Video: 2012 Kia Rio

It debuts as a 2012 model going on sale this fall, and it's going to be priced at less than $13,000. With it's redesign, the Rio takes on some of the design cues of its siblings, like the Optima and the Forte. It gets a similar grill like the Optima that's pinched in the middle here and around back tail lights mimic the Forte with their angular appearance. The Rio is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine that's rated at 138 horsepower, and regardless of whether you get the manual or the automatic transmission, the car gets 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway. Kia is also going to offer an optional ECO package that features start-stop technology that automatically shuts off the engine when you come to a stop and restarts it when you have to go again. And with that package, city fuel economy is expected to increase by one mile per gallon. The Rio is going to be offered in a number of trim levels and we're in the top line SX trim, which can come with a number of optional features you may not expect to find in an economy car like push button start, a navigation system, heated leather seats and a moonroof. The Rio is a pretty small car, but adults can make the backseat work if they have to, though they probably don't want to stay here very long, and that's because the cushion is really low to the floor. So you sit with your knees upward. So not the most comfortable space overall. In addition to the sedan, the Rio is also going to be offered in hatchback form as the Rio5. So if you like the look of the sedan, but want a little more utility, maybe this is the model to look at. We've seen an influx of new subcompact cars lately, like the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa, and also the new Hyundai Accent, Seems what Kia is going to try and do in this space is distinguish itself with it's design and also by offering upscale optional features, you may not expect to find in this class. For more car related news, go to cars.com or our blog KickingTires.net.