2012 Kia Rio Sedan launch | At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, Kia unveiled the new 2012 Kia Rio hatchback, a sexy looking compact version of the old Rip that the brand has been selling for many years. Kia announced today that the sedan version of the new Kia Rio will make its debut a the 2011 New York Auto Show next month.
In Europe, the 2012 Kia Rio is available with four fuel-efficient engines with output ranging from 69-hp to 107-hp. Transmission choices include 5 or 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
The LX trim includes body-color door handles and side mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, while the EX adds power door locks with keyless entry. Finally, the SX trim offers standard 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, dual chrome tip exhaust, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators and, unique for the Rio5, projector headlamps.
Interior highlights include a driver's seat height adjuster as standard on the LX trim, 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, telescoping steering column, 60/40 split folding rear seats and leatherette door trim. The SX trim offers 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, and more.
In other news, Kia also let slip that the KV7 concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show previews what's in store for the next-generation Sedona minivan. We hinted at this after a conversation with Michael Sprague, Kia's vice president of marketing, though it's still unclear exactly what elements from the KV7 will be incorporated into the next-gen Sedona. The concept focused on a more traditional conversion van setup rather than the family-centric Sedona that currently graces our streets.
