The subcompact car is now facing times that are a
bit difficult in the market: everyone here at Jim Butler can understand just
how great an SUV or brand new truck can add value to your current vehicle
fleet. But what about the instances where a car just fits the bill, and you
have the urge to just jump in and hit the road with something a touch more on
the traditional side? This dynamic and stylish selection from Kia's lineup has
had an amazing number of awards this year including, the Top Safety Pick and
Top Safety Pick Plus Rating. The Kia
Rio Sedan was presented with this award, when equipped with optional
Autonomous Emergency Braking and LED headlights on vehicles built after June of
this year.
The 2018 Rio proudly became the first vehicle
within the IIHS Minicar segment to achieve the coveted TSP + designation,
thanks to the “good” rating given to the optional LED headlights, and the
“Superior” rating given to the AEB system. Overall driving dynamics, style,
features, and safety accolades are part of the process that went into improving
the quality and integrity of this world-class car model line. The Rio
is the only vehicle within the IIHS minicar segment to earn such an accolade,
but several other vehicles from Kia have achieved this feat.
To qualify for the TSP + rating, the IIHS testing
parameters require that a vehicle earn “Good” ratings during the brunt of six
crashworthiness tests. These include driver-side small overlap front, moderate
overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint- as well as a
“Good” or “Acceptable” rating in the passenger side small overlap front test.
Having undergone a complete redesign for the 2018 model year, the Rio
stands apart from others in the subcompact segment with a sweeping combination
of eye-catching design, available technology, fun-to-drive character, and
safety ratings that are above and beyond.
This is the model that Car and Driver praised
for its solid build, compliant ride, and spacious seating, as well as an
abundance in overall practicality. When coming to check out which trim level is
right for you, keep in mind that the EX level is where all of the goodies
really become abundant: aluminum wheels, a telescoping column, automated
emergency braking, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and a 7.0-inch
touchscreen are all included. If you are looking for an inexpensive car on the
small side with a long-lasting warranty, the Rio
is quite possibly the one for you. The writers at CNBC.Com lamented
during the summer that the Rio is by all means “a high-quality product sitting
atop a value-oriented market.”
