Just introduced last year, the sporty subcompact
that is an all-new generation model is known for delivering incredibly solid
transportation while having a great-looking body style, and consumers
everywhere are loving the Kia Rio
S. Riding the exciting heels of our victory in achieving the Motor Trend
Magazine 2019 “Car of the Year” award for the Genesis G70, the all-new luxury
sport compact which was also the IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2019. Greg Zyla of The
Record Herald gave excellent reviews for the G80 as well as G90 models
he had driven, and this past week took on our new Rio S as his latest review
topic.
Now available in either 4-door sedan or five-door
hatchback models, the major change for 2019 is the offering of one instead of
three trims. Last year the entry-level LX trim did not offer enhanced safety
features, and still was using crank windows. This year the sole S model offers
everything power as standard, and has upped the ante quite a bit regarding
safety features. The drivetrain is exactly the same, and the manual
transmission that came with the outgoing LX has disappeared. All Rios
now come with six-speed automatics, and a strengthened dose of improved
interior features. As standard fare you now get to enjoy Apple CarPlay, Android
Auto, Bluetooth Hands-free, and other tools that help you operate the Rio on a
daily basis with the high-tech essence that most 2019 consumers demand.
Power for the Rio
is derived from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that cranks out 130 horsepower and 119
lb-ft of torque, and while that is not in the same powerhouse category as some
other heftier choices, provided tons of pep and strength during Greg's test
drive. EPA estimates are at a solid 28 mpg for city, and 37 highway, which both
measure in at better than the outgoing model. He heartily recommends the
addition of the Technology Package to get the most out of your Rio: it adds LED
headlights, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistance, Forward Collision Warning,
LED Positioning lights, UVO e-Series with 7-inch Touchscreen display, Sirius XM
Satellite, as well as a 3.5-inch display Supervision Meter Cluster.
Even though it's a bit smaller in actual wheelbase
length, once you settle in behind the wheel and get to business, anyone will be
surprised at how spacious the cabin feels, and Greg agreed that it sits at the
absolute top of the subcompact segment as far as success in design. The cabin
features very comfortable stitched dark cloth seating, nice gauges and
dashboard, USB charging ports, power windows, keyless entry, and outside
mirrors. Another great feature that makes a huge difference in comfort factor
during the drive is the upgraded strut front with gas shocks and stabilizer bar
mated to a rear torsion beam apparatus. As the month of January continues to
fly by and your resolution of having a new vehicle is a constant reminder, this
is when Kia offers incentives on both new and leftover models: make sure to
come by and ask us how you can best get off to a fresh start by utilizing the
best bargain!
