• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Kia to Sell Upholstery-Optional Rio

April 1, 2016 By Nadeem Muaddi

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - 2016 Kia Rio Interior

Thanks to its record-low price, the 2016 Nissan Versa is dominating the affordable car market. But with the U.S. economy still down and automakers needing to increase sales, some marquees are eliminating basic features to decrease their prices and compete with the Versa for the position of most affordable new car in America.

One such brand is Kia Motors, which just announced it will offer its 2017 Rio sedan without upholstery.

In a press release published on Friday, the South Korean automaker detailed plans to make upholstery an optional package – priced at $4,165 – for its base LX trim. Without upholstery, the Rio’s price drops to $10,000, which is cheaper than the base-model Versa S by $1,900.

The upholstery package, dubbed “Comfort Plus,” includes headliner, cloth seats, door panel cards, carpet and a vinyl-trimmed steering wheel. In essence, it’s the same upholstery found in the current 2016 model, but now made optional to save customers money.

“Surveys have shown that affordable car buyers are more interested in safety and reliability than luxury,” said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer at Kia Motors. “By reducing the Rio’s cabin to its most basic elements, we’re able to decrease price without affecting performance.”

“We are excited to offer Kia buyers increased flexibility in their car-buying decisions,” he added.

Without the “Comfort Plus” package, the Rio will be a bare-bones affair. Drivers and passengers will sit on exposed foam cushions and be surrounded by metal and plastic — none of the soft-to-touch surfaces they’ve become accustomed to. It’s not clear how the lack of upholstery will affect power seat options and side-impact airbags.

Nevertheless, Schreyer says the change will be welcome by affordable car buyers and even tolerated by the aftermarket.

“It’s not likely that drivers or interior repair shops will mind the change, as it’s only an April Fool’s joke,” he said.

Filed Under: Archive, Odd News Tagged With: 2016 Nissan Versa, 2017 Kia Rio, April Fools' Day, Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior

Primary Sidebar

anal porno bangbros rus porno yaşlı porno konulu porno olgun porno porno izle sarışın porno bakire sex 69 porno

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • Keyston Bros
  • Albright's Supply
  • Hyde Leather
  • Leather Craft

THR Favorites

Start Charging What You’re Worth

It’s time to stop preparing estimates with … [more] about Start Charging What You’re Worth

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - SideEffect Ltd - 1971 Pontiac Firebird

1971 Firebird Interior by SideEffect Ltd

In need of some inspiration? Check out this … [more] about 1971 Firebird Interior by SideEffect Ltd

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - JNG Creations

Shop Profile: JNG Creations

It’s no secret that there’s a lack of … [more] about Shop Profile: JNG Creations

How Did You Learn Auto Upholstery?

Stories about how individual auto trimmers … [more] about How Did You Learn Auto Upholstery?

The Hog Ring - Real Men Sew

It’s True, Real Men Sew!

Real men sew. We've always known that. But it … [more] about It’s True, Real Men Sew!

The Hog Ring - What You Need to Know About Fleet Work

What You Need to Know About Fleet Work

Repairing vehicle seats for fleet service … [more] about What You Need to Know About Fleet Work

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Subaru Seat Bolsters Are Failing. Here’s How to Fix Them (and Make Money)
  • Support Trimmers Affected by Catastrophic Flooding in Texas
  • Mercedes Reimagines Comfort with Custom Fit, 3D Printed Seat Pads
  • Wishing You a Happy Independence Day!
  • The Viral Headrest Gun Safe Is Going Nationwide with Tint World

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in