ARTICLE: That Old Familiar Feeling | 2012 Kia Rio EX 1.4L AT

**ghosthunter** · May 11th, 2012 02:36 PM

That Old Familiar Feeling | 2012 Kia Rio EX 1.4L AT
Words by Leslie Sy | Photos by Christopher Kho

I don't know about you, but I love my old, well-worn shoes. They just feel proper on my feet - fitting just right, comfortable, and familiar. They’re something that you put on and walk straight out the front door with without giving it a thought. And this is exactly how I felt about my weekend with the all-new 2012 Kia Rio.

On paper, the all-new Rio is your typical subcompact sedan, with a 1.4L engine under the hood that produces 107 horsepower and mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with semi-manual shift control. Safety features include three-point seat belts, driver-side airbag, ABS, childproof locks, and side impact beams. But the car is more than the sum of its parts on paper.

CLICK FOR MORE: Kotse.com

source: Kotse.com

**niky** · May 11th, 2012 03:07 PM

Really a nice car... not an exciting-to-drive one like the Mazda2 or Swift, but outstanding in terms of quality... possibly the most complete package on the road today... if not for the lack of "oomph" compared to other competitors.

But still... when you're buying a commuter... who really needs more than the 1.2 liters on the base model?

**foifoi05** · May 11th, 2012 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by niky

But still... when you're buying a commuter... who really needs more than the 1.2 liters on the base model?

yeah.... is it possible for a 1.2hatch for the ph? :D

**niky** · May 11th, 2012 05:33 PM

Clamor for it, and it will come. :D

**ghosthunter** · May 11th, 2012 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by foifoi05

yeah.... is it possible for a 1.2hatch for the ph? :D

With enough noise and demand, Kia might release a HB1.2 model.... you can start with Kia Philippines Facebook account. hehehe

**pop3corn** · May 11th, 2012 11:08 PM

i have seen this sedan in person. hindi sya ganun kaganda, parang hindi ganun ka-propotional ang body nya, parang katulad nun mazda2 and fiesta sedan ang dating. and like mazda 2 and fiesta hatchbacks, yun lang ang maganda dito sa rio, yun hatch.

the accent looks 10 times better than this

**ghosthunter** · May 11th, 2012 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by pop3corn

i have seen this sedan in person. hindi sya ganun kaganda, parang hindi ganun ka-propotional ang body nya, parang katulad nun mazda2 and fiesta sedan ang dating. and like mazda 2 and fiesta hatchbacks, yun lang ang maganda dito sa rio, yun hatch.

the accent looks 10 times better than this

For each person, their own preference in the design of a car.

**foifoi05** · May 12th, 2012 02:27 AM

Originally Posted by ghosthunter

With enough noise and demand, Kia might release a HB1.2 model.... you can start with Kia Philippines Facebook account. hehehe

haha! lezgo!

Originally Posted by ghosthunter

For each person, their own preference in the design of a car.

true, i think the sedan looks very well proportioned compared to the Mz2 and Fiesta sedans.

Comparing it to the accent is the same as comparing a Sportage to the Tucson. Both have their strengths

**jaguartiu** · May 14th, 2012 10:40 AM

I bought this car 2012 kia rio sedan 1.4 Ex bright silver with M/T. I choose this over the Toyota Vios 1.3 ex because it is more roomy bigger trunk space and look better. I was surprise I got 10 km/L on traffic and 16-18 km/L at high-ways not bad.

**jut703** · May 14th, 2012 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by niky

But still... when you're buying a commuter... who really needs more than the 1.2 liters on the base model?

It depends, maybe the 1.4 is just as fuel efficient as the 1.2. If that's the case, I'd take the faster engine if only to have a car that won't run breathless on the occasional highway run. There aren't many 1.2 users to compare yet, maybe you guys over at Kotse.com should do a comparo haha.