Kia Rio

Cheapest of the cheap cars? 2021 Chevrolet Spark LS

The average price of a new car in the United States is now more than $40,000. But it wasn’t too many years ago when $30,000 was the entry-level for a luxury car and $20,000 was enough to buy various new cars. It’s now what cheap cars cost. As recent as a decade ago, one new car could be purchased for $10,000. It was the Hyundai Accent 3-door and it was the last year a new vehicle in the U.S., without government rebates, had a base price of less than $10,000. A lot has changed in 10 years. Five years ago, the Accent reached its peak in yearly U.S. sales at 79,766. In 2020, the lowly Hyundai’s sales stumble to 15,975.

Read more

Chevy Spark tops 2020 cheapest car list

Six years ago, a small number of buyers in the United States could still purchase the cheapest car with a sticker price of less than $10,000. It was a 2014 Chevrolet Spark and considering all available rebates, including a military personnel discount and several other incentives, the base model Spark was available for a high four-figure tally. With the average price of a new vehicle now steadily advancing toward $40,000, only about a dozen new cars in the country are now available for less than $20,000. Despite the price increase, the top-10 cheap car list includes a substantially improved standard features list. Top-10 Cheapest Car List All Less Than 19K Nearly every car on the list includes air conditioning, stability

Read more
,

2013 Kia Rio Review: Solid driving fun, utility

The Kia Rio got sporty, nicely sculpted styling for 2012 and adds such automatic transmission shifter paddles for the top-line SX, a fuel-saving “idle stop-and-go” feature and extra storage space via a cargo floor tray for 2013. The 2013 Rio looks like it’s fun to drive, and the top-line SX model I tested is just that. Key Takeaways Test car: top-line SX hatchback with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder, direct fuel injection, 138 horsepower and a six-speed manual that Kia built in only 500 examples. $13,600 to $17,900 across the LX, EX and SX; the SX hatchback is $17,900. 29 mpg city and 36 highway with the manual and 28 and 36 with the automatic, as estimated at the time. Warranty: the

Read more
,

2012 Kia Rio Review: New style, stellar gas mileage for handsome subcompact

The 2012 Kia Rio, now in its third generation, is a subcompact available as 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback and featuring either a 5 or 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic matched with a 138-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. Available in three levels: the base LX trim, the midlevel EX, and top-line SX, Rios have electric power steering, air conditioning and satellite radio as standard equipment. Surprisingly, the Rio LX and Rio SX are priced lower in 2012 than the previous year’s models. The 2011 Rio lineup was not nearly the same quality, largely because of a staid exterior and interior design. Standard safety features include four-wheel ABS brakes, Hill Start Assist Control, and Electronic Stability and Vehicle Stability Control systems. Key Takeaways

Read more
,

2012 Kia Rio Review: Sleek, improved mpg, efficient sedan/hatchback

The 2011 Kia Rio looked plain, but was fairly lively, economical and backed with a long warranty. You either bought it, or maybe a used car. The redone 2012 model has slicker, European-inspired styling, more power, a better automatic transmission and improved fuel economy, besides keeping Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Key Takeaways 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder with 138 horsepower and a six-speed automatic, up from 110 horsepower and a four-speed in the 2011 Rio. $17,500 for the SX sedan tested; the lineup runs from $13,400 to $17,700, excluding a $750 destination charge. Premium package, $2,200: power tilt/slide sunroof, navigation system, push-button start, leather seat trim and heated front seats. 30 mpg city and 40 highway as originally estimated; the EPA restated

Read more
,

2013 Kia Rio Review: Versatile subcompact offers great fuel economy, value

The sub-compact segment in the United States is competitive, with every carmaker offering an entry as gas prices rise. But how does a manufacturer break from the pack and impress target buyers? Several dimensions standout: performance, ride quality, fuel economy, driving dynamics, options, styling, price. With the 2013 Kia Rio, the carmaker is concentrating on style, fuel economy, price and value. Key Takeaways 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder with 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. $16,500 starting price, with rear disc brakes and hill assist on the manual. Rivals named: Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Chevy Sonic and Toyota Yaris. Acceleration: The acceleration is decent, but not impressive. Cabin: Interior space on the Rio is surprisingly accommodating. 28 mpg city and 36

Read more
, ,

2012 Kia Rio, Optima get MotorWeek best subcompact, midsize honors

The 2012 Kia Rio and Kia Optima have been designated with Drivers' Choice Awards as the best subcompact and midsize sedan by MotorWeek at the Chicago Auto Show. The long-running television program recognized the Kia models for their performance, fuel efficiency and overall value. The Rio and Optima bring many convenience features to their respective segments, including Bluetooth wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM satellite radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. The annual MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards represent the editors' best automotive picks for a range of lifestyles. This year, a team of 15 judges comprised of MotorWeek's editorial staff, evaluated more than 150 cars, trucks and utility vehicles. Decisions are based

Read more
,

2012 Kia Rio Review: Refining the top-of-the-line, entry level car

Now in its 12th year and third generation, the 2012 Kia Rio subcompact debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in March and is just now appearing regularly around the country since its dealership unveiling in the fall of 2011. The South Korean 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback features either a 5 or 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic matched with a 138-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. For 2012, the Kia Rio and Kia Rio SX, both priced lower than 2011 models, are available in three levels: the base LX trim, the midlevel EX, and top-of-the-line SX. All have electric power steering, air conditioning and satellite radio as standard equipment. Likewise, standard safety features include four-wheel ABS brakes, Hill Start Assist Control, and Electronic

Read more

2012 Kia Soul and Rio seek more sales with more car

Positioned among the underdogs in two of the most competitive automotive segments — subcompacts and sport utility vehicles — Kia has unveiled in a national media launch its 2012 Kia Rio and Kia Soul. Held at Travaasa, the woodsy luxury resort on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, Oct. 10-11, the lower-priced Kia and iconic Soul, were presented as two of the main reasons why Kia has generated a vast increase in popularity in the past three years. Tom Loveless, vice president of sales for Kia Motors of America, one of several Kia speakers during a 90-minute presentation, offered the following statistics: * Through September 2011, Kia has had a record 13 straight months of increased sales, an automotive industry record;

Read more

Kia Rio, 2012: New features, new style, lower starting price

The redesigned 2012 Kia Rio ($13,600) and Kia Rio5 ($14,700), priced lower than 2011 models, are available in three trim levels — the base LX trim, the midlevel EX, and the top of the line SX. The SX starts at just under $18,000, which includes additional features such as 17 inch alloy wheels, twin chrome exhausts, a sport tuned suspension, and LED accents for the head and taillamps. Regardless of which model is selected, all three Rio trim levels will have electric power steering, air conditioning, and satellite radio as standard equipment along with standard safety features such as four wheel ABS brakes, Hill Start Assist Control, and Electronic Stability and Vehicle Stability Control systems. The 2012 Kia Rio features

Read more