Kia hits reset on Rio, Soul for 2012 models

BY JEFF TAYLOR For Sun-Times Media November 14, 2011 11:08AM

2012 Kia Rio 5

2012 KIA RIO 5

ENGINE: 138-horsepower 1.6-liter four cylinder

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 30 city/40 highway

BASE PRICE: $13,600

AS TESTED: $14,700

WEBSITE: kia.com

2012 KIA SOUL

ENGINE: 138-horsepower 1.6-liter four cylinder

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 27 city/35 highway

BASE PRICE: $13,900

AS TESTED: $15,700

WEBSITE: kia.com

Article Extras

However, Kia is bolstering its popular product lineup by adding a redesigned Rio and refreshed Soul for 2012. The subcompact class is exploding with choices, and Kia is back in the hunt with the 2012 Rio five-door. Beyond the new styling enhancements, Kia added more interior technology offerings, a more powerful engine and more standard safety features to Rio to make it a viable subcompact competitor. I tested the versatile five-door hatchback offered in LX, EX and SX trims.

Kia’s stylists went to work on the Rio, and came up with a sharp-looking roller incorporating Kia’s signature grille, a dynamic headlamp design and sculpted, sloping shoulder lines.

If you’re looking for a slick, subcompact, five-door speedster, keep looking. The 2012 Rio’s mission is fuel economy and value. It’s available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder with either a six-speed manual transmission (LX) or six-speed automatic.

The 1.6-liter four-cylinder produces 138 horsepower with class-leading fuel economy numbers of 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway. Beyond the slick aerodynamic styling, reduced weight and six-speed transmissions, the Rio achieves these mileage ratings using idle stop and go (ISG) technology in Eco models. ISG helps cut fuel consumption and boost fuel economy by shutting the engine off when the vehicle is stopped — like at a stop light or in a parking lot — and automatically restarting when the driver releases the brake pedal.

I tested the Rio five-door on twisty mountain roads, putting its acceleration, brakes and suspension to the test.

The automatic Rio has decent acceleration from a start and has enough power left for hill climbing and passing. The six-speed automatic was drama free, providing smooth shifts and downshifting properly when I stepped on the gas going up hills. This front-wheel driver did not exhibit as much torque steer as competitive models. On other portions of the test route the Rio 5 was responsive, well-dampened and the electric steering had good road feel. The optional 17-inch wheels are huge for this class and really grip the road. I found the Rio to be a competent, responsive subcompact.

The Rio’s interior is straight forward with a nice contemporary design that includes a gauge pack with large, easy-to-read faces. The buttons and knobs are clear and easy to use, and driver and front passengers can easily access the high-mounted radio and lower climate controls. In this price point plastic prevails, but there are some soft-touch areas and textured portions. The overall design is appealing with details, storage spaces and upgrades like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power and convenience packages with technology and comfort options available.

The EX and SX models offer UVO, the Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display. A navigation system with Sirius XM Traffic is available in the premium package, along with a push-button start with smart key, leather seat trim, heated front seats and a moon roof.

There is ample seating for four 6-foot adults, and the seats are comfortable and well-bolstered. Rear legroom is a bit tight, but the seats are supportive and are 60/40 units. Cargo space is good but a bit unrefined.

Overall the new 2012 Rio five-door does a lot of things well and competes favorably with the likes of the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta. Pricing is good, technology is available and Kia’s reputation for value and quality is represented well.

Kia’s bold hatchback features a new, more aggressive look with new front and rear fascias, projector headlamps, rear LED lighting, more power and some interior upgrades for 2012. Horsepower is up and with ISG technology, Soul achieves up to 35 highway mpg. New for 2012 is an all-new 350-watt seven-speaker Infinity audio system that is available on Soul+ models and standard on Soul! models. Also new for 2012 on Soul! models is UVO powered by Microsoft.

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