Kia Rio 5-door Named to Vroomgirls.com's First-Ever "Vroomies Best Cars of the Year" Awards List

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest chapter in Kia Motors' design-led transformation, the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door, has been honored as "Best Hatchback" by Vroomgirls.com as part of the website's first annual "Vroomies Best Cars of the Year" awards.  After hailing the Rio 5-door's appealing combination of sporty performance, outstanding interior room, eye-catching design and class-leading fuel economy, the editors of Vroomgirls.com – the first comprehensive automotive website created by and for women – simply stated "honestly, what more could any driver want?"

"Kia has been attracting new customers to the brand with a stylish lineup of technology-laden, fun-to-drive vehicles and the Rio 5-door is packed with the right balance of performance, modern amenities and fuel economy that consumers are looking for," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "The subcompact segment is more competitive than ever and Vroomgirls recognition of the all-new Rio is further evidence of Kia's unprecedented growth and expansion in the U.S. market."

The Vroomie awards are selected by the editors of Vroomgirls.com and winners are recognized as representing the best of what new-car shoppers should consider during their purchase process.  Vroomgirls.com was launched earlier this year and is dedicated to helping women make intelligent car-buying decisions.

"Simply put, the Rio is a blast!" said Tara Weingarten, Vroomgirls.com editor-in-chief.  "It's sporty, fun, handles very well in corners, has great styling and is spacious enough to be an every-day driver with no compromises."  Weingarten noted the Rio's outstanding fuel economy of 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway as another contributing factor in securing the Best Hatchback accolade.

About the 2012 Rio 5-door

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency and achieves a class-leading 138 horsepower while maintaining a class-leading fuel economy[3] rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway).  The Rio 5-door subcompact hatchback begins at an impressive $13,600 MSRP[4], while the Rio 5-door A/T starts at $14,700 – both lower than the previous generation.  The top-of-the-line, sporty SX trim starts under $18,000.

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line
Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology.  Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically-acclaimed Optima midsize sedan[5] to its production line in September.  Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 745 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle lineup is available at its website – www.kia.com.  For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

[1] EPA fuel economy estimates 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy for 2012 Rio. Actual mileage may vary.

[2] Class-leading horsepower claim based on comparison to 2012 subcompacts as of November 2011.

[3] Class-leading fuel economy claims for highway based on comparisons to 2011 and available 2012 competitors as of December 2011. EPA fuel economy estimates 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy for 2012 Rio sedan and Rio 5-door. Actual mileage may vary.

[4] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP excludes $750 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

[5] Optima Hybrid will not be built at KMMG.

SOURCE Kia Motors America