MotorMouths

The 2012 Kia Rio sedan is an enticing player. The interior has a more upscale feel, along with premium features. Drive quality in the SX is much improved. And finally, we believe the Rio is probably the best visual execution of a sedan in the segment.

There’s no doubt that Kia now has a firm grasp on what most consumers are looking for, which would be styling, quality, performance and features. As a result, the 2012 Kia Rio is finally a front runner in a market segment that has seen a lot of improved vehicles lately.

The Rio is compelling, and it’s downright attractive as a hatchback. Add acceptable performance and a well-tuned chassis to that package, and you have a car that takes some of the drudgery out of commuting whether you live in Seoul or L.A.

The 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door is not your typical Korean sub-compact. There’s both more performance and more aggressive styling than we’re accustomed to. Moreover, it has a more sophisticated feel to it, making it one sub-compact that every driver in the family will enjoy.

Distinction is often what sells a car, but the 2012 Kia Rio sedan is endearing among small cars because it lacks distinction — the negative kind that hobbles most subcompacts. Rio’s main virtue is absence of vice; it lacks those unpleasant signals of cheapness.

The 2012 Kia Rio sedan is a great buy for those looking for a solid and spacious little runabout.

Aggressive new styling, more power and tight handling make Kia’s all-new Rio5 subcompact great fun to drive. Plus, new efficiency-boosting tech means that athleticism doesn’t come at the expense of segment-leading mileage.

The Rio is now one of the more refined, better-looking offerings in a segment brimming with good cars.

The Rio has improved in pretty much every measurable and subjective way. We have a hard time arguing with a good-looking hatchback that covers all the bases.

The Rio, while not excelling in any one area, is nonetheless quite competent all around, and is really emblematic of the success automakers have had in building a better econobox.

The size and price range categories the 2012 Rio plays in are highly competitive, and standing out can be a real challenge. But the Rio 5-door pulls it off with a combination of power, fuel economy, value, and great looks.

As far as small, cheap cars go, the Rio is really impressive: Low price, high value, lovely interior, great gas mileage, and remarkable refinement. And I just can’t get over the styling — every time I see one, I marvel at the idea that such a beautiful car can be had for just $14k.