The all­new 2018 Rio sedan and 5­door hatchback are the latest additions to the world­class Kia Motors America (KMA) model lineup. Delivering a new eye­catching design that is decidedly European, this subcompact duo will bring an exciting combination of fuel efficiency, innovative technology, advanced safety technology4, everyday convenience and fun­to­drive character to valueconscious consumers when the cars arrive at Kia retailers in the fourth quarter of this year.

European Design Influence

Rio’s exterior is defined by crisp lines and smooth surfaces, providing a more sophisticated and sporty appearance over the previous generation.  The front end wears the latest iteration of Kia’s ‘tiger­nose’ grille, integrating newly designed headlights that are swept back for a more aggressive appearance.

 

 

Modern and Convenient Cabin

The Rio’s interior also is decidedly more spacious, modern and upscale with an improved instrument panel, more ergonomic layout and upgraded interior materials.  The cabin has also been redesigned to better accommodate the Rio’s new range of technologies.

Horizontal lines running the width of the dashboard mimic the exterior design and give the cabin a wider and more expansive look and feel.

For convenience, the center console offers a bi­level tray to better accommodate portable devices such as smartphones and small tablets.

Thanks to Rio’s larger dimensions and wheelbase, its cabin is among the roomiest in its class – the sedan’s passenger space is 89.9 cubic feet while the 5­door hatchback measures 90.5 cubic feet.  Front occupants will enjoy more head room, leg room and shoulder room while those in the second row will benefit from greater leg­ and shoulder room.  These improvements are the result of re­profiled door trims, new material for the headliner and a reshaping of the dashboard.  Those looking for ample cargo room will not be disappointed with either the sedan’s 13.7 cubic feet or the 5­door hatchback’s 17.4 cubic feet.  With the seats folded down, the hatchback offers a voluminous 32.8 cubic feet with a low and flat cargo floor to accommodate luggage, small furniture or weekend gear.

The front seats have also been redesigned to enhance comfort.  They feature a slimmer design yet add more cushion and padding to reduce driver fatigue during long commutes and road trips.

On the tech front, the Rio offers a generous roster of features including Bluetooth® hands­free functionality5, a six­speaker stereo with satellite radio and a rear­view camera system6.  Available only on the top­tier EX trim I a seven­inch floating touchscreen interface, UVO3 voice recognition infotainment system and smartphone integration through Android AutoTM and Apple CarPlayTM, all of which are not typically found in the subcompact segment.

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Power and Efficiency

Available in three trims – LX, S and EX – the all­new 2018 Rio is powered by a carryover but enhanced Gamma 1.6­liter GDI four­cylinder engine with improved fuel efficiency (as described below), better responsiveness and low­speed driving dynamics.  The main features of this unit are a high­pressure fuel system with direct injection, variable intake system, low­friction oil seals, and piston cooling­jets.  The wellengineered powerplant also utilizes an aluminum valve cover and block for reduced weight, while incorporating cast iron linings meant for increased durability.

Power is channeled to the front wheels through either a six­speed manual or six­speed automatic transmission in both the Rio sedan and

Rio 5­door.  Output is a spirited 130 horsepower and 119 pound­feet of torque for a more engaging driving experience.

The engine enhancements help improve Rio’s fuel economy to 28 city/37 highway/32 combined (automatic, both 5­door and sedan).

Equipped with a manual  transmission, MPG is 29 city/37 highway/32 combined (both 5­door and sedan), besting the previous generation by 1 MPG city/1 MPG highway/2 MPG combined for the automatic and 1 MPG city/1 MPG highway/1 MPG combined for the manual7.

The Rio’s all­new platform is not only dimensionally larger than the previous generation model, but is now underpinned by completely new suspension geometry.  Weighing in at just 2,648 lbs. (manual transmission) and 2,714 lbs. (automatic transmission), engineers sought to refine the driving experience with more agile handling and improved ride comfort, and this was achieved by designing a fully­independent

MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.  The new Rio sedan and Rio 5­door also benefit from a revised spring and damper setup that helps make the car more compliant and comfortable. Stopping power comes from 11­inch disc brakes up front and drum brakes in the rear, while the EX model is outfitted with 11­inch disc brakes up front an 10.3­inch rear disc brakes. And, for the first time, Rio is offered with available Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). In total, all these enhancements deliver crisp and nimble handling and improve overall driver confidence.

Rio’s solid structure makes use of advanced high strength steel to help increase durability, collision test performance and torsional stiffness for improved handling and ride quality.  For reduced noise, vibration and harshness (N H), the Rio uses body sealing and bonding adhesives to dampen sound pathways throughout its construction.