2013 Kia Rio 5-Door SE

Celebrating its success in the B-segment racing series in America, and also to answer to the market demand for a sub-compact manual hatchback, Kia is releasing a limited edition of the 2013 Rio 5-door in the U.S. market. Arriving in dealerships in limited quantity with a MSRP of just $17,900, the Rio SX M/T is a fun-to-drive subcompact that satisfies enthusiasts’ desires for a more engaging drive experience without sacrificing the comfort and convenience offered by the subcompact model’s highest trim level. That means you can count on standard navigation, back up camera, push-button start and 6-speed manual transmission. As for the engine, this version of the Rio is powered by a 140 horsepower four-cylinder unit that does 30 mg city, 40 mpg highway. Further details in the press release below: The Rio 5-door SX M/T comes standard with a class-leading 138 horsepower[5] 4-cylinder double- overhead cam gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine featuring dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and fuel economy of 30-mpg city/40-mpg highway[6]. The Rio 5-door SX M/T is available in Signal Red and Electronic Blue and comes with LED taillights, front LED accent lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Rio SX M/T adds a seven-inch navigation touch screen with a SiriusXM™[7] Traffic system and push-button start with Smart Key. Other standard SX features include sport-tuned suspension, rear camera display[8], steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth^®[9] wireless technology, and an AM/FM/CD/ MP3 SiriusXM™[7] Satellite audio system. The interior is handsomely appointed in sporty black knit cloth. “The Kia Rio 5-door SX M/T is perfect for driving enthusiasts who simply won’t compromise when it comes to certain features,” said Orth Hedrick, Director of Product Planning at Kia Motors America (KMA). ”Our customers and the automotive press have been asking for the Rio 5-door SX with a manual transmission, and we’ve listened. As the Kia brand becomes more and more relevant to enthusiasts, we’ll continue to evaluate consumer demand and consider bringing other high-spec manuals to market.” Those looking for the inspiration behind the Rio 5-door SX M/T need look no further than the twisting, undulating macadam of America’s greatest road racing circuits. In addition to its championship winning professional road racing program, Kia this year entered the new B-Spec grassroots racing series, and the Rio SX M/T offers buyers the sporty driving dynamics that transfer from the track to the street. To advance from driving enthusiast to racer[10], customers can purchase a 2013 Rio 5-door M/T (LX Trim) and a B-Spec performance kit[11] available at a cost of $14,000 from Kia’s racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports. The kit includes everything needed to transform the street-loving Rio 5-door into a proper racecar: pre-cut roll cage, racing seat, quick-release steering wheel, racing harness, race shocks, lightweight wheels, spec-series tires, oil sump pan expansion kit and complete build instructions.  For an additional fee, Kinetic will professionally assemble the Rio at their shop in Buford, Georgia.