With a more stylistic and sporty attitude, the 2012 Rio sedan boots out the former model’s frumpy design cues. The complete makeover of Kia’s Rio sedan (available in LX, EX and SX trims) also means a longer list of standard safety features, including hill-start assist control and vehicle stability management. With a larger wheelbase in 2012 (101.2 inches) versus the 2011 model (98.4 inches), the 2012 car has slightly more front legroom but less rear legroom than the 2011 vehicle. The re-designed Rio is flush with standards, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, USB and auxiliary audio jacks, and air conditioning.

Rio adds a bit more pop to the power equation with a gasoline direct injection 1.6-liter, 4- cylinder engine that releases 138 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 4850 rpm. The 2011 model was powered by a 4-cylinder that produced 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. That extra zest doesn’t mar that fuel economy numbers. In fact, the 2012 Rio’s estimated mpg is 30 city/40 highway--whether fitted with the 6-speed manual or the 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s a nice mpg uptick compared to the 2011 car’s 28 city/34 highway with manual transmission or 27 city/36 highway with automatic transmission. MSRP of Kia Rio EX with automatic transmission is $16,300.