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2012 Rio - reviews

conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
need a separate thread for reviews for both the US and Canadian models, here is one from Autoblog testing the SX in Korea

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/2012-kia-rio-5-door-first-drive-review/

Comments

  • phill1phill1 Member Posts: 319
    edited October 2011
    Can`t say I`m very surprised, but KMA (USA) unlike Kia Canada, did it to (us) once again. Just like HMA, Hyundai USA did it to us just recently with the 2012 Accent. Why Canada (always) gets more color selections and a host of much more standard option features then comparable U.S. Models is both curious and aggravating. Even in Canada`s ( Base) LX Trim, you get the adjustable center console with storage compartment and a host of other features. True, in place of some of these desirable options, the U.S. gets "standard" A/C included, which in 2012 should be a "given", does it not get hot and humid in Canada during the Summer months? Please! The U.S. does get to choose the "Beige" Cloth Interior Fabric on both the LX and EX Models depending on the Exterior Color choice while Canada unfortunately get only Black Canada get a choice of (3) different Wheel sizes, starting with 15` like the U.S. but also adds both 16`` and 17``. In the U.S. its either 15`` or 17``. To get close to the options that the Canadian LX+ gets, or for that matter, their EX or EX+, in the U.S. once you add the "Convenience Package" to the EX Trim line, your only " a mere $300 away from the top of the line SX Model with a host of upscale features. Guess for us, "South of the Border", the (smart) money is going to be a Base model LX with Automatic Transmission and the extra cost Power Package at $1000 bring you to a MSRP of $16,450, (or) opt for the SX model with all the "bells and whistles" at $18,500, minus the optional "Luxury Package which adds, Leather Interior, Navigation, and a Sun Roof. The EX model at $17,250 makes no sense (to me) as it merely adds for an additional $800 to the Base LX trim, the front seat storage console, cruise control, blue tooth access on the steering wheel, allegedly "Premium" Cloth Interior Fabric, which looks very similar to the Standard LX Interior Fabric and a cloth covered Arm Rest for Front Seat Passengers. Oh, I almost neglected to mention the addition on the EX of the Chrome (painted) surround trim on the radiator grill in front, which in due time will begin to chip and eventually peel due to Sun and Heat exposure. The U.S. also only gets the LED Daytime Running Lights on its SX Model. The other models, LX and EX, get no DRL`s. Guess that DRL Module must be (very) expensive, you think?
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
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  • raderatorraderator Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2011
    Drove the LX (base) auto on a twisty country road. Pretty sweet. Seemed zippier than a Fiesta. Handling was great, ride good and road noise acceptable.

    These have standard XM/CD/mp3/USB, yea! However, I was told you CANNOT get the power pack (windows, locks, keyless) with the manual.

    BTW, the Rio base model comes with bigger wheels and tires than the base Accent, 15" vs 14". I'd get snow tires for the steel wheels and get some alloy wheel from Tirerack. On clearance, you can get them for nearly what steel wheels would cost.

    The base model has no fake chrome on the grille, which looks much better since the grille is the only ugly thing on the car besides the dash, which is at least better looking than the Klingon one on the Fiesta.

    My local dealer is discounting Rios an amazing $1300-1600! Surely this won't last.

    I'm 6' but fit amazingly well in the back seats with inches to spare overhead. The seats fold fairly flat so you could put a dog back there if he is spry enuf to jump up that high.

    I was hoping to get a manual with power pack but alas, I seem doomed to accept the auto. Which ain't that bad cuz the manual shift mode is rather fun and somewhat duplicates the experience. mpg is the same anyway.

    My only other real disappointment was no map light in the base model. You could probably pull one out of an old Japanese car in the junkyard tho. No sunglasses holder but there is a space for one since the useless roof handle is missing on the driver's side.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    edited November 2011
    I took a red LX hatch with Convenience Package out for a test drive today. Was hoping to drive a stick but it appears those don't exist. This one was a beautiful red with a tan interior, which is a combo I really like.

    First things I noticed were that the plastic wheel is fat and comfy, and the HVAC controls could be from a $40k car with their chrome and piano black accents and smooth operation. The materials quality of the rest of the interior (except for the wheel and lane changer) looked a notch below those HVAC controls, but not bad for the price point. Would have liked some padding for my left elbow (Kia, call Nissan re the nice padding on the Versa). The driver's seat bottom felt small to me, but seemed comfortable enough on my short drive.

    The drive was on suburban roads and highways, all pretty smooth except for cracks and expansion joints. On those, the Rio5 was louder than I'd like. The ride felt firmer than the Accent GS I drove a couple of weeks ago. But the steering also felt a tad firmer. Handling was fine, and the car tracked straight without the need for constant corrections. Power even with the AT was adequate, but I didn't press the car (new engine, test drive of a car I was not going to buy). I reset the FE meter when I got up to speed on the highway, and in a short drive got close to 40 mpg which included a couple of stops at stoplights. Speed was around 60 mph. So the car should be able to hit its 40 mpg EPA highway mark even when new at moderate speeds.

    Back seat room was just adequate in my sit-behind-me test (5'9"). It was about as much as in some larger cars such as the Focus, Cruze, and 2012 Impreza. Enough for short to moderate height folks for an hour or two. Headroom was sufficient but nothing to spare. Cargo room was OK but less than in its cousin the Accent. I appreciated the 60/40 fold-down seats with a fairly flat load floor (but with a little step behind the seatbacks) after driving a Focus sedan that cost $2000 more but had a one-piece seatback that tilted up considerably).

    Overall it was a fun little car to drive, but for the price ($16.5k) I'd have to go with cousin Accent GS for its standard cruise control with the AT, greater cargo volume, and smoother ride. I also like the dash design of the Accent more, but I'd take those HVAC controls of the Rio5 any day.
  • phill1phill1 Member Posts: 319
    Well its been just over 2 weeks since I took delivery of my 2012 Kia Rio5. So far, I`m very pleased with this vehicle. I got mine in Clear White with the Beige Cloth Interior and the optional Power Package. Just as Backy mentioned, MSRP of $16, 545 including the Carpeted Floor Mats. I also agree that I prefer the 2012 Accents dash design over the Kia`s but, I like the HVAC controls and the other Black accented interior trim better on the Kia. Really irritated that the Rio did not include the Cruise Control that the Accent GS gets, but it was not a deal breaker for me. I only get to use it a few times of the year anyway due to the heavy traffic on I 95 and the Florida Turnpike which requires constant braking and passing. Even more aggravating was the fact that not only did Kia not include the Center Console Armrest with Storage, but did not even provide a cloth covered Drivers Seat flip up Armrest on its LX Trim which every Kia Rio has had as standard equipment from 06` thru 011. I hoping Kia will soon provide an aftermarket one like they have available for the Kia Soul for 010 thru 012 Models that did not have them originally. I`ve got lots of compliments on this vehicle so far and most folks are surprised that it was priced at only 16.5 K. I feel like I stated before, for those that are interested in a 2012 Kia Rio5, the most bang for your buck is in the LX Trim with the optional Power Package. I think once Kia has sufficient Inventory available, they should sell quite a few of them. Really surprised that they have already offered 1.9% financing for 36 month loans with excellent FICA Scores on this new Model when there are so few available on the Dealers Lots.
  • phill1phill1 Member Posts: 319
    $1,300 to $1,600 off a 2012 Kia Rio5? Unless the Dealers are charging a $1,000 or more for Dealer Fee`s or adding on a lot of Dealer Installed Accessories, or stealing late model trade in`s far below market price, its quite puzzling? There is only $600 margin between Dealers Cost, (Invoice) and the MSRP, not including the Dealer Hold Back which the Dealerships get at years end. Just curious, where are you located? I think before the rubber hits the road, the buyer will soon see those "savings" evaporate. Other Kia Dealerships would be lining up to purchase them at that Discounted Price for resale. The old saying, "If it looks too good to be true, its probably not".
  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    I've only had the vehicle for about three weeks but here are my initial impressions. I truly love driving this car which handles well, has excellent acceleration, but doesn't handle rough road surfaces well. But that's the trade off one gets with the better handling of the SX Sports Suspension. One other benefit of the SX package, the wheels and 17 inch tires look fantastic!

    It has 4 wheel disc brakes, traction and electronic stability control, and behind the wheel it almost feels like a luxury car.

    The front seats are extremely comfortable, I love the overall sleek look, the LED running lights, the LED lights on the outside mirrors, and the rear LED lights. Can you believe the outside mirrors are heated and fold into the car with the touch of a button?

    Storage capacity is only 15 cubic feet with the rear seats up but when they're folded down that expands to almost 50 cu feet.

    While driving only the highway, I get about 39 mpg. When driving in the city in stop and go traffic, I'm only getting about 23 mpg. I estimate my combined mileage between 31 and 32 mpg.

    Minor complaints: Why doesn't KIA provide an inside the cabin hatch release button or a coin box? The white on black instrumentation is very clear but I prefer the orange on black combination found in the Forte SX. Finally, I'm disappointed that the RIO doesn't have that nifty storage bin that comes with the Forte SX under the rear compartment.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    You mean there's no latch to open up the rear hatch from inside the car? If so, that's just plain stupid on Kia's part...who wants to have to use the key every time to open the hatch especially when one is inside the car? :mad: Hopefully that faux pas will be addressed with the 2013 model. Have seen a few hatch's up close and they look pretty nice actually. Waiting to see the sedan as compared to the Accent sedan. Just got out of my kids '08 Accent GLS and it's a great car for what it is. My only real complaint is the engine doesn't get the best in town mileage and the engine can get a bit loud. Just wish the gearing was a bit better also which I think would improve the mpg's and quiet it down a bit. But we're pleased with the car and wouldn't mind it as my d d if I had to...I still prefer my '06 Civic and plan to keep it. :)

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    That's correct, for both the RIO and Forte Hatchback models, KIA decided to eliminate the hatch release button inside the cabin. It's not a major flaw but I think it was a stupid decision because you have to exit the vehicle to open the hatch By the way, you don't need the key. As long as the passenger doors are unlocked you can manually open the hatch.

    I compared the 2012 RIO to the Accent and I think the RIO looks better and it definitely has more high tech features such as:

    A Rear View camera when backing up
    LED Running Lights / LED Tail lights / LED turn signals on the side mirrors
    Outside Mirrors fold up at the push of a button inside the cabin
    Microsoft UVO for radio and bluetooth
  • conanrulesconanrules Member Posts: 16
    The lack of an interior hatch release isn't an issue for me. How are you going to get anything out of the back unless you get out of the car? Who cares. The fact these cars can't stay on a lot for more than a few days means something. There really is no competition next to the Rio.
  • conanrulesconanrules Member Posts: 16
    I have a quote for $1500 under invoice price on a SX model and I know I can do better.
  • conanrulesconanrules Member Posts: 16
    Drove the Rio hatch EX with convenience package. WOW! what a great car. Could not believe all this car for $16k. Very smooth ride, very quick, 80 mph on highway no problem. I'm 6'1" and had plenty of leg and head room. Sat behind my drivers seat and had adequate leg room but wouldn't want to sit there for hours. Also had adequate head room with an inch or two to spare but did have my hat on. Rear backup camera is great, bluetooth connection to phone with a touch screen! Are you kidding me. Very comfortable seats, wish the left arm rest was a tad higher. Stereo speakers suck, but no biggie. Car handled extremely well and very responsive. When they get my color in I'm buying it. There is no competition to the RIO, not even close. They are going to sell a ton of these.
  • cbmortoncbmorton Member Posts: 252
    Just picked up our Rio EX hatch yesterday. Definitely the most car by far for the money. Here in Canada you can get an EX with sunroof and manual transmission, which made it a no-brainer since both of those are musts for me.

    Very easy to drive around the city and surprisingly solid on the highway even on a windy day. More road noise at higher speeds than I'd like, but suspect a good bit of that is due to the tires. Rear camera makes backing into a parking spot a snap, since the small, high rear window doesn't give you much to go by. UVO system works great when it understands you properly (yes, I did the training). I was surprised that the system, if it's off, can't be woken up by pressing the talk or off-hook phone buttons on the steering wheel. Want to make a call, turn UVO on first, then the buttons on the steering wheel work. I downloaded the latest UVO software from Kia and updated by USB - very easy.

    So far I've noticed the following convenience features that aren't documented in the owner's manual (at least not the one that came with ours):

    1. Three-blink turn signal flash for changing lanes - loved this on other, more expensive cars, but figured the Rio didn't have it since the owner's manual instructs you to hold the turn signal lever while you change lanes, then release. Surprise, it does have the "touch it once, get three blinks" feature after all.

    2. If you shut the engine off with the headlights on, get out and lock the car with the remote, the lights stay on. Press the "lock" button again, the lights go off. When you come back, unlock the car with the remote and the lights come on again. I wasn't expecting "welcome" and "follow-me-home" lighting on a car this cheap either.

    Looking forward to spending more time driving it.
  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    The RIO SX Hatchback is a smaller version of KIA's incredible Forte SX Hatchback.

    They're both fantastic vehicles and each has it's own advantages. The Forte has a 19.4 cubic foot storage area with the seats up while the RIO has only 15 cubic feet. The Forte SX has more interior room and very powerful acceleration with the 2.4 liter engine. The RIO's 1.6 Liter GDI engine has very good acceleration for a small engine but it cannot come close to the 2.4 liter version in the Forte. On the plus side, interior room in the RIO is excellent for a small car, plus it's extremely comfortable.

    The RIO obviously wins on fuel economy while both cars handle extremely well. I think both of them are lots of fun to drive and each car model is sleek and aerodynamic. The Forte SX has that nifty storage container under the rear compartment and I don't understand why KIA doesn't provide it in the RIO SX.

    The RIO has a price advantage over the Forte, although KIA seems to offer better deals on the Forte. I would compare the Forte with the Ford Focus while the RIO should be compared to the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, and Honda Fit. Both KIAs are better than the competition.

    Even though the Accent uses the same engine and transmission, the RIO wins out on looks and more high tech features such as a rear view camera, LED lighting, and outside mirrors that fold with the press of a button. In addition, the outside mirrors are heated on the RIO.
  • conanrulesconanrules Member Posts: 16
    Interesting. The only model available on the Kia website with manual is the LX and the only model available with a sunroof is the fully loaded SX. I don't care about the sunroof because they always become problematic and reduce headroom but I would like a manual transmission. The sales guy did tell me they are going to be offering a Rio with a turbo soon. Hopefully that one comes with a manual. Guess you guys are lucky in Canada.
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    edited January 2012
    the #2 feature I have in my new 2012 Soul 4u, its called the "Headlamp Escort" Maybe I should check for your #1 feature maybe I might have it too! :)
  • cbmortoncbmorton Member Posts: 252
    Wouldn't be surprised! The 2011 Soul I drove recently didn't have it, but the Rio does.

    Played with the lights some more tonight since it was the first time taking it out after dark. The car actually uses the "auto" light system to decide whether to activate the welcome or follow-me-home lighting (or "headlamp escort", if that's Kia's term for it). If you leave the headlight switch in "auto", it'll turn on the lights as you unlock the car with the remote, and leave them on for 30 seconds after you lock it - but only if it's dark. During the day, the lights stay off when you lock or unlock. Smart.

    Inside, the UVO screen isn't dimmed with the rest of the dashboard lighting, and even in "night" mode I find it a tad bright, but it can be turned off completely. Also, there's a small LED light mounted in the ceiling, behind the sunroof switch, that shines down onto the centre console to provide some ambient light at night to the shifter and storage tray/power point area just in front of it. Another nice, unexpected touch.

    On a different note, after a day driving around in a hilly city, I sure wish they'd put the hill holder on the manual transmission instead of only on the automatic.
  • conanrulesconanrules Member Posts: 16
    I found the Canadian Kia site and checked out the Rio. Interesting that they are sold so differently in our two countries. They have an SX model here in the states. It's the only one with a sunroof but still doesn't come with a manual transmission. I really want a manual. I was surprised at how much fun that car was to drive and how well it handled. I'd love to take it out for some spirited driving in the mountains. I guess that is what my 1974 MGB is for.
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    the MSRP and full spec details are now available on the Kia Canada website on the Rio sedan which is now just arriving at dealerships in Canada.
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
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  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    I noticed a trunk release lever in one of the photos above for the Canadian RIO sedan. Isn't that interesting because I have the 5 Door RIO SX US version and there's no interior hatchback release button or lever.
  • PlacemanPlaceman Member Posts: 44
    That's because the SX has an electronic locking mechanism for the hatch, not a mechanical one. The electronic mechanism makes having the mechanical lever obsolete. You don't need to "pop" the hatch using a lever since you only need to touch the button under the rear hatch handle to activate the electronic lock.
  • cbmortoncbmorton Member Posts: 252
    The reason there's an interior release for the trunk on the sedan is because if you don't use the key, there isn't any other way to open the trunk. On the 5-door you don't have that problem, because there's a handle on the outside. So no need for an interior hatch release on any 5-door model.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Well, there IS a reason... for example, so you can unlock the hatch for someone you are dropping off someplace so they can get their stuff out of the back w/o grabbing the handle, which might be covered with who-knows-what. But they'll have to touch the lid someplace anyway to lift it.

    Then there's the question of, what happens if the electric latch switch fails on the hatch? Some of these hatches don't have a keyhole anymore--not sure if the Rio5 has one.

    My old Elantra GT doesn't have an interior hatch release, but the latch in back is mechanical plus there's a keyhole.
  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    I agree with cbmorton reference a passenger exiting the vehicle and wanting to quickly grab something out of the rear storage area. First, it's quicker/easier for them, and second, they are not familiar with the location of that electronic button.

    Is this a major issue? Of course not. However, with all of the high tech gadgets, such as a rear view camera, one would think an interior hatch release button would be standard. I had one on my Ford Focus and it was sooooooooo convenient.
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    If they can't figure out where the rear hatch handle is located then they have serious problems :) (it's not exactly a hidden button)

    does this look difficult to spot?

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  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    The best place to lift the rear hatch is with the handle.
    Rio 5's without remotes have a keyhole. All a release will do is pop the hatch it won't fully open so you still have to grab it and lift, so its not as if you was an auto version where it fully opened. A sedan is different as it will pop more open due to its size and weight.
    As for if the electric latch switch fails - which would be extremely rare, then there is an emergency tailgate safety release which is mentioned in your manual.

    My previous Rondo and now my new Soul doesn't have an inside mechanical hatch release. Not sure if the Rio has it but when I stop and put my Soul into park all the doors unlock automatically, so a passenger wanted to get something out of back just goes around and grabs the handle-latch and lifts the door to get the item out, I can't see a mechanical release would make it go any quicker. Never been an issue to me.

    I had an older station wagon that had the mechanical release, but all it did was unlock it, the door barely moved.
  • conanrulesconanrules Member Posts: 16
    The Accent is cheaper, more available, has more drivetrain options and looks just as good as the Rio.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    What additional drivetrain options does the Accent have that the Rio doesn't?
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    both the Accent and Rio use the same transmissions and engine. There is no difference in that respect.
    Only the base model is cheaper and it depends whether you are talking about a sedan or a hatchback
    Accent sedan manual - $12,545, Rio - $13,400
    Accent sedan auto - $15,295; Rio - $14,500

    Accent hatch manual - $14,695, Rio 5 - $13,600
    Accent hatch auto - $15,895; Rio 5 - $14,700
  • cbmortoncbmorton Member Posts: 252
    My guess is he was referring to how a manual transmission is standard across the board in the Accent lineup, but only available on the base Rio in the USA.
  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    Obviously they will eventually figure it out but I don't think you get it. Having an interior hatch release isn't necessary, but it is a nice little extra. Why not throw it in? I had a hatch release in my Ford Focus and it would open the hatch so all you had to do was lift. It was one of those things you think you never need until you have it and then miss it.

    Admittedly this sounds like a spoiled American but why not? As I mentioned earlier, this is a trivial flaw in an otherwise fabulous vehicle.
  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    Even though the Accent uses the same engine and transmission, the RIO wins out on looks and more high tech features such as a rear view camera, LED Running and Brake Lights, plus outside mirrors that fold with the press of a button. In addition, the outside mirrors are heated on the RIO which is a major plus in a cold climate.

    If that isn't enough, the KIA has UVO so you can control Sirius Satellite Radio and your phone with voice commands.
  • conanrulesconanrules Member Posts: 16
    I've driven both models. The EX drive feels far superior to the SX. The EX is smooth where the SX feels every bump and feels as if it loses it's grip on a rough road. Basically feels like two different cars. There is no way I would buy the SX. What did they do to screw up the ride so badly? It can't just be to 17" wheels, but I guess it could. They didn't have the color in stock yet that I wanted for the EX model but did for the SX. The salesmen couldn't understand why I wouldn't just pay $200 dollars more. He didn't understand that that the SX model drove like [non-permissible content removed]. That dealership in Fairfax, VA is horrible. I never got an hones answer out of them. They lied on the quote over the phone and the one they gave me through NFCU and then were pushy and tried to sell me a car I didn't want. I've told them to stop calling me and they continue to do so. Sorry about the dealership rant.
  • cbmortoncbmorton Member Posts: 252
    The Focus had the interior release because there wasn't one on the outside - just a keyhole. Again, it's pretty standard to only have a release inside OR outside. I guess Kia could have included both, but it's not surprising that they didn't, especially at this price point. Still, if that's the worst "flaw" in your opinion I think it's an example of how Kia did pretty well equipping this car!

    My "trivial flaw" is that the ignition has to be on to close the sunroof. Most cars give you 45-60 seconds to close the windows and sunroof after you shut off the engine, but on Kia vehicles this only works for the windows. Now there's something I wish they'd thrown in.
  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    Conanrulee' post proves buying a car is very personal decision as you should never allow someone else to sway your opinion. In this case, my feelings are the complete opposite of his.

    The 5 Door SX RIO handles extremely well, I describe it as nimble and I prefer it over the softer, middle of the road EX model. With the SX you sacrifice a little comfort over rough surfaces, such as expansion joints, for better handling. I'm not sure why he feels the car loses it's grip on rough surfaces because I don't sense that at all.

    I also like the low profile 17 inch tires plus the beautiful aluminum wheels on the sportier SX model. But he's right about that, those tires and wheels definitely change the handling equation. Judge for yourself and see what rocks your boat.
  • conanrulesconanrules Member Posts: 16
    To me, they were like two different cars. Seriously, the SX was such a rough ride it has made me lose interest in the car.
  • ecotrklvrecotrklvr Member Posts: 519
    edited January 2012
    I once took a terst drive in a Nissan that rode really harshly as well. When we got back to the dealership, we checked the tire pressure - they wer all at 40 psi, not the 32 as specified. Maybe they are pumped up high for shipment? Anyway, once we lowered the air pressure, the thing drive MUCH smoother.
  • conwelpicconwelpic Member Posts: 600
    I also agree with the previous post, the tire pressure appears to be a very common problem, maybe try the car again but check the tire pressure first to make sure its at the right pressure.
    The vehicles are shipped from the factory with very high pressure (usually over 40 psi) and a lot of times they are not checked when they get to the dealership, particular if they have not had time to PDI the vehicle.
  • PlacemanPlaceman Member Posts: 44
    I also have an SX. The ride is a bit rough over rough roads, but that's due to it having a "tighter" suspension. I don't mind it at all. I like to "feel" the road.

    Also, my tires had 40 psi in them when I took delivery, which I promptly lowered.
  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    Placeman's post is a perfect of example of why I always say everyone should make up their own mind without being heavily influenced by other opinions. Test drive the vehicles and decide for yourself if you prefer a tighter suspension, which gives you better handling, but is a stiffer ride on rough roads. Or maybe you prefer a more comfortable/softer ride and you're willing to sacrifice tighter handling for the extra comfort? There's no one answer for every driver.

    Having said that, look at the RIO SX because it is one fabulous vehicle. If you need more room, check out the KIA Forte SX. We have both and love'em.
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    conan, thanks for your posts. I did not know that NFCU prenegotiates with a specific dealer ahead of time. I knew they had pre negotiated prices, but did not know you had to go to a specific dealer. I'm tired of going to Fairfax for all my purchases. I have a Kia dealer much closer and NFCU will have to allow me to go to them or its no deal. I sat in a Forte SX this weekend and liked it a lot. It is now #2 on my list after the Honda Fit. I did not come away with a good impression sitting in the Accent nor the Rio 5 for visibility. The Fit is like a modern day Pacer when it comes to visibility; amazing. Based on all your comments, I'll go back and sit in (and maybe drive) a Rio 5 [again]. I loved the interior but found the rear window small, just like the Accent.
    Can you all chime in to define what Sport Tuned suspension actually means? I prefer a floaty driving experience; one that handles today's potholes with a bit more grace. I'm not one for (let's say) the Ford Mustang driving experience that you feel every crack/crevice/bump/hole in the road, and your back pays for it later.
    As for the Forte, I'm a bit concerned that the 2.0 liter engine and steering are the same as what is in my current Elantra Touring. I really don't like the steering very much. I could drive all these cars, but since I'm still a year away from any purchase, I'll stick to your opinions since you've done all the driving for me :D
  • btatrbtatr Member Posts: 75
    We have a Forte SX and it's a fabulous car. In my opinion, it's the best value for your money on the road. I think your comment was wrong because the Forte SX has a very powerful 2.4 liter engine that is a vast improvement over the 2.0 Liter Engine in the Forte EX. I would never buy that car because I didn't like the 2.0 liter engine. However, the SX engine is extremely smooth and powerful. It's one of the hidden gems in this class of vehicles.

    As for the suspension, any time you buy a car with sports tuned suspension and low profile tires like the Forte SX model, you will have much better handling on smooth roads. However, the ride will be stiffer on rough surfaces or highway expansion joints. It's like anything else in life, you have to decide if you want better handling versus a softer more comfortable ride. You can't have it both ways.
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