to an interior high on appeal and function. Full cloth trim, an eight-way adjustable driver's seat with a fold-down armrest, a rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets are standard features in every Rio. Intelligent use of space is also evident in the form of numerous storage areas, a center stack tray, a front passenger luggage hook and a rear mesh seatback pocket. The LX trim offers additional conveniences such as an AM/FM/CD audio system, an auxiliary audio input jack (new for 2008), rear seat adjustable headrests, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Stylish SX models include the addition of: red-stitched gray sport seat and door trim; metal-finish dash and door trim; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as well as metal pedals with rubberized inserts and auxiliary audio input jack (new for 2008).
Small but Spacious
The Rio and Rio5 may be considered entry level but room afforded to passengers and cargo is nothing short of high end. Its 98.4-inch wheelbase and 57.9-inch height is similar to segment competitors, yet through smart design the Rio lineup provides 92.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is more room than larger sedans such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Trunk space is also generous with the Rio sedan offering a deep and spacious 11.9 cubic feet while the Rio5 offers 15.8 cubic feet of rear storage. When the standard 60/40-split fold-flat rear seats are folded down, cargo volume in the five-door increases to 49.6 cubic feet.
Safety Features Abound
Following Kia's core philosophy of providing best-in-class safety, the 2008 Rio and Rio5 offer an extensive list of standard safety technology, which includes: dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear three-point seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A four-sensor, four-channel antilock brake system (ABS) is an available option on LX and SX models.
To complement its standard safety features, all Rio vehicles are backed by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a five-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance plan.