2009 Kia Rio / Rio5 Review

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In this 2009 Kia Rio / Rio 5 review, you'll see how, after a heady listing of early recognition honors, Kia is adding subtle refinements to its feisty little Rio for 2009 rather than making major changes. Why mess with success?

Rio is Kia's smallest entry in the U.S. car market, and features three sedan models, base, LX and top-line SX. The Rio5 four-door hatchback comes in the newest (2007) LX version and upmodel SX.

2009 Kia Rio / Rio5 Interior

For 2009, the Rio's exterior remains unchanged. Inside, some available features on most models are designed to up it in status as the subcompact segment continues its fuel-efficient boost in popularity, along with the growing "wish lists" of potential budget car buyers.

All Rio models get SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability and AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback. LX and SX models get a standard revised audio platform with auxiliary and USB jacks. A Power Package for LX and SX models comes with steering wheel mounted audio controls.

For those who have tired of turning European-style dials to adjust driver's seat height, there's now a single lever to do the job. All versions have a revised gauge cluster that replaces a temperature gauge with an indicator light. Two omissions complete the 2009 changes: Elimination of the "max" AC setting, and the remote fuel door release is gone from the sedan.

Both Rio and Rio5 are powered by Kia's 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter Continuously Variable Valve Transmission (CVVT) four. That mates with the standard five-speed manual with overdrive, or an available four-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive. Fuel economy varies with manual or auto transmission. The manual earns best city mileage of 27 mpg, plus 32 for highway driving. The automatic earns 25 mpg in city driving but fares better on the highway, with a 35 mpg EPA rating.

Rio's base pricing should start at about $11,495. Adding to its accolades as one of last year's "10 best small cars" is Kia's top industry powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles.