The Kia Rio has been out on the market since 2001. Over the past 11 years, it has appealed to budget-minded drivers. It's hard to believe we're fast approaching the launch of the 2012 four-door and five-door models, with the many exciting changes they bring.

For 2012, the Kia Rio will continue to appeal to a budget-minded, integrity-conscious audience. Kia has added a lot of tech, both in the form of standard fare, and optional add-ons. The South Korean automaker has also made the car a lot safer. To top it all off, they're cutting the starting price of the 2012 Kia Rio5.

That's right. Last Monday, Kia announced that the 2012 Kia Rio5, scheduled to hit dealerships across the country this fall, will cost drivers almost fifteen-hundred dollars less than the outgoing 2011 model. That will effectively bring the price down to a very affordable $14,350.

As we previously mentioned, Kia managed to cut the price while actually adding features. Among the tech Kia added to both the Kia Rio5 and four-door Kia Rio, are standard aux ports. Select trims also now come standard with Kia UVO hands-free audio and an ultra-convenient backup camera. All Rio models and trims are engineered with higher strength steel compared to previous generations. Kia indicates this change has improved torsional rigidity by over 30 percent.

Perhaps the biggest change from last year's Kia Rio to this year's Kia Rio is the addition of stop-start technology. Typically available only in deluxe models, it promises noticeable long-term fuel cost savings.

Interested in learning more? Please contact us for complete details on the refreshed Kia Rio5 and Rio sedan, or visit us in person at 11655 New Halls Ferry in Florissant, MO. We're always happy to share specs and arrange test drives.