Sporty 2013 Kia Rio SX inspired by B-Spec racing program

If you haven’t being watching what the South Korean automaker Kia is up to, it would be easy to miss what they are doing in the auto world. Kia is the fastest-growing auto brand in the U.S. over the last five years and they are doing it by bringing out models like the 2013 Kia Rio SX. It’s a good example of the automaker listening to their buyers.

Orth Hedrick, Director of Product Planning at Kia Motors America (KMA) said, "Our customers and the automotive press have been asking for the Rio 5-door SX with a manual transmission, and we've listened. 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."

The sporty 2013 Rio SX is now being offered with a six-speed manual transmission for the first time. Kia’s parent company Hyundai, also listened to auto journalists and customers by offering a high-performance tire option on the new 2013 Veloster Turbo. Kia built the high-spec 2013 Rio SX 5-door for driving enthusiasts and it was inspired by Kia's first-year Rio B-spec racing program.

Rio SX comes loaded with options

And it comes with a MSRP of just $17,900 plus $750 destination. The highest trim level Rio five-door SX comes with a host of features like rear camera display, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth wireless technology, and an AM/FM/CD/ MP3 SiriusXM satellite audio system. The Rio 5-door SX M/T also comes with LED taillights, front LED accent lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Rio SX M/T adds a seven-inch navigation touch screen with a SiriusXM Traffic system and push-button start with Smart Key.

The Rio 5-door SX M/T is powered by a 1.6-liter gas direct injection four-cylinder engine featuring Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) with double-overhead cams. The SX also comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension for driving enthusiasts. EPA estimates fuel economy of 30-mpg city/40-mpg highway for the 2013 Rio equipped with Idle Stop and Go (ISG).

B-Spec performance kit available for racers

For those wanting to take their Rio SX on the track, customers can purchase a 2013 Rio 5-door M/T (LX Trim) and a B-Spec performance kit available for $14,000 from Kia's racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports. The kit includes a pre-cut roll cage, racing seat, quick-release steering wheel, racing harness, race shocks, lightweight wheels, spec-series tires, and oil sump pan expansion kit. Kia says, Kinetic will professionally assemble the Rio at their shop in Buford, Georgia for an additional fee.

For driving enthusiasts who want to get their hands on the new 2013 Kia Rio SX, they should get their order in soon as less than 500 SX M/Ts will be initially offered for sale during the 2013 model year.

Source: Kia