The Kia Rio has been out on the market since 2001. Over the past 11 years, it has appealed to budget-minded drivers who never really bought into the whole large-car fad. It's hard to believe we're fast approaching the launch of the 2012 four-door and five-door models and the many exciting changes they bring.

For 2012, the Kia Rio will continue to appeal to a budget-minded, integrity-conscious audience. In an effort to offer one of the best choices available, Kia has added a lot of tech, both in the form of standard fare and optional add-ons. The South Korean automaker has also made the car a lot safer. And, to top it all off, they're cutting 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., Kia of Chattanooga, located at 2136 Chapman Rd - Chattanooga, Tennessee) this fall will cost drivers almost 15-hundred dollars less than the outgoing 2011 model. That will effectively bring the price down to a very approachable $14,350.

As we previously mentioned Kia  managed to cut the price while actually adding features, rather than cutting them. Among the tech Kia added to both the Kia Rio5 and four-door Kia Rio, to enhance drivers' convenience and overall experience are standard aux ports.  Select trims also now come standard with Kia UVO hands-free audio and an ultra-convenient back-up camera. And, ALL Rio models and trims are engineered with higher strength steel compared to previous generations... Kia indicates this change has improved torsional rigidity by over 30 percent, across the board.

Perhaps the biggest evolution from last year's Kia Rio to this year's Kia Rio, however, is the addition of stop-start technology to a $400 Eco option. Typically available only in luxe models for a very pretty penny, it promises noticeable long-term cost savings on fuel.

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 2136 Chapman Rd - Chattanooga, Tennessee. We're always happy to share specs and arrange test drives.