2009 Kia Rio
The subcompact Kia Rio sedan and 5-door hatchback have been on sale since 2001. Now in their second generation (last redesigned for 2006), all Kia Rio models for 2009 feature a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder powerplant driving the front wheels. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission optional. With the automatic transmission, the Kia Rio earned EPA fuel economy figures of 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The front suspension is independent with struts, while the rear suspension utilizes a torsion beam design and coil springs. Front brakes are ventilated discs and the rear brakes are drums—anti-lock brakes are optional. In our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership, the Kia Rio ranked among the top three models in its segment. The 2009 Kia Rio is a carryover, although a gas-electric hybrid model may appear mid-year.
2009 Small Cars Buyer's Guide
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