The signature Soul design is still instantly recognizable, with more than a passing nod to the cutting-edge Track’ster concept that was unveiled last year.

The base Soul is powered by a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 1.6-litre all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine. Other available Soul trims will offer a more powerful 2.0-litre GDI power plant. Both engines have been tuned to provide more low-end torque for an improved around-town driving experience.

Riding on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider, the all-new Soul offers more passenger and cargo room while reducing Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) levels. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments.

Pricing will be announced closer to the Soul’s launch date in the third quarter of this year.

“Introduced in 2009, the Soul began Kia’s design-led transformation and played a vital role in the evolution of the Kia brand,” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing, Kia Canada Inc. “Its iconic design exemplifies Kia’s commitment to deliver a combination of innovative styling, along with enhanced driving dynamics and functionality.”

The new Soul is built on an all-new chassis that is significantly stiffer than before. Engineers put their efforts in strengthening the body at key connection points along the cowl, upper and lower B-pillars, cross members, and at the C-pillars. Fully, 66 per cent of the chassis utilizes either Ultra High Strength Steel (35 percent) or High Strength Steel (31 percent). The application of structural adhesive around the door openings and along the roof also helps improve torsional rigidity.

Fuel consumption ratings, as well as prices and engine specifications will be available closer to launch.

The post Kia’s New Soul Revealed In NY appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The updated 2013 Optima Hybrid features a more performance-driven and fuel-efficient powertrain as well as more cargo space and premium features.

For 2013, Kia said the Optima Hybrid features numerous powertrain refinements for smoothness and drivability, including a more robust 47 horsepower electric motor, a stronger Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) and a more powerful 47 kilowatt lithium polymer battery.

Although the combined 199 horsepower rating is slightly lower than before, reduced from 206, the combined 235 pound-feet of torque is 40 pound-feet higher. According to Kia, this will result in a more responsive and powerful Optima Hybrid.

The Optima Hybrid is now available in two trim levels in the U.S., base and EX.  The base model achieves an EPA estimated 36 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 38 mpg combined, making the Optima Hybrid more efficient than its predecessor.

The EX model delivers an EPA estimated 35/39/37; the difference being due to additional equipment and different wheels. The EX adds, amongst others, navigation with back-up camera, an 8-speaker Infinity audio system4, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats and 17-inch wheels.

The 2013 Optima Hybrid benefits from greater trunk space than before, thanks to the repackaging of the vehicle’s battery pack.

The Optima Hybrid builds on the gasoline-powered Optima, offering improved aerodynamics and using lighter weight components. Lighter and more aerodynamic 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, base and EX respectively, reduce weight and drag, while superbly integrating with the Optima’s stunning design.  Extensive use of aluminum instead of steel for the lower front and rear control arms, tie rod ends and rear knuckles helps offset the weight of the hybrid components.

According to Kia, improved aerodynamics are gained via the Optima Hybrid’s lowered ride height, full belly pan and rear spoiler.  Other Optima Hybrid differentiators include satin finished front grille surround and trim on the lower front fascia and side sills, and unique front and rear lighting.

The post Kia Optima Hybrid Updated For 2013 appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The coupe-looking hatchback concept, known as provo, mixes a gasoline-fueled turbo-charged engine with regenerative-electric motors to bring what Kia calls a smart-hybrid solution to this fun-focused concept.

The company stated that this provo concept points to Kia Motors’ future B-segment expansion plans.

Gregory Guillaume, chief designer at Kia’s European styling base in Frankfurt, described the concept as “an emotional and muscular car aimed at delivering pure fun and performance for today’s city-based enthusiast driver who longs for the curves of the open road.”

The provo combines a 1.6-liter Turbo GDi engine with smart-4WD-hybrid technology from an electric motor delivering an additional power surge to the rear wheels when required; this electric motor also allows low-speed electric-only motion. A seven-speed DCT transmission – Kia’s first – completes the technical package.

Guillaume went on: “This is entirely a car for European tastes and conditions. Designed purely at our Frankfurt studios the provo was conceived as a confident and single-minded statement of dynamism and energy to deliver a new sense of fun into the B-segment. The potent shaping displays a balanced and refined outline within a compact overall shape and the tiny front and rear overhangs enhance the balance within its proportions.”

Hidden behind a single piece of glass is the latest take on the Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille treatment linking straight into the Schreyer-inspired headlamp units that are made up of more than 850 tiny LEDs.  Kia said the programmable LEDs can be used to provide daytime running lights, full beam or even race-style configurations – as well as more humorous and decorative displays to add to provo’s sense of fun!

High-intensity blood-orange accents contrast with the grey-green ‘Storm Metal’ body color to draw the eye to particular aspects of the structure and equipment, while carbon fibre surfaces interplay with traditional materials and high-gloss or anodized aluminum to strengthen the connection to the track cars that inspired provo.

The door construction is unique – the doors are made from three individual panels – the outer panel, a carbon-fiber inner panel and a neoprene-covered inner section that also features the Storm Metal body color.

Echoing the sculpted flanks of the provo, the dashboard has a business-like main binnacle containing large analogue dials on a digital display and a smaller central display of other minor gauges, but because the display is digital it can be programmed to offer a selection of functions.

Set on the center tunnel are two control hubs – the engine stop-start button and drive selector for the seven-speed DCT transmission and a Multimedia Interface control.

This latter control allows the driver to select a variety of screen displays – as well as controlling infotainment functions.  In ‘normal’ mode the driver sees a speedometer, rev counter and sat-nav route instructions.  In ‘cruise’ the display is centered on a large scale map, route instructions and a speedometer, while in ‘track’ mode the display features just a large rev counter, a track-map and a lap-timer.  There is also a full ‘entertainment’ mode allowing visuals of music, radio and other information.

Guillaume commented: “The whole interior concept was designed around not having a big centre console, but instead using latest technology to provide excellent functionality in a clean, clear and attractive manner. By using a DCT gearbox we were able to get rid of the floor-mounted gear-shift and use paddles behind the steering wheel, which has blood-orange stitching and a race style straight-ahead indicator, allowing us to use the floor space for other controls resulting in a much tidier environment.  And because the seats are fixed we have full electric adjustment for the pedal box and steering column – further simplifying the interior and giving a perfect-fit for any driver.”

The post Kia’s B-Segment Provo Concept Showcases 4WD Hybrid Technology appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Kia Motors America (KMA) said it has teamed up with DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine to create an Optima Hybrid inspired by Superman’s strength and unwavering care for planet Earth.

Unveiled yesterday at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, this Optima Hybrid  is the continuation of a 10-month, eight vehicle partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.

An eighth and final vehicle will be an amalgamation of all seven Super Heroes in one.

Influenced by the artistry of comic book visionary, Jim Lee, the Justice League-inspired Kia vehicles serve, according to Kia, as a force for good in the world by raising awareness of DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign, a relief effort to bring help and hope to people affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.

“As the most recognized Super Hero in the world, Superman is a symbol of strength and integrity, making him the perfect character to join forces with Kia’s first-ever hybrid to create a customized ride powered by a robust and efficient powertrain,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA. “Each of our Justice League-inspired vehicles are remarkable collaborations between the automotive and comic book worlds, and all for a worthy cause.  To that, Kia is very proud to be partnering with DC Entertainment to raise awareness for the ‘We Can Be Heroes’ campaign.”

The Superman-themed Optima Hybrid has been widened with custom fenders, giving the vehicle a muscular appearance, and it features an adjustable suspension system that can raise and lower the vehicle with the push of a button.

The stylized color scheme on the hood spotlights Superman’s unmistakable chest emblem while a red paint design extends to the trunk, evoking the look of his crimson cape.  The beveled front grille resembles Superman’s belt, and the red headlights glow with the same intensity of his heat vision.

The interior of the Optima Hybrid is upholstered with custom materials chosen for their unique appearance and texture to reflect Superman’s impenetrable battle armor. Designers also integrated Superman’s iconic “S” shield into the seats and steering wheel to give it the right heroic touch.

“This joint effort to raise awareness for the ‘We Can Be Heroes’ giving campaign through Justice League-inspired cars has proven to be a huge hit with both comic fans and car aficionados,” stated Amit Desai, senior vice president of franchise management, DC Entertainment.  “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Kia to bring the latest addition, the Superman-inspired Optima Hybrid, to fans in Chicago and beyond.”

The Superman-themed Optima is equipped with two video screens in the front-seat headrests that will raise awareness about the worst hunger crisis in 60 years by featuring a custom “We Can Be Heroes” video that demonstrates how one small act can make anyone a hero.

As for the performance, we will venture by guessing the team responsible for the car’s conception considered the Kia hybrid’s performance adequate for Superman duties, as nothing has been revealed about modifications to the powertrain.

We not expect to see a special Superman-edition Kia Optima appear on the showroom floor anytime soon.

The post Superman’s Hybrid Car Delivered In Chicago appeared first on HybridCars.com.

According to Kia, the Cross GT seamlessly melds high technology with nature, creating a harmonious partnership between driver and vehicle that also respects our global environment.

While purely a concept, the Cross GT does reveal Kia’s intentions to potentially offer a larger premium CUV than the current Sorento.

“The debut of the GT in 2011 heralded a new frontier for Kia, both from a design and a business perspective,” noted Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Corporation president and global chief of design.  “It beautifully illustrated to the world that the brand was ready to explore the possibility of perhaps one day offering a full-size rear-drive luxury saloon.  The Cross GT, with its raised stance and large cargo area, allows us to envision the GT in the form of a full-size luxury crossover.”

The Cross GT is based on Kia’s rear-drive GT-chassis and has short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an aggressively wide posture. But the Cross GT offers even greater visibility thanks to its taller stature and features all-wheel drive for improved performance and all-weather capability.

The Cross GT is powered by what Kia calls an efficient hybrid powertrain that looks to reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint. Starting with the company’s 3.8-liter V6 hybrid, 8-speed automatic and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive, the concept adds an evolution of Kia’s parallel hybrid system, a pancake-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and the transmission.

The electric motor is packaged under the rear floor.  Combined, the V6 and electric motor produce 500 pound-foot of torque and 400 horsepower, with an all-electric range of 20-miles – sufficient according to Kia to enable exhilarating performance, while delivering superior fuel economy and fuel efficiency.

While strictly a concept powertrain, Kia’s hybrid technology, combined with all-wheel drive are ideas that Kia said may one day find their way into a production vehicle.

At 122.0 inches, the Cross GT’s wheelbase is longer than Sorento’s by 15.7 inches, and its overall length of 192.8 inches is 8.4 inches greater than the Sorento. Still compared to the Sorento, the 79.1-inch width is 4.9 inches wider, but the Cross GT’s overall height of 65.3 inches is actually 1.6 inches shorter, giving the concept a lower roofline than most large CUVs.

The Cross GT has dual rear-hinged doors, more commonly referred to as “suicide” doors.  The unique configuration allows for easy access to the rear bucket seats.

The cargo compartment is accessed through a “clam shell” design that incorporates a traditional glass hatch and a tailgate.

The post Hybrid-Powered Kia Cross GT Concept CUV Unveiled At Chicago Auto Show appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Between them, the companies have designated more than $412 million as compensation to those customers with one of the dozens of models involved in the reimbursement program set up by the two companies.

In November of last year the car manufacturers acknowledged to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that procedural errors at the automakers’ joint testing operations in Korea led to incorrect fuel economy ratings for select vehicles.

Automotive News has recently reported that an official with Kia has said the brand is allotting about 200 billion Korean won (approximately $187 million) for U.S. customers with affected Kia models, while Hyundai has said it will spend 240 billion won ($225 million) to compensate its customers.

Following the discovery of the mislabeled EPA fuel economy ratings last autumn the companies were quick to establish a reimbursement program for consumers. Hyundai officials have said that reimbursement would continue for as long the original owner has the vehicle.

Despite the brands’ seemingly contrite actions to quickly rectify the issue, a civil suit was filed against them.

Ford has recently come under similar scrutiny for allegedly overstating the fuel economy of its C-MAX Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid.

In December Consumer Reports said that it was not able to get either car to reach the 47 mpg combined fuel economy rating that Ford says each car is capable of meeting. As with the Hyundai/Kia situation, the Ford mpg claims caught the attention of the EPA. And like the Korean automakers Ford is now embroiled in class-action lawsuit.

While the automakers for now are understandably bearing the brunt of the backlash, the EPA’s fuel economy testing procedures for hybrid vehicles have come under fire by some for not accurately assessing how a hybrid’s engine can effectively give an artificial boost to fuel economy numbers.

As Consumer Reports notes, Ford’s system can operate in full-electric mode at speeds up to 62 mph. That ability, says CR, can greatly improve fuel economy in the EPA highway cycle, since most of the government’s simulated driving test measures gasoline used while driving at lower speeds.

According to a Bloomberg report Ford’s product development chief, Raj Nair, has said that Ford continues “to work closely with the EPA to determine whether the industry testing procedure needs changes for hybrid vehicle testing.”

Automotive News

The post Hyundai, Kia Set Aside $412 Million Compensation For Inaccurate MPG Claims appeared first on HybridCars.com.

We had a chance to spend some time driving the Kia Optima Hybrid around the Florida Keys. You can read about our adventures here.

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid – the brand’s first hybrid introduced last year – borrows the drivetrain found in the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. It combines a 2.4-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, a 30-kw electric motor and lightweight lithium polymer batteries to provide a total 206 horsepower.

As a full hybrid, the Optima Hybrid is capable of running on either the gas engine, the electric motor or both. The system requires no plug-in charging, the battery pack being replenished by energy generated from the gas engine and captured during regenerative braking. It also saves gas by automatically shutting off the gas engine when the car is stopped. As one would expect, the Optima Hybrid’s fuel economy rating is the same as its Hyundai cousin: 35 city /40 highway and 37 mpg combined.

Available in one trim level and only one option package, the 2012 Optima Hybrid’s base price is $25,700, which is $800 less than the 2011 model. For the 2012 model year, there are no significant changes.

Exterior and Interior

The Kia and Hyundai hybrids use the same powertrain, are mechanically identical and are built on the same platform. But placed side-by-side, there’s little evidence of that. The two share no exterior body panels or interior parts, with each expressing a look that is distinctive from the other. Both are standout designs in the midsize hybrid class.

Previous Optima designs were forgettable, but the current car has striking looks that are retained in hybrid guise. An expressive front blends into a long, bold hood where the profile takes on the appearance of a coupe with a sharply raked windshield and curvaceous roof that ends with a short rear deck. Muscular, yet restrained, front fenders add an assertive dynamic.

The hybrid version of the Optima features unique exterior aerodynamic refinements – the rear fascia exhaust is hidden – a unique headlight design, lower ride height, an active air flap system, lower drag 16-inch wheels, underbody aero tuning to reduce drag, and low rolling resistance tires. The Optima Hybrid’s drag coefficient is an exceptionally low at 0.26, although not quite as slippery as the Sonata.
Adding to the Optima’s hybrid-ness is what Kia calls a “Virtual Engine Sound System.” It plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation to notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.

On the inside, the fit-and-finish is first-rate, the ergonomics are solid, and the slight angle of the cockpit toward the driver is a very nice touch. White on black gauges are large and easy to read, with an LCD screen positioned between the two dominant gauges that provides hybrid information.

The sedan easily passes the test for midsize-car roominess. In front, the driver and passenger have more than 45 inches of leg space, and passengers in the back seats have 34.7 inches of legroom – more than adequate for most adults in the back, and lots of room for youngsters.

It’s pretty much a given that hybrid cars will have a small cargo area because that’s where battery packs reside. The Optima Hybrid’s trunk is quite small, just 9.89 cubic feet of space, which is less than the 10.7 cubic feet of trunk room in the Sonata Hybrid. However, the fixed rear seats have a ski pass-through, an uncommon feature with hybrid vehicles.

Feature-Rich

Kia has gone from an also ran to being a significant player in the U.S., which can be partially attributed to the generous content for the price of its vehicles, and the Optima Hybrid is no exception.

In addition to the extensive list of standard features found on the standard Optima LX A/T trim, the hybrid offers these as standard: eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual zone climate control with rear vents, push-button start with smart key, rearview camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic up/down on front windows, glove box illumination, and rear reading lamps.

The Optima Hybrid was the first Kia vehicle to offer the optional UVO infotainment system ($700). Similar to Ford’s Sync, indexed content from an iPod or other compatible MP3 player can be called up by saying the name.

An optional Hybrid Premium and Technology Package ($5,350) includes a hard-to-resist panoramic sunroof, leather interior, power heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, an Infinity audio system, a navigation system, HID headlights and other goodies.

On The Road

The Optima Hybrid is a capable family car that offers up a quiet and comfortable ride while delivering excellent fuel mileage. Like the Hyundai hybrid, the Kia’s steering is responsive and has a quick and precise feeling. The Optima’s suspension is tuned on the soft side and it soaks up large bumps and potholes quite well.

While its performance on the highway is quite admirable, when driving in city or the stop-and-go commute, the car’s computer controls and hybrid system seem to be miscommunicating. From a stop, the hybrid system always rolls off in electric mode. Around 15 mph the gasoline engine starts up with a harsh jolt and the six-speed transmission’s shifts in lower gears are often hesitant, actions that are unsettling to say the least.

The Hybrid Car For You?

Based on a sharp design, appealing amenities, and a competitive price, hybrid shoppers looking for a fuel-efficient mid-size sedan should put the Kia Optima Hybrid in the running with the Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. Of course, for the time being, the Toyota Prius still rules for overall efficiency in the five-seat conventional hybrid market. But the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid is one more sign of a maturing hybrid market, with expanding choices of brand, drive feel, price and design.

Prices are Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at time of publication and do not include destination charges, taxes or licensing.

The post 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Power for the Naimo comes from an electric motor with a maximum output of 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The highway-capable Naimo has a listed top speed of 93 miles per hour and its 27-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack supposedly provides up to 124 miles of range. The Naimo is quick-charge capable―charging in 5.5 hours under normal conditions―and is described as a fully working prototype representing Kia’s vision for the future.

At the show, Michael Sprague, Kia’s vice-president of marketing and communications, detailed that vision:

“Where the Naimo EV concept looks into the future of zero-emissions vehicles from Kia, the Ray EV is the first realization for the brand and represents exciting new possibilities for the future in the North American market.”

Kia’s parent company, Hyundai, was reported recently to be planning a $15.5 billion investment into both brands’ research and development programs, with a large portion of that money headed to hybrid and electric vehicle development.

Introduced in December, 2011, the Kia Ray became Korea’s first mass-produced electric vehicle. The car has an 86-mile range, is powered by a 67 horsepower, 50-kilowatt electric motor, and carries a top speed of 81 miles per hour. Kia spokesman James Hope told the NYTimes.com Wheels Blog that Kia has “no plans at the moment to import the Ray into North America,” he added that “the industry is changing rapidly, so anything is possible.”

The post Kia Shows Off Naimo Electric Concept appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The gas-electric Optima shares its hybrid system with the Hyundai Sonata, which surprisingly carries a lower based MSRP of $25,800. The full range of Optima trim levels are priced between $18,995 and $25,995, while the Sonata trims vary—at a slightly higher price—between $19,395 and $27,245. Yet, Kia priced the hybrid Optima $700 higher than the Sonata Hybrid.

The higher price tag could be explained by the Optima Hybrid’s list of standard equipment, which includes a rear-mounted backup camera, rear spoiler, auto-down front windows, a cooled glovebox, compass and Kia’s infotainment system. All Optima Hybrids also offer a unique front grille design, 16-inch alloy wheel design, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, front and rear lower bumpers and side sills and LED tail lamp design.

Nonetheless, the Optima Hybrid beats the price of Ford Fusion—which offers similar fuel economy at 41/36—by about two grand. It matches the base MSRP of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which is notably less efficient at 33 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

The Optima and Sonata Hybrids are among the new wave of so-called “P2” hybrids that use a parallel two-clutch approach to could provide 95 percent of the fuel efficiency benefits of an expensive two-motor system (used by Toyota and Ford), but at cost reductions of one-third or more. Hyundai says the Sonata Hybrid can travel up to 75 mph purely on electricity. It also means better efficiency on the highway, rather than the city. Hyundai and Kia also believe that matching the hybrid system to a six-speed automatic transmission provides a more engaging driving experience than hybrids using continuously variably transmissions.

“With a starting price under $27,000, the Optima Hybrid provides fuel-conscious shoppers with an outstanding value proposition by being priced below nearly all midsize hybrid competitors and delivering class-leading fuel economy along with head-turning style and advanced technologies,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO, KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.

The post Kia Prices Optima Hybrid at $26,500 appeared first on HybridCars.com.

In terms of both price and efficiency, the Kia Rio is flat out one of the most economical subcompact automobiles in the American marketplace today. It shares these attributes with its almost identical corporate sibling, the Hyundai Accent.

Although these Korean brands did not originally have a stellar reputation in terms of build quality, things have improved with time. Now in its third generation, the Rio has become a viable competitor to segment heavyweights such as the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Nissan Versa. We’re not saying the Rio is exactly on the same level as these top-tier subcompacts, but the tiny import is at least a reasonable alternative for people who want reliable, baseline transportation from a small car, without spending a penny more than they can afford.

The 2011 Kia Rio is a repeat of the 2010 model year with no changes or updates.

Rio has two body styles. A four-door sedan is available in three trim levels: a bare-bones Base model, an LX and a sportier SX. The four-door hatchback, named the Rio5, comes in LX and SX trims. The hatchback is built on the same 98.4-inch wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles) but at 158.5 inches overall is nearly nine inches shorter than the sedan.

For fuel economy, the Rio gets 28 city/34 highway with a manual transmission. With an automatic, it rates at 27 city/36 highway. These numbers are very competitive with other cars in its class. Add a 12-gallon tank to the equation—second largest in the segment only to the Nissan Versa—and this subcompact is looking at a 400-plus mile interstate cruising range. Fewer trips to the gas pumps are always a good thing.

Exterior And Interior

The Rio’s design dates to model-year 2006. Created with a European-inspired style, the design of the car is conservative, but rather stylish. The front features a black mesh grille and swept-back headlights, while the backside is rather pedestrian. In profile, the Rio exhibits what Kia calls a subtle wedge shape, with sculpted arches at each fender. It has a certain cuteness about it that will appeal to some buyers.

Inside, the interior is simple and clean. Instruments are housed in an ergonomically designed dashboard that relays information quickly. Handy audio and climate controls are angled toward the driver, making them exceptionally easy to use. There is a surprising amount of up-front head- and legroom, and the higher-than-normal seats give the driver a good view of the road. Windows are huge for excellent visibility front, rear or side.

The quality look of materials and the fit and finish, including the cargo area, is what you would expect in the budget buggy car class. Even though most interior surfaces are hard plastic, and padded surfaces are sparse, overall Rio equals some more expensive cars for materials and assembly quality.

Front seats are comfortable, although the seat cushions could be deeper. The backseat is another story. The hard rear seatback is reclined at an angle that prohibits real comfort. Additionally, legroom in the outboard positions is marginal when the front seat is moved rearward. Still, headroom is acceptable and foot room adequate.

The Rio sedan only offers 11.9 cubic feet of trunk cargo, which is unimpressive for the class. However, if you opt for the upper trim levels, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats increase cargo capacity. Kia does not list the cargo capacity with the rear seats folded. The hatchback is more accommodating with 15,8 cubic feet behind the rear seat. Flip down the rear seats and that expands to almost 50 cubic feet—enough room to stuff a full-size mountain bike.

On The Road

Rio is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that features variable valve timing and produces 110 horsepower and 107 pounds-feet of torque. With the sedan, power is directed to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission, although the base model is available only with the manual. The Rio5 hatchback is solely equipped with the automatic.

Although engine horsepower and torque doesn’t sound like a lot, a little over a ton to haul around helps to make the Rio reasonably spry with more-than-adequate power around town but could use more for highway passing. But you have to accept that when you press the gas pedal hard, a small displacement four-cylinder engine becomes noisy and the Rio is no exception.

The five-speed manual transmission, geared to take advantage of the engine’s limited power, shifts smoothly. The petite powerplant is fairly stingy with fuel; we averaged 33 mpg in a mixture of city, suburban and highway driving.

The Rio steers and handles well, but expect body roll with hard cornering. The suspension is compliant enough to smooth out most ripples in the road and fails to absorb only the harshest bumps.

Economics

Leaving the destination fee to the fine print allows Kia to advertise the 2011 Rio base sedan with a starting price of $12,295, one of the lowest priced new cars sold in the U.S. But be aware, like the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris, it’s a bare bones model—no air conditioning, no stereo, no tilt steering, no split/folding rear seat, and you have to roll the windows up and down by hand.

Additionally, even though is has six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) are not standard until the next uplevel LX model starting at $14,995. Top competitors include ABS as standard on every model, and Toyota equips its Yaris subcompact with the added safety margin of an electronic stability and traction control system. That’s not an issue with the Rio5 hatchback. Its starting price of $15,095 not only includes ABS standard, but also an automatic transmission and a host of other features such as air conditioning, power windows and an audio system.

The Kea Rio is a durable and efficient choice for mass-market commuters. Some may still call it cheap, but keep in mind that it has an ace in the hole; it’s warranty. Coverage includes 5-years/60,000-miles bumper-to-bumper and 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain. In addition, Rio buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance at no extra charge for 5-years/unlimited mileage; the service includes emergency towing and lockout service. The warranty might just make the Rio a better value than a used vehicle.

Prices are Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at time of publication and do not include destination charges, taxes or licensing.

The post 2011 Kia Rio appeared first on HybridCars.com.