The Kia Rio was originally launched by Kia in 2001. Over the past 11 years, it has appealed to budget-minded drivers who didn't buy into the large car fad. It's difficult to believe we're fast approaching the launch of the 2012 four-door and five-door models and the exciting changes they are bringing.

For 2012, the Kia Rio will continue to appeal to those budget-minded, and integrity-conscious consumers. In an effort to offer the best choice possible, Kia has added a lot of technology, both in the form of standard and optional add-ons. The South Korean automaker has also made the car more safe. To top it all off, they are dropping the starting price...Or, at least, they're cutting the starting price of the 2012 Kia Rio5.

That's right. Last Monday, Kia announced that the 2012 Kia Rio5, scheduled to hit dealerships across the country (i.e., Central Kia of Lewisville, located at 2920 N. I35E, Carrollton TX) this fall will cost drivers almost 15-hundred dollars less than the previous 2011 model. This will effectively bring the price down to a very affordable $14,350.

As we mentioned before Kia  managed to cut the price while actually adding features, rather than cutting them. Among the new technology Kia added to both the Kia Rio5 and four-door Kia Rio, to enhance drivers' overall experience are standard aux ports.  Select trims also now come standard with Kia UVO hands-free audio and a very convenient back-up camera. Additionally, all Rio models and trims are engineered with higher strength steel compared to previous generations. Kia indicates this change has improved torsional rigidity by a whopping 30%, across the board.

What might be the biggest evolution from last year's Rio to this year's model, however, is the addition of stop-start technology to a $400 Eco option. Typically available for a very pretty penny, it promises noticeable long-term fuel cost savings.

Interested in learning more? Please contact us today, for complete details on the refreshed Kia Rio5 and Rio sedan. Or, visit us in person at 2920 N. I35E, Carrollton TX. We're always ready to share specs and arrange test drives.