Kia's Sub-Compact Duo Brings More Fuel Savings and Fun-To-Drive Character

• Rio models feature the segment's first application of Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology
• New steering wheel paddle shifters enhance the sporty driving feel

IRVINE, Calif., March 7, 2012 - With class-leading horsepower¹, the 2013 Rio sedan and Rio 5-door hatchback continue to infuse style, value, technology and spirited road manners into the Kia Motors America (KMA) model lineup. All-new last year, these award-winning subcompacts have played a vital role in achieving Kia's record sales and market-share growth since the launch of the Soul in 2009.

As Kia's smallest and most affordable vehicles, the Rio sedan and hatchback offer consumers an abundance of standard amenities, safety features and interior space. New for 2013, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters have been added as standard equipment to the Rio SX to deliver a more engaging driving experience (available early summer). On the fuel-saving front, Rio EX models now offer optional ISG technology as part of the Eco Package. To enhance functionality of the already practical Rio 5-door, a standard cargo under-floor tray has been added to EX and SX models. This change improves cargo-area appearance, provides a flatter load floor with hidden storage and reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.

Stunning Design
The Rio 5-door and its sedan sibling proudly wear their own interpretations of Kia's signature grille, slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp design. Exhibiting highly sculpted, sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, both the sedan and hatchback project athletic profiles that convey power and agility. The Rio sedan drops the wedge line only slightly between the rear door and the trunk to differentiate it from the hatchback profile.

Class-Leading Power
Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2013 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection (GDI) four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2013 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving 138 horsepower while maintaining a great fuel economy rating of 30/36mpg² (city/highway) for the sedan and hatchback. Rio also is the first non-hybrid vehicle to offer ISG technology to the mass (non-luxury) market, which helps to reduce fuel consumption and improve fuel economy by turning the engine off when the vehicle is not in motion – such as at a stop light or in traffic – and automatically restarting when the driver releases the brake pedal.

Well-Equipped and Attractive Exterior
Accentuating the hunkered down and muscular profile, Rio offers no shortage of standard exterior features. The LX trim includes body-color door handles and side mirrors, rear wiper and washer, multi-reflector headlamps and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, while the Rio 5-door also comes with a standard rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics. Moving to the EX trim brings additional standard conveniences, including power door locks with keyless entry and a chrome front grille surround, adding to Rio's sophisticated and sleek look. Consumers looking for higher levels of sporty refinement will find the SX trim offers standard 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED accent lights and rear combination lamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, power-folding outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators and, unique for the Rio 5-door, projector headlamps.

Plush and Comfortable Cabin
Moving inside, the 2013 Rio greets drivers and passengers with a bold and modern cabin, centered on Kia's horizontal three-cylinder instrument panel and a two-tone color scheme to emphasize a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. An extended wheelbase (101.2 inches) greatly enhances passenger room and comfort, offering 40.0 inches front headroom, 37.6 inches rear headroom, 43.8 inches front legroom and 31.1inches rear legroom for the Rio sedan and Rio 5-door hatchback. Those looking for ample cargo space for quick weekend getaways or trips to the grocery store will not be disappointed, with an impressive 13.7 cubic feet for the sedan and 15.0 cubic feet in the hatchback. In addition, EX and SX models of the Rio hatchback receive a newly-standard cargo under-floor tray, which results in a flatter load floor when the rear seats are folded down.

Standard on the LX trim is a six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering column, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, trip computer, electric power steering, 60/40 split folding rear seats and a cargo cover for the hatchback. Moving to the EX trim includes standard power windows with automatic up/down on the driver's window, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Bluetooth^®3 wireless connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones and a sleek metallic finish throughout with leatherette door trim. The SX trim offers consumers an even more upscale and athletic look and feel with new standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (available early summer) on vehicles equipped with automatic transmission. The SX also brings metal pedals, metal grain, a Supervision^™ meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual map lights, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, UVO powered by Microsoft^®4 voice-activated infotainment system with rear camera display based on the Windows^®4 Embedded Automotive platform.

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard on all trims, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SiriusXM^™ Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service⁶ and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting MP3 players with full iPod and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel-mounted controls⁷.

Available packaging upgrades for the Rio LX include the Power Package (A/T only), which adds power windows with automatic up/down functionality on the driver's window, power door locks with two-turn entry system and remote keyless entry. For the EX trim, the available Convenience Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, the UVO powered by Microsoft^® voice-activated infotainment system with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display, automatic headlamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators, front fog lights, dual illuminated vanity mirrors and dual map lights. An available Eco Package can be added to the EX trim when the Convenience Package has been selected and adds ISG technology for increased fuel efficiency, enabling 31/40 mpg⁸ for the sedan and hatchback. With the luxurious Premium Package available on the SX trim, passengers will benefit from a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic^™ (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.

Recyclable and Eco-Friendly
Emphasizing the earth-friendly theme, 85 percent of the Rio's materials are recyclable at the end of its lifespan, and the Rio features seat foam material that uses 100-percent biodegradable and non-toxic castor oil, which benefits the environment in several ways, including reduced use of petroleum-based products. And because castor oil comes from plants, this material is generated from a completely sustainable source.

Advanced Platform
The 2013 Rio platform is defined by an aggressive stance achieved through an overall length of 171.9 inches (Rio sedan) or 159.3 inches (Rio 5-door) and measuring 67.7 inches wide and 57.3 inches high. Employing high-tensile-strength steel (63 percent of body), Rio's lightweight design offers high torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement. Use of these high-quality materials also helps to improve performance in the event of a crash while reducing overall weight. For increased NVH reduction, the 2013 Rio is 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 an independent front suspension system. 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 in a variety of driving situations. A sport-tuned suspension on SX trims offers enhanced handling characteristics for drivers interested in a more spirited on-road experience.

Safety-Minded
The 2013 Rio is equipped with many standard safety features, including an innovative Halo Body construction designed to help protect occupants in certain side impact and roll-over collisions. 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.

Industry-Leading Warranty
The 2013 Rio and Rio 5-door covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program⁹, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.

Kia:  One of the World’s Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, Forte5, and Forte Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com/. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

^{1 Class-leading horsepower claim for 1.6L GDI engine based on comparison of 2012 subcompacts as of February 2012.
2 Actual mileage will vary.
3 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® wireless technology enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.
4 Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
5 The rear camera display is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.
6 Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.
7 Kia accessory cable required for iPod® connectivity on vehicles equipped with navigation system. iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
8 EPA fuel economy claim for 2013 Rio equipped with ISG. Actual mileage will vary.
9 See retailer for warranty details or go to kia.com.
10 Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.
11 Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.
12 The Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built at KMMG.}