2012 Kia Rio 5-Door Named "Subcompact Car of the Year" By FAMA's "Mujeres Al Volante"

All-New Hatchback Recognized for Standout Combination of Safety Features, Fun-to-Drive Performance and Tremendous Value

State-of-the-art powertrain delivers class-leading horsepower and fuel economy of up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway   Rio incorporates a host of eco-friendly features and 85 percent of its materials are recyclable at the end of the vehicle's lifespan IRVINE, Calif., January 12, 2012 - Adding another feather to its cap, Kia Motors America's (KMA) all-new 2012 Rio 5-door has been named one of the top five cars of the year by FAMA's "Mujeres Al Volante." FAMA is a leading modern lifestyle magazine in Spanish, and the Mujeres Al Volante awards honor vehicles that meet the priorities of U.S. Hispanic women when considering a new vehicle. The Rio 5-door was recognized for its long list of standard safety features, modern amenities, outstanding fuel economy, strong family appeal and world-class design. "The 'Subcompact of the Year' award for the all-new Rio 5-door from Mujeres Al Volante is the latest example of the impact the Kia brand is having in the U.S. market with unprecedented growth and an exciting lineup of vehicles that deliver cutting-edge technology, eye-catching design and class-leading fuel economy," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "Kia is one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.3, and vehicles such as the Rio 5-door continue to raise awareness, perception and consideration for the brand by attracting new, style-conscious consumers to our showrooms." The Rio 5-door's innovative green technology and features also impressed the Mujeres Al Volante editors. In addition to being the first in the segment to offer the fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology (available later this year), the Rio 5-door's seat foam material is made from 100-percent biodegradable and non-toxic castor oil, which reduces the use of petroleum-based products. At the end of its lifespan, 85 percent of the all-new Rio's materials are recyclable. "The Rio 5-door has exceeded our expectations, and we think it's in the top of its class when it comes to appealing to Hispanic women," said Ileana Muniz, editor-in-chief of FAMA's Autos Mujeres Al Volante. "On top of its outstanding design, the Rio 5-door handles well and is environmentally friendly with 40 MPG and ISG technology." About the 2012 Rio Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the eco-friendly 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading 138 horsepower4 while maintaining a standard class-leading5 fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway). Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality6 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking7. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan8. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.   Courtesy of Kia Media.