SX Four-Door Model Added to Kia's Award-Winning Subcompact Lineup
10/31/2006
Kia
The completely redesigned Rio sedan and Rio5 five-door made quite a splash during their first year on the market, receiving Autobytel's "Editor's Choice for Most Improved New Car," and ranking highest for initial quality in the subcompact segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS)¹. Rio has also been recognized as one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the market by the Environmental Protection Agency and JD Power and Associates.
For 2007, Rio and Rio5 will continue to offer the same combination of engine performance and fuel economy, one of the largest interior volumes in their class, and six standard airbags, including full-length side-curtain airbags. Building on the success of the Rio5 SX, a new SX four-door model will be added to the Rio lineup. The SX four-door includes front fog lights, 15-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, metal-finish interior trim, metal pedals, unique black mesh sport fabric inserts with red highlights and red accent stitching on the door panels and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Additional refinements for 2007 include revised 15- and 14-inch alloy wheel designs, new manual and automatic transmission shift knobs and the addition of an illuminated ignition surround. For SX models, a new 16-inch alloy wheel is available, and chrome accents have been added to the instrument panel air vents.
The Rio model lineup includes three trim levels for the four-door sedan - Base, LX and SX - and the Rio5 SX five-door.
With six standard air bags, Rio and Rio5 follow Kia's brand philosophy of providing best-in-class safety technology and Rio continues to be one of the lowest priced cars in the U.S. to offer full-length side curtain airbags as standard equipment.
The 2007 Rio and Rio5 are equipped with standard front-wheel disc brakes. Antilock brakes (ABS) with four-wheel disc brakes are available as optional equipment for Rio LX and SX four-door models as well as Rio5 SX.
With a total interior volume of 92.2 cubic feet, the Rio and Rio5 have one of the roomiest cabins in their segment, and more interior space than the larger Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. The Rio5's 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space is larger than that of the Chevrolet Aveo five-door and the Scion xA.
Rio's 1.6-liter DOHC engine, which incorporates Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), produces 110 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque and can be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (available for Rio LX, SX and Rio5 SX).
Fuel economy ratings are 32 mpg city/35 mpg highway with the manual transmission and 29 mpg city/38 mpg highway with the automatic transmission.
Rio and Rio5 feature an independent front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension for responsive, athletic handling and long-travel ride comfort. Using MacPherson struts with gas shocks and coil springs in the front, and a torsion beam axle with coil springs in the rear, Rio's suspension is carefully tuned to be fun-to-drive while offering maximum comfort. A front stabilizer bar is standard on all Rio models, and Rio LX, SX and Rio5 SX variations employ a precise rack-and-pinion steering system, equipped with engine-speed-sensitive power assist to aid in handling.
Inside, all Rio models feature a standard full cloth interior with sporty mesh fabric, eight-way adjustable driver's seat with a fold-down armrest, tachometer and rear defroster. In addition to the user-friendly ergonomics of the interior, there are also several thoughtful touches throughout the cabin, including numerous storage areas for cell phones and PDAs, a slot in the center stack for parking passes or toll tickets, dual 12V power outlets and a convenient shopping bag hook on the back of the front passenger seat.
The Rio LX sedan offers additional standard equipment, including: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio, power steering with tilt, 60/40 split folding rear seat and larger 14-inch tires and full wheel covers.
Rio SX and Rio5 SX models feature the same standard equipment as the LX sedan and add: 15-inch tires and alloy wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and metal finish interior trim and metal pedals.
Optional equipment for the Rio LX, SX and Rio5 SX includes a four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission, a Power Package and antilock brakes (ABS) with rear disc brakes. A rear spoiler is also available for the LX four-door sedan. The optional Power Package for the Rio LX, SX and Rio5 SX includes power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, power heated outside mirrors and tweeter speakers for the audio system.
The Base four-door sedan is equipped with 14-inch steel wheels and 175/70R14 tires, while the LX sedan features 14-inch wheels with full wheel covers and larger 185/65R14 tires. Rio SX and Rio5 SX are equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R15 tires.
Like all Kia models, Rio and Rio5 are covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
Kia Motors America - the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea - offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information visit www.kiamedia.com.
¹ IQS ranking achieved in a tie