2012 Kia Rio Sedan Starts with a Price of $13,400

For $14,500, the 2012 Kia Rio sedan LX comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. All Rios get a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and an EPA rating of 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway included in their price.

There are three trims levels for the 2012 Kia Rio sedan with gradual price increases up to the top-of-the-line Rio sedan SX that starts at $17,500 and includes lots of amenities including standard metal pedals, LED front accents lights and taillights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power-folding outside mirrors, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, and UVO powered by Microsoft 5 voice-activated infotainment system with rear camera display.

The 2012 Kia Rio sedan and five-door (what most mortals call a hatchback) is going to come with a fuel-saving feature usually found only in cars costing a lot more or with a special fuel-efficient bent to them: idle shut off. Kia calls it Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology (available in early 2012). It helps to reduce fuel consumption by turning the engine off when the vehicle is not in motion – such as at a stop light or in traffic – and automatically restarting when the driver releases the brake pedal.

The 2012 Rio sedan comes better equipped than the previous generation (and that really sucks if you bought a 2011 model), offering standard air conditioning, electric power steering (which helps fuel economy), an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and auxiliary ports (no self-respecting car that wants a younger buyer lacks this), SiriusXM™ satellite radio with three months complimentary service (it should be at least a year), and a slew of standard safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (not that big a deal since it's mandated by federal law), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS – always a nice feature), Hill-start Assist Control (which you will love once you experience it) and Vehicle Stability Management..