MotorMouths

As the 2013 Kia Rio proves, just because a car is small doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice equipment, style or the ability to cart around three friends. We just hope people don’t pass it over because of its unfortunate predecessors.

With its redesign, the 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door goes from basic transportation to a refined subcompact that’s appealing for more than just practical reasons.

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.

Refreshing and impressive, it is a strong contender in a category where, for the last decade, only fuel economy mattered. If you’re shopping for a new sub-compact cruiser, the Rio is a car worth enquiring about. In fact, it’s hard to ignore.

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.