Subcompact Culture attended the launch of the 2012 Kia Rio back in October. There, Mercedes (my wife and fellow contributor) talked about the host of new features and gave some initial driving impressions. Well, now we'll have the mid-level Rio EX for a week (and I'll finally get to drive it, too).
The Rio EX isn't the most exciting subcompact on the market (and not as sporty as the Rio SX), but it's make incredible strides from when the nameplate debuted in 2001, and also improves upon the last generation Rio. The 138 hp. GDI engine is peppy, even when mated to the six-speed automatic, the only transmission available on EX models. It does, however. make a lot of noise under acceleration.
This model came with Kia's UVO infotainment system, which has every connectivity option you can imagine, short of hardwiring your smartphone to the car. It also has a reverse camera—a feature I'm liking more and more on any sized car.
Having just come out of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ, it will be interesting to see how the Rio compares. Although not as sporting, will be be more fuel efficient? Stay tuned.
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