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Luxuriously Equipped Interior
Moving inside, the 2012 Rio5
envelopes driver and passengers in a bold and modern cabin, centered on Kia's
characteristic horizontal three-cylinder instrument panel, two-tone for the 2012
Rio to emphasize a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. An extended wheelbase
(101.2 inches) greatly enhances passenger and cargo capacity for additional
comfort, offering 40 inches front headroom, 37.8 inches rear headroom, 43.3
inches front legroom and 31.1 inches rear legroom for the Rio5 hatchback.
Standard on the LX trim is a driver's seat height adjuster, while moving to
the EX trim includes standard power windows with automatic up/down on the
driver's window, Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity with steering
wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for
compatible mobile phones, telescoping steering column, 60/40 split folding rear
seats and leatherette door trim. The SX trim offers consumers an even more
upscale look and feel with standard metal pedals, metal grain, a Supervision
meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with
sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, cruise control,
UVO powered by Microsoft in-car hands-free communication and entertainment
system with rear camera display, and chrome-coated accents throughout.
In
addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also
come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS
Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service and
auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players.
Available packaging upgrades for the Rio EX include a Convenience Package and
Eco Package, while the SX level offers an available Premium Package. The
Convenience Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic light control, fog
lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, maplight with sunglasses
holder, illuminated vanity mirrors, outside heated mirrors with turn signal
indicators, trip computer, cruise control and the UVO powered by Microsoft
in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera
display . The Eco Package appeals to the environmentally friendly consumer with
ISG technology and an Active Eco System for optimal fuel-efficient driving.
Upgrading the SX trim with the luxurious Premium Package includes a navigation
system (replaces the UVO system), push-button start with Smart Key, leather seat
trim, heated front seats and a moonroof to give an open, airy feeling.
All-New Advanced Platform
The 2012 Rio5 brings with it an all-new
platform - longer, wider and lower than the previous generation. Its aggressive
and playful stance is assisted through an overall length of 159.3 (Rio5) with a
platform measuring 67.7 inches wide and 57.3 inches high. Employing
high-tensile-strength steel (63 percent), Rio's lightweight design offers high
torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement. Though a
more expensive alternative, using these materials also increases crash safety
capabilities while reducing overall weight. To ensure good noise vibration and
harshness (NVH) reduction, the 2012 Rio5 was outfitted with hood and dash
insulators as well as expandable foam in the A and C pillars and Thinsulate in
the A and B pillars.
Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Rio
utilizes independent front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts, coil
springs and a stabilizer bar are used in the front with a torsion beam axle
suspension in the rear to engage drivers with responsive handling and provide
the utmost comfort for a variety of driving situations.
Safety-Minded
The 2012 Rio5 is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as
is the rest of the Kia line-up. Rio's high-strength steel structure includes an
innovative Halo Body construction designed to help protect occupants in certain
side impact and roll-over collisions, while additional standard safety features
include six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as
full-length side curtain), side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front
seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all
seating positions and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). Also
standard on all Rio trims for increased driver and passenger safety are
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS),
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which
coordinates the car's ESC and ABS to help the driver stay in control of the
vehicle.
Kia Rio5: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications