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2012 Kia Rio 5-Door [w/video]

Fun And Efficiency Without Glaring Faults It is an amusing conversation when Kia executives, from the United States and Korea, discuss their relationship with Hyundai. Kia Motors is partly owned by Hyundai Motor Company. As a result, the two share platforms, powertrains and an impressive research and development center in Namyang, Korea. But that is where the cooperation ends and the competitiveness takes over. Each of the automakers has their own top-secret design center, unique marketing teams and individual directorate. Ask Kia leaders about Hyundai and they will say the automaker ... Read More

Vital Stats

Engine:
1.6L I4
Power:
138 HP / 123 Lb-FT
Transmission:
6-Speed Automatic
MSRP:
NA
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    Kia Rio
    Report: Senator calling for answers from Hyundai and Kia over MPG debacle
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    Hyundai and Kia have already gone public with plans to make good on the inflated fuel economy claims scandal that has rocked both companies in recent weeks. But one US senator, Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), is skeptical that the general public will see much good from the proposal, and he's looking for answers. To recap: Hyundai/Kia have agreed to compensate ...

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    Kia Rio
    Report: Act Surprised: Hyundai, Kia sued over inflated fuel mileage ratings
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    You knew this was coming. Shortly after Hyundai and Kia admitted that their internal processes for calculating fuel economy were flawed, resulting in a major program to compensate drivers for lower-than-advertised mile-per-gallon numbers and the re-rating of a large percentage of the two-headed Korean automaker's vehicles, we have word of a ...

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    Kia Rio
    SEMA: Kia transforms five Justice League inspired models for Heroes charity
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    Following up on the dark and sinister Batman Optima that we saw revealed in New York City a while back, Kia has come to SEMA with a selection of super hero-inspired cars for your viewing pleasure. DC Entertainment has offered up its well known Justice League cast of characters for Kia-fication. Flash has lent his livery to a Kia Forte Koup, Green Lantern ...

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    Kia Rio
    Official: Kia to offer limited edition 2013 Rio 5-Door SX with manual gearbox
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    Up until now, if you wanted the top-of-the-line version of the Kia Rio 5-Door, you could only get it with the six-speed automatic transmission. But now, Kia has now announced a limited run of six-speed manual-equipped hatchbacks. That means that Rio 5-Door buyers no longer have to decide between a row-your-own gearbox and features like the UVO ...

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    Kia Rio
    Recalls: Kia recalls nearly 73,000 Rio models over airbag issue
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    Due to a potentially faulty sensor mat, Kia is voluntarily recalling Kia Rio models from the 2006 to 2008 model years. The sensor in the passenger's seat is susceptible to cracking from fatigue. If that happens, it may not be able to detect whether a child is in the seat, nor will it be able to adjust the airbag deployment settings so as not to deploy if ...

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    Kia Rio
    Video: Watch French motorcyclist Julien Dupont stunt his way through Rio de Janeiro
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    There are literally thousands of videos on YouTube highlighting riders performing all manners of mind-bending stunts on motorcycles. Most of them merit a passing glance and little more. The video you'll see after the break, featuring French trials rider Julien Dupont, is an exception. You really should watch this video from start to finish. Brought to us ...

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    Kia Rio
    Official: Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top Consumer Reports subcompact shootout
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    Consumer Reports has just wrapped up an evaluation of subcompact sedans, and the Kia Rio EX has rolled out ahead of the class. The four-door beat out its corporate clone, the Hyundai Accent and the Chevrolet Sonic to take the top spot. Evaluators pointed to the sharp handling and well-optioned interior in the Rio as reasons for the vehicle's win. The ...

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    Kia Rio
    Report: Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media
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    The come-hither 2012 Kia Rio has been bolting off dealer lots for obvious reasons that go beyond its $14,350 price. One of its noteworthy features for the U.S. market, especially for the segment, is stop/start, which Kia calls ISG for Idle, Stop & Go. Media feedback, however, has convinced Kia that ISG is not quite ready for prime time, so it's been ...

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    Kia Rio
    Kia taking the Rio racing, Optima Hybrid selected as pace car
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    Kia has only been racing for two years, but during this past season of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, the plucky Korean brand recorded both its first-ever first place finish and won the driver and team championships for the entire season. Teams don't usually win their first race and wind up champions in the same season. So Kia's good at ...

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    Kia Rio
    Kia partners with Antenna mag for retro surf-themed Rio
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    Kia has teamed up with Antenna magazine to create a special surf-themed concept for this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas. The publication turned its attention to the 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door. With a special sunset-metallic paint, custom gold wheels and a wooden front splitter, there's no mistaking the machine as a run-of-the-mill Rio. Inside, the vehicle has ...

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