The Korean
carmaker Kia has recently introduced the 2013 Rio 5-door SX with a 6-speed
manual transmission.
Available
in two exterior colors (Signal Red and Electronic Blue), the new hatchback gets
LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, a backup
camera. There’s also a push-button start with Smart Key, a SiriusXM Traffic
system with a 7-inch navigation touchscreen, as well as a SiriusXM satellite
audio system and Bluetooth.
Under the
hood, motivation is provided by a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection 4-cylinder
with 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The car returns 30 mpg in the city/40 mpg on
the highway.
"Our
customers and the automotive press have been asking for the Rio five-door SX
with a manual transmission and we've listened," said Kia Motors America
director of product planning, Orth Hedrick "As the Kia brand becomes more
and more relevant to enthusiasts, we'll continue to evaluate consumer demand
and consider bringing other high-spec manuals to market."
Only 500 units are available in the U.S and pricing starts
at $18,650, including $750 destination charge - the same price as the automatic
transmission version.
