The all-new 2012 Kia Rio 5-door hatchback priced in the United States with a base price of $13,600 for the manual gearbox model, w/o $750 destination and handling fee (*total $14,350). The an automatic transmission model starts from $15,450, while the range-topping SX trim will set you back $18,750.

The Kia Rio 5-Door hatchback is offered in three trim levels with the basic model offering standard air conditioning, electric power steering, an audio system with USB and SiriusXM satellite radio, plus several safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).

All 2012 Rios are equipped with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. The gasoline engine delivers an output of 138HP.

Kia exposed the sub-compact sedan’s North American sibling that will be sold under the Rio nameplate. Even though the K2 and Rio share the same underpinnings being the sedan versions of the all-new Rio hatchback, which was unwrapped in Geneva this past March, the two models get feature unique exterior designs.

The new Rio sedan keeps the hatchback model’s front end styling with the large, almond-shaped headlights adding a new window line and a different rear end design. Same goes for the interior which is identical to the five-door model we saw in Geneva, sans the different trim and features.

The 2012 Rio is longer, wider and lower than the previous generation model, measuring 4366mm (171.9-in.) long, 1,720mm wide (67.7-in.) and 1,455mm (57.3-in) high. Kia said that thanks to the use of high-tensile-strength steel (63 percent), the new Rio offers increased torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and refinement, plus increased crash safety capabilities while reducing overall weight.

The new Rio is powered by a 135HP 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. Kia said that the new Rio is estimated to return 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway (7.8-5.8L/100km). The Rio will be offered with Kia’s start-stop ISG technology.

The new special editions named Domino and Echo that both play on black and white color schemes has been unveiled for Kia’s UK-market lineup. The Domino special edition is available on the Picanto and Rio superminis, while the Echo is offered on the Soul crossover.

The Picanto Domino is motivated by a 1.1-litre petrol engine hooked up to either a manual or automatic transmission, while the Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine. Both the Rio and Picanto Domino editions are available in white or optional black metallic paint. Buyers can also opt for a contrasting black or white stripe covering the bumpers, mirrors and door handles.

Standard features include front fog lights, air-conditioning, iPod connectivity, remote central locking, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob and Electronic Stability Control, as well as rear electric windows on the Rio.

Prices start from £7,995 OTR for the Picanto Domino and from £9,295 OTR for the Rio Domino.

Following on from the Burner, Shaker and Samba, the Soul Echo is the latest special edition version of Kia’s small crossover. It is offered in a choice of two colors – Clear White or Quartz Black metallic – with contrasting features.

In particular, the white Echo gets black 18-inch alloy wheels, black high-gloss door mirrors and a corresponding black sports stripe, while the black Echo features white 18-inch alloys, white high-gloss door mirrors and a sports stripe in white.

Interior upgrades include a full black leather interior and high-gloss black dashboard fascia and uprated audio system with and iPod connectivity, as well as standard parking sensors, air conditioning and privacy glass.

The Soul Echo is offered with a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engines, with prices starting from £13,995 OTR.

Pictures for hardcore Kia Fans! The Kia Rio hatchback is a far cry from what we’d call an eye-turner. That is unless you adorn the Korean compact hatch with an “accessory” of the likes of German super model, Eva Padberg. Sweet pics!