2008 Kia Rio5 in Bellevue, NE - $5,500

The Kia Rio5's exterior design is a youthful, European-inspired look -- both bold and dynamic. Available in LX and SX trim levels, the front-drive Rio5 five-door is powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine which incorporates continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) mated to the standard five-speed manual gearbox. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is an available option.

On the road, the Rio5 is impressively solid, smooth and composed â€"- with a responsive powertrain. Quick and comfortable, the Rio5 feels very plush.

For 2008, Kia tweaks the successful Rio5 formula with a revised center gauge cluster, revised cupholder design with rubberized support and an auxiliary audio input.

The Kia Rio5 features a generous list of standard features which includes air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, 60/40 split folding rear seatback, power steering, height-adjustable steering column, front seat side and full-length side curtain airbags, eight-way manually-adjustable driver's seat, rear window defroster, variable intermittent windshield wipers, rear window wiper/washer, dual body-color outside mirrors and black bodyside molding.

Additionally the Rio5 boasts a number of sporty elements such as: 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R15 tires, fog lights, a rear spoiler, metal grain trim, metal pedals and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

An optional Power Package adds the following features: power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power heated outside mirrors, front door-mounted tweeter speakers and dual map lamps with sunglasses holder.

Suspension hardware for the small Kia hatchback consists of independent MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar in the front and a semi-independent three-link torsion beam axle, coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the rear.

Inside the cabin, the automaker uses rounded contours, with comfort as the theme. Displays and controls are straightforward, easy to read and use. Seating is comfortable front and rear, with room for two adults for short trips.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 98.4; overall length: 158.1; width: 66.7; height: 57.9 -- all vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 110 hp at 6,000 rpm and 107 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 27 city/32 hwy. (manual); 25 city/35 hwy. (automatic).

Cargo capacity: 49.6 cubic feet.

Parts content â€"- country of origin

Final assembly point: Korea.

US/Canada: 3 percent.

Korea: 88 percent.

Engine and transmission: Korea.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side-impact door beams and tire pressure monitoring system. SX adds fog lights. Available safety features include four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Kia Rio5 hatchback starts from $12,915 for the LX and $13,870 for the SX. Destination charges add $625.

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