New 2009 Kia Rio

Offering substantial value and a solid array of standard amenities, the 2009 Kia Rio is a practical, economical, and fun-to-drive compact four-door sedan.

Available in three trim levels – base, LX, and SX – all Rio models share a thrifty 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 110-horsepower for peppy acceleration and great fuel economy. The standard five-speed manual transmission is well-suited to the engine’s powerband and offers decent shift action. The optional four-speed automatic offers smooth, electronically-controlled shifts for easy highway cruising. The Rio has excellent fuel economy and gets 26-27 mpg in the city and 33-35 mpg on the highway. The Rio competes with the Chevrolet Aveo and Toyota Yaris.

Interior convenience features include an available CD audio system with 4 speakers for superior sound, optional air conditioning for those hot summer nights, a tilt steering column to find the perfect wheel position, and dual front 12V power outlets to accommodate your laptop or any external power accessories. The optional power package on LX and SX models includes power windows, power locks with keyless remote entry, tweeter speakers, and power heated mirrors to increase side visibility in wintertime driving. A new radio unit features Sirius Satellite Radio and MP3 compatibility, while the LX and SX get a USB jack for your iPod.

Available 16-inch alloy wheels and tires on the SX add a touch of sporty flair, while standard front fog lights enhance nighttime visibility and look cool. An optional body-color rear spoiler on LX and SX models adds a nice profile to the car’s style.

Safety features include 6 standard airbags – dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags to protect front and rear passengers in a collision. Available 4-wheel anti-lock brakes help prevent wheel lockup and shorten stopping distances.

Even though it’s basic transportation, the 2009 Kia Rio offers a lot of useful amenities and excellent fuel economy, which is perfect for car shoppers with simple needs or really long commutes.