Kia Breaks the Price Barrier With Least Expensive Car in America
18 July 2000
2001 Rio Sedan Will Be Least Expensive Car in America IRVINE, Calif. - Kia Motors America believes it's about time everybody had
a well-made car, and today it made that much easier for American buyers by
announcing pricing that makes its upcoming 2001 Rio subcompact sedan the lowest-
priced car in America. The Rio, which will go on sale Aug. 1 at 580 Kia dealers
nationwide, will have a base price of just $8,595. That is more than $1,000
less than the segment's leading four-door.
And to deliver consumers even more peace-of-mind, the Rio, like all 2001
model-year Kias, will be covered by a new comprehensive customer protection
plan that features substantially improved basic and powertrain warranty
coverage plus an extended roadside assistance plan. The just-announced Kia
Long Haul Warranty Program(TM) consists of three basic components: a 10-year
or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile
limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation
warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan also is
offered.
While the Rio's base price and customer protection are news-making, Kia
also recognizes that many bargain shoppers want something more than a base
vehicle, so it has priced individual and option packages in the same
value-conscious manner as its base price. For example, a Rio sedan equipped
with power steering, tilt steering wheel, full wheel covers, bodyside
moldings, air conditioning and AM/FM/cassette stereo has a manufacturer's
suggested list price of just $10,045. Adding the optional four-speed
electronically controlled automatic transmission increases that total by just
$875.
Despite its eye-popping pricing that will make it possible for thousands
more consumers to afford a new car, the Rio will reflect Kia's reputation for
building affordable, high-quality vehicles. The vehicle offers its buyers
state-of-the-art technology in a contemporary wedge-shaped body.
Inside the Rio features extensive head room and leg room, and its
higher-than-normal seats give the driver and passengers a command-of-the-road
feel. The driver's seat is height-adjustable and also features an integral
fold-down armrest. The instruments are housed in an ergonomically designed
dashboard that relays information quickly, and the switchgear is exceptionally
simple to use.
The Rio's drivetrain is equally value-filled. The all-new MI-Tech
(Millennium Innovation Technology) powerplant offers multi-port electronic
fuel injection, dual overhead cams and tuned intake and exhaust manifolds.
The 1.5-liter engine produces 96 peak horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 98 lb.-ft.
of torque at 4,500 rpm. Backing up the engine is a five-speed manual
transmission or an electronically controlled four-speed automatic
transmission.
The Rio's compact exterior dimensions make it maneuverable and easy to
park. It's 165.9 inches long and reasonably tall at 56.7 inches in height for
better head room and convenient ingress and egress. The 94.9-inch wheelbase
contributes to the Rio's handling as does the independent MacPherson strut
front suspension. The rear suspension is an elegantly simple torsion beam
with coil springs. Steering is by rack-and-pinion, with power assist part of
an upgrade package that also includes tilt wheel.
On the safety front, the Rio uses Kia's exclusive CIAS (Crush Impact
Absorbing Structure) body design, which combines minimal weight with maximum
strength. Stopping power is provided by ventilated front disc and rear drum
brakes. An antilock brake system available at a suggested retail price of
just $400.
Even in base trim the Kia Rio will feature a variety of added touches like
rear window defroster, tinted glass, full cloth interior and center console.
An upgrade package will add power steering, tilt steering wheel, dual visor
vanity mirrors, full wheel covers and body-color bodyside moldings. On the
freestanding option list are automatic transmission, air conditioning, two
audio systems, body color rear spoiler, alloy wheels and antilock brakes.
The addition of the Rio brings the Kia U.S. model lineup to five vehicles:
Sephia compact sedan, Sportage sport-utility vehicle, Sportage 2-Door
Convertible and the Spectra sporty hatchback sedan, which went on sale this
spring.
Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia
Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.
MSRP for 2001 Kia Rio and Options
Kia Rio Sedan
Base price $8,595
Automatic transmission $875
Air conditioning $750
Antilock brakes $400
AM/FM/casette stereo $320
AM/FM/CD stereo $395
Upgrade Package
(power steering, tilt steering
wheel, wheel covers, bodyside moldings,
visor vanity mirrors) $380
Alloy wheels $275
Spoiler $85
Carpeted floormats $69
Destination charge $450
