2013 Kia Rio Wins MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award For Best Subcompact Car

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) has been honored with a MotorWeek Best Subcompact Car Drivers' Choice Award for the 2013 Rio at the Chicago Auto Show. MotorWeek, one of television's longest-running and most respected automotive programs, recognized the sporty Rio for its impressive styling, practicality and tremendous value.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130208/LA56944)

"As our smallest and most affordable offering, the Rio delivers an athletic feel and fresh design while bringing an abundance of standard amenities that elevate Kia's value proposition to new levels of sophistication," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications, KMA. "Being recognized by MotorWeek for a second consecutive year is a testament to the Rio's ability to meet – and exceed – our customers' expectations."

Among the most prestigious honors in the industry, the annual MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards judge vehicles across a range of 13 different lifestyle categories. The editorial staff selects the best vehicle in every segment, including cars, trucks and utility vehicles, based on evaluations of performance, technology, practicality, value and driving experience.

"No subcompact has road manners that impress us more than the Kia Rio," said MotorWeek host John Davis. "Sleek, sporty and affordable, the Kia Rio delivers full-size comfort and technology in a pint-size package."

About the 2013 Rio

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2013 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 2013 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and efficiency, achieving 138 horsepower while maintaining an EPA estimated 30/ 36 mpg (city/highway with ECO package)[2] . The 2013 Rio greets drivers and passengers with a bold and modern cabin, centered on Kia's horizontal three-cylinder instrument panel and a two-tone color scheme to emphasize a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. The Rio sedan proudly wears its own interpretations of Kia's signature grille, slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp design. Exhibiting highly sculpted, sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, the sedan projects an athletic profile that conveys power and agility.

Kia: One of the World's Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands

Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand's "Top 100 Best Global Brands," and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company's first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry's largest segments has fueled Kia's rapid growth and is complemented by Kia's comprehensive lineup which includes the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

SOURCE Kia Motors America/Chicago Auto Show