Overview

The 2010 Kia Rio is a subcompact car that carries the brand's lowest price tag. It is offered in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. The Rio sedan is available in base, LX and SX trim levels, while the Rio5 hatchback comes in LX and SX trims.

Power and performance

A 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 110 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque and matched to a five-speed manual transmission is standard on all 2010 Rio models. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic gearbox is available on LX and SX models. All Rio trim levels get a front engine, front-wheel drive layout.

Body and styling

For 2010, the Rio comes with a revised appearance that includes full body-color bumpers, a revised tabbed grille that matches the new look of Kia, black bezel headlamps, body-color side moldings and a stylish exposed exhaust outlet, adding further to its sprightly appearance. An EcoMinder indicator light is standard on all automatic models which illuminates when the vehicle has reached optimum fuel efficiency, helping drivers drive in the most fuel-efficient manner possible. Also, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity (late availability), automatic cruise control and side mirrors with integrated turn signals are offered on all LX and SX trims, further enhancing its style and overall appeal. The 2010 Kia Rio is packed with myriad exterior and interior standard features such as body-color bumpers; body side molding; body-color exterior door handles; dual power heated body-color mirrors; clear-lens headlights; variable intermittent windshield wipers; auto-off headlights; 14-inch steel wheels on base and LX versions and 15-inch alloy wheels on SX trim; tachometer; rear seatback pocket; low-fuel warning light; and AM/FM/CD/MP3/SIRIUS audio system with four speakers. Power windows with driver?s one-touch auto-down; power door locks with keyless remote; dual power heated body-color mirrors; steering-wheel-mounted audio control buttons and tweeter speakers are available on Rio LX and SX models.

Safety Features

The 2010 Kia Rio sports sophisticated standard safety features that help avoid accidents and help minimize injuries when accidents are unavoidable. Dual front advanced airbags; dual front seat-mounted side and full-length side curtain airbags; seat-belt warning light; height-adjustable front seat belt anchors; side-impact door beams; three-point seat belts for all seating positions; tire pressure monitoring system; impact-absorbing steering column; front and rear crumple zones; and front seat-belt pre-tensioners with force limiters are some of the safety equipment offered across the board. A four-wheel anti-lock braking system is available on LX and SX models.