Car Review: 2012 Kia Rio, affordable and worth consideration

Courtesy of The Washington Times

It’s been totally redesigned for 2012 so for smart car shoppers looking for a bargain, the Kia Rio will be right up your alley. Competition with the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, and the Mazda 2 comes in neck-to-neck.

With a stylish design both interior and exterior, fuel goes far in this one and in the subcompact market, the Kia Rio is a looker. Another plus, the many features you get standard on this car and the options are standout too.

The 2012 Kia Rio comes in a sedan or a hatchback with four doors and trim levels include the base LX or the EX and the sportier SX.

The LX offers 15-inch steel wheels, power and heated mirrors, trip computer, tilt steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and a four-speaker sound system with all the goodies. You can also get the Power Package as an option on this trim with power windows and door locks as well as keyless entry.

Up one and the EX has the added chrome grille frame, upgraded audio, cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a center console with sliding armrest, better upholstery and metallic cabin accents.

If you add the Convenience package you will get 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, power-folding outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Kia's "Uvo" voice-activated interface. 

The sportier SX has 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, dual exhaust tips, LED front accent and rear taillights and the optional SX Premium package comes with a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, leather seating, and heated front seats.

Under the hood the 2012 Kia Rio engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. With a six-speed manual transmission as the standard on the LX you can choose the six-speed automatic too. The EX and SX are only offered in the six-speed automatic version.

For safety, the Kia folks have included antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side and side curtain airbags, and hill start assist.  The Kia Rio also has disc brakes for excellent braking power.

The Rio's cabin offers good materials and quality, particularly when paying such an affordable price. The seats are comfortable with a number of adjustment options for comfort while driving and even the passenger position options are standout.

Of course, as in all backseat situations, the legroom in the rear is tight. The sedan has 13.7 cubic-feet  of trunk space, but you can lower the rear seats. On the hatchback you can haul enough to fit in the 49.8 cubic-feet that’s available.

Knobs and dials are easy to navigate and understand intuitively and the Kia’s Uvo voice-activated system is a real standout, keeping the competition on their toes.

It has a nice ride, quiet and comfortable, taking the curves and handling well on the road, so most likely your decision on this vehicle will be a matter of brand preference. Do consider it since all the major pluses have been thought through here for styling, driving, and both inside and outside comfort and safety.

Should You Need to Know: Even though it is a subcompact, taller drivers can still sit behind the wheel in the 2012 Kia Rio with ease.  Take into consideration the long warranty coverage that is increasingly important these days.

Miles Per Gallon: The Kia Rio EX that I drove came in with 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

Cost: The cost of the Kia Rio EX I drove had a price tag of only $18,345, enough to put a smile on any thrifty car shopper’s face.