2012 Kia Rio falls in line with the rest of its swoopy family

The fourth-generation 2012 Kia Rio has made its world debut in front of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show crowd. From the subtle swooping body lines to the front grille, the all-new Rio now resembles the rest of the Kia family.For the 2012 model year, the Kia Rio has become longer (3/4-inch), wider (1-inch) and lower (1/2-inch). Kia has pushed the wheelbase out to 101-inches, an increase of nearly three-inches over the outgoing Rio.Available as a five-door or three-door, the 2012 Rio is offered with a choice between four engines and three transmissions. The two gas-burning options are a 1.25-liter inline-4 producing 83 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 87 pound-feet of torque, or a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 108 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque. Two turbocharged diesel options are available; a 1.1-liter triple that generates 81 horses and 69 pound-feet of torque or a 1.4-liter unit producing 89 hp and 159 lb-ft. Both diesel burners and the 1.4-liter gas engine are paired with a six-speed manual while the 1.25-liter gas-sipper gets a five-speed manual transmission. The 1.4-liter gasoline engine is also available with a four-speed automatic. - AB