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A Western Sydney resident who entered a Kia Ball Hunt competition has driven away in a brand new “Reborn Rio”.

Christine Greensitt from Penrith entered the competition during the Australian Tennis Open earlier in the year, not thinking anything would come of it.

The competition offered three methods of entry, either through an online Facebook Game, a Facebook single entry form or by downloading an app and capturing little symbols or glyphs during the Kia Australian Open Tennis Championships.

The glyphs were scattered throughout Australia, incorporated into all of Kia’s Australian Open advertising. They were also found at Kia dealerships, on the television during the Channel Seven telecast and at the event itself.

Mother of three and soon to be mother of four, Mrs Greensitt, registered a total of 15 glyphs throughout the Open and was recently announced the winner.

Her prize was an all-new reborn Kia Rio 5-door hatch Si in Silver.

“I played the online Facebook game and thought we had no hope of winning the prize,” Mrs Greensitt said. “I initially missed the call from Kia so when I called back I almost fell off my chair.”

The Greensitt’s new Kia Rio 5-door hatch was launched in September 2011.  The 3 and 4-door variants were added to the range in February this year.

The 5-door Si Hatch comes standard with a long list of features particularly safety. A total of six SRS airbags offer maximum protection to occupants in the event of an accident, while ABS, vehicle stability management with hill-start assist help prevent accidents from occurring.

The new Rio is powered by Kia’s latest 1.6 litre GDi petrol engine, which in the Greensitt’s case is matched to a very compact and efficient 6-speed automatic transmission.

An MP3 compatible CD player with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and steering wheel mounted remote control, also provides hours of entertainment for those long family trips.

Shocked, delighted and thrilled was how Zillmere (Qld) mother Lainie Usher described the moment she was told that she was the winner of a sparkling new Rio SLi in Kia Motors Australia’s Tag & Win Facebook competition.

“It was amazing,” Lainie said. “I heard about the competition from some relatives and really liked the look of the car. I never seriously thought I had any chance of winning.”

Lainie was one of more than 100,000 people who went on to Kia Motors Australia’s Facebook page to “like” the new Rio and select a pixel on the car for a chance to win.

“To be honest, I had almost forgotten about the competition when I got the call to tell me I had won.”

No sooner had Lainie learned of her win than she bowed to logic and the call of the family, trading the new car in on a Kia Grand Carnival V6.

“It was really upsetting but with two young children and another due in just over two weeks the Grand Carnival makes a much more practical solution for the family.

“That doesn’t mean that I am not envious of anyone I see in the Rio. It is such a beautiful little car and I would love to be running around in it.”

Kia’s new Rio, is priced from $16,290 for the 1.4-litre manual. The 1.6-litre GDI powered 6-speed Si model starts from $18,990.

The first person in Australia to buy one of Kia’s all-new Rios was so quick off the mark his local dealership had not yet received stock and most of its staff were in a training session to learn about the new model.

Derek Brookes from the southern Adelaide suburb of Aberfoyle Park, has owned Kia’s exclusively for the last decade purchasing two Ceratos and two Rios during that time.

As he walked onto the showroom floor of his local dealer, Wayne Phillis Kia, he had no idea a new Rio was about to be released until a salesman showed him the brochure.

“Every two years or so, Mr Brookes comes in and trades in his current Kia for a new one,” said Luke Varnas, Sales Manager at Wayne Phillis Kia.

The lack of a demonstrator model didn’t deter Mr Brookes who ordered a new Black Kia Rio S automatic with 16 inch alloy wheels.

“After my years of purchasing motor vehicles, I have now bought my fifth Kia, because when you’re on a good thing you stay with it,” he said.

Mr Brookes’ new Rio S comes standard with a raft of safety features including six airbags, electronic stability control and vehicle stability management with hill-start assist.

Entertainment is at his fingertips with audio and Bluetooth controls mounted on the steering wheel for driver convenience.

Manufactured for the first time with a choice of 3-, 4- and 5-door bodystyles, new Rio is set to completely redefine its position as a serious member in one of the most competitive sectors – the light passenger vehicle segment.

Rio sets a new benchmark in the segment. Cruise control from the Si model up and daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, projection front headlamps, static cornering lamps, auto light control and an enhanced brake package in the range topping SLi, makes Rio one of the most feature packed models in its category.

(SEOUL) April 22, 2011 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today celebrated the world premier of the all-new 2012 Rio sub-compact sedan at the New York International Auto Show.

Scheduled to join the KMA line-up this fall – along with its 5-door hatchback sibling unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and shown today for the first time in North America – the all-new Rio sedan ushers in the next chapter of Kia Motors’ ongoing design-led transformation with eye-catching design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car segment. With all-new ISG (stop-start) technology and class-leading horsepower and fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon (5.8L/100km), Rio promises consumers impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or fun-to-drive performance.

“The all-new Rio brings Kia’s successful combination of world-class styling, outstanding fuel economy, advanced technologies and tremendous value to the smallest and most economical vehicle in the Kia line-up,” said Michael Sprague, vice-president, marketing & communications, KMA.  “With gas prices rising, sub-compacts are becoming increasingly popular and with more power, up to 40 miles per gallon fuel economy and stunning design, the all-new Rio sets the standard in the sub-compact class and becomes a vehicle that is not only affordable, but one that people will aspire to own.”

Class-Leading Fuel-Efficiency and Horsepower

Available in the USA with a choice of three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2012 Rio is powered by a 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic.  One of only two vehicles in this segment to offer a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, the 2012 Rio offers consumers that elusive combination of power and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving class-leading 135HP (100kW) power and class-leading fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg city/highway (7.8-5.8L/100km). Rio also offers ISG technology, new to the Kia line-up, where the engine turns off when the vehicle is not in motion.  The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake pedal, resulting in lower levels of fuel consumption in stop-start urban traffic.

Sleek and Streamlined Exterior

Conceived at Kia’s design studios in Irvine, California, the all-new Rio sub-compact sedan and hatchback exhibit highly sculpted sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, projecting an athletic profile that conveys power and agility.  It also echoes the aggressive lines found on other recently launched Kia vehicles such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage.  Both Rio models sport their own interpretations of Kia’s signature grille, slimmed down to connect to the dynamic headlamp design, providing a new twist on the Kia family look that includes a bigger air intake to exude a youthful persona.

Luxuriously Equipped Interior

Inside, the 2012 Rio envelopes driver and passengers in a bold and modern cabin, centred on Kia’s characteristic horizontal three-cylinder instrument cluster and finished in two-tone trim to emphasize a feeling of spaciousness and comfort.  The extended wheelbase (2570mm) greatly enhances passenger and cargo capacity for additional comfort.

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS®Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players.  The range-topping SX trim offers consumers UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system, complete with rear camera display.

Presenting buyers of sub-compact cars with more choices than ever before, 2012 Rio will offer a selection of optional upgrades with numerous features collected into Convenience, Eco and Premium Packages.

All-New Advanced Platform

The 2012 Rio brings with it an all-new platform – longer, wider and lower than the previous generation.  Its aggressive and playful stance is reinforced by an overall length of 4366mm (Rio sedan) or 4046mm (Rio5) with a platform measuring 1720mm wide and 1455mm high.  Employing high-tensile-strength steel (63 percent), Rio’s lightweight design offers increased torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement, plus increased crash safety capabilities while reducing overall weight.

Safety-Minded

The 2012 Rio is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including six airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which coordinates the car’s ESC and ABS to help the driver stay in control of the vehicle at all times.

(SEOUL) March 1, 2011 – Kia is celebrating a ‘landmark year’ in its remarkable history by holding the premieres of three new models at the81st Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva today (Tuesday).  The all-new Kia Rio compact car is making its debut on the world stage in Switzerland.  The all-new Kia Picanto small car is appearing outside Korea for the first time.  And the new Kia Optima Hybird is being shown for the first time to a European audience.

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“Kia’s uniquely powerful presence at Geneva will embody three premieres and highlight our brand’s design-led revolution, world-class engineering and advanced hybrid technologies,” commented Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice-Chairman, Kia Motors Corporation. “In Europe and around the world, the small and compact car markets account for a huge percentage of global sales, so the introduction of new Picanto and new Rio is immensely significant for Kia in what I am sure will be a ‘landmark year’ for our brand.

During the on going global economic uncertainty, Kia products have maintained their appeal to consumers.  Last year we delivered more than 2 million vehicles to customers, an increase of 27 per cent over 2009.

“This year, I am confident that the popularity our recent introductions – Venga, Sorento, Sportage, Optima and Cadenza – will be greatly boosted by the arrival of new Picanto and new Rio in Kia showrooms,” concluded Mr Lee.

Revolutionary new Kia Rio brings design flair to B-segment

Kia’s fourth-generation Rio is a revolution, not an evolution of its predecessor.  It boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the latest model into line with Kia’s design-led product range.  New Rio combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that also communicates Latin flair, for a truly global appeal.

Longer, wider and lower, new Rio is set to completely redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in one of the most competitive sectors – the B-segment.  New Rio will deliver low running costs and class-leading CO2 emissions – with target figures for the model range starting at just 85 g/km.

New Rio will be available with three bodystyles for the first time – four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and (from 2012) a new three-door hatchback – depending on market. The five-door (on show at Geneva) has a length of 4045 mm, the sedan will measure 4,365 mm (giving a 33% increase in trunk space to 390 litres) and all models feature a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2570 mm) – greatly enhancing passenger space and cargo capacity.

The Kia Rio will offer an extensive line-up of six fuel-efficient, low CO2 engines, with the local powertrain selection tailored to best suit individual markets and consumer preferences.  Power outputs will range from 51kW (1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel in Europe), up to 103kW (1.6-litre GDI gasoline four-cylinder engine for North America).

To complement the striking exterior, Rio’s interior design has also been transformed to give the car a genuine premium feel.  Customers can select from a choice of two-tone interiors and numerous trim packs to create their own bespoke interior – underlining the fresh focus for new Rio as a mature, refined compact car.

A small car, grown up – the all-new Kia Picanto

The all-new Kia Picanto is now a small car, grown up.  It has been redesigned and re-engineered with stand-out styling that conveys a sense of solidity and maturity.  Longer than the previous model, and with an extended wheelbase, new Picanto will be offered for the first time with a choice of 5-door and 3-door body styles, it is set to become one of the most competitive vehicles in the global ‘city car’ A-segment.

The character of 3.6-metre long new Picanto has been transformed from ‘cute’ and ‘friendly’ into mature and handsome, designed to turn heads on the street, thanks to its good looking, sexy proportions and dynamic design language.  Picanto in its newest form exudes a bold self confidence which is unique in its segment.

Picanto’s new cabin will offer buyers numerous ‘big car’ comfort and convenience features – many of them fitted for the first time on a car in this segment – plus material quality and the range of trim choices that introduce a ‘premium’ level of individualisation to this segment.  The interior can be chic, sporty or premium, depending on the customer’s preference.

Every new Picanto will come with a highly efficient engine from Kia’s ‘Kappa’ family of power units.  Globally, four versions of the Kappa will be offered with power outputs ranging from 51-to-63kW.  The Picanto’s base-line CO2 figure has been lowered to just 90 g/km, with fuel consumption as low as 4.1 litres/100 km.

European premiere of Kia Optima Hybrid sedan

Following its world premiere in the USA, Kia is exhibiting its all-new Optima Hybrid sedan in front of a European audience for the first time, raising Kia’s environmental credentials to a new level.  Taking Kia forward into its ‘EcoDynamics’ era, the 4.85-metre long Optima Hybrid pioneers new technologies which are destined to appear in future Kia production models.

Scheduled to begin mass production in the first half of 2011, the Optima Hybrid employs a truly innovative Kia-developed hybrid powertrain with a combined (electric motor plus gasoline engine) output of 154kW and 265 Nm of torque.  Consequently, Kia’s latest sedan delivers a unique blend of performance – acceleration to 100 kph in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 195 kph – plus class-leading fuel economy, achieving a 40.7 per cent fuel consumption improvement compared with a regular 2.4-litre Optima.

Kia’s ingenious, simple and cost-effective ‘parallel hybrid system’ features a special clutch fitted between the 2.4-litre gasoline engine and the small 30kW electric motor, enabling the gasoline engine to be de-coupled from the powertrain so the sleek sedan can be operated in zero-emissions, full-electric drive mode from standstill up to 100 kph. Throughout the entire driving experience the hybrid operation is automatic and seamless.

Kia’s Optima Hybrid employs a new lithium polymer battery pack developed with LG Chem.  Battery reliability is so good that the Optima’s pack will not need replacing in the vehicle’s lifespan – at least 10 years and 150,000 miles.

kia engine brisbaneMaking its international debut on Kia’s Geneva Motor Show stand alongside the new Picanto and Rio models is an all-new version of Kia’s popular ‘Kappa’ gasoline engine, which promises an appealing blend of performance and economy.

The innovative 998 cc engine is Kia’s first three-cylinder unit fitted with a turbocharger to deliver impressive performance for its capacity (81kW), while retaining the key fuel economy benefits of a small displacement engine.

Carefully tuned by Kia’s engineers, the new unit delivers its maximum torque (137Nm) from just 1500rpm up to 4500rpm, for excellent ‘real-world’ driveability, and the turbine design has also been optimised to ensure smooth and responsive operation at all engine speeds.

The new engine is expected to be fitted to Kia production vehicles from June, 2012.

Attention to small details reaps large benefits

Painstaking attention to detail by Kia’s engineers has resulted in a series of small but clever developments which all make their contribution to enhancing efficiency, while also reducing weight, complexity and cost, compared to Kia’s normally-aspirated 1.0-litre Kappa unit – itself already a highly-efficient engine.

A Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating – a material typically reserved for application in professional motorsport and high-performance motorcycle engines – is applied to this Kappa’s tappets to reduce friction, and thereby improve efficiency.  This improvement is augmented by other changes, including the use of progressive rate ‘beehive’ valve springs, an optimised CVVT programme, low friction piston rings and an off-set crankshaft centre to reduce the horizontal force acting on the piston head, and therefore cut power loss.  In total the changes result in an 8.8 per cent fuel economy improvement, while enabling the engine to also deliver an increase in power.

Weight reductions and packaging improvements have also been achieved through the use of an aluminium block with a cast iron liner (15kg), by integrating the cylinder head and air filter (500g) and the turbine housing within the exhaust manifold (500g), and by integrating the engine support bracket with the timing chain cover (1kg).

Designed for long-life, low-maintenance motoring

In addition to reducing running costs through efficiency savings, the new engine will also offer Kia owners low maintenance costs throughout their vehicle’s lifecycle.  Like other Kia Kappa powertrains, this unit is fitted with a chain-driven timing system to ensure low maintenance – with a 10 year / 160,000 kilometre guaranteed lifespan.

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