There are a lot of important points to make about the all-new 2012 Kia Rio Sedan, but the most surprising is that it will be the first in the sub-compact segment to feature start-stop technology. Called Idle Stop and Go (ISG for short), the Rio will completely shut off its gasoline engine when at a stop and immediately restart it just before the gas pedal is pressed.

Powered by the same 1.6-liter direct-injection engine found in the new 2012 Hyundai Accent, the Rio also gets the same 30-mpg city and 40-mpg highway rating. Those EPA ratings don’t include technology like ISG, however, so real-world fuel economy could exceed the EPA estimates.

And as impressive as those fuel economy numbers are, the Rio doesn’t loose out in power either, making 138-hp and sharing the title of the most potent engine in the sub-compact class.

Kia continues to deliver in the design department as well, offering more style in the sub-compact segment than you’d expect. The Rio sedan even gets a slightly different front end to its Rio5 hatchback counterpart.

Available in three trim levels LX models include 15-inch steel wheels and not much else, while the EX trim brings features like power locks, windows and keyless entry as well as Bluetooth. The top-level SX trim includes fog lights, LED daytime running lights, dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes, turn signal indicators, a leather wrapped steering wheel, the Microsoft UVO infotainment system with a rear-view camera and 17-inch wheels.

Options include that ISG setup as a part of the Eco Package, while SX models can be had with the Premium Package that delivers navigation, a push-button start, leather heated seats and a moonroof.

Official pricing has yet to be released, but the Rio will start at under $13,000.

GALLERY: 2012 Kia Rio

After re-launching in North America last year, Fiat has just introduced its second model to our shores, the 500 Cabrio. A ‘convertible’ version of the 500 hatchback, the Cabrio is a different sort of drop-top as it retains the factory roof structure, but with a retractable material top instead of sheetmetal. Because of that structure, the 500 Cabrio is unique in that it offers the exact same interior room as the original hatchback. Yet another advantage is that the material roof can be operated at speed of up to 60 mph.

Priced at $19,500 it retails for a $4,000 premium over the standard model, Fiat brand boss Laura Suave, introducing the car today at the New York Auto Show, says it’s the smallest price differential between a standard model and its cabriolet version on the market. Two versions will be offered, an entry-level Pop and a top-trim Lounge.

As with the 500 hatchback there will be plenty of customization options from everything to interior and exterior colors, as well as accessories, while the Cabrio also gets the choice of three material top colors: red, tan and black.

Much of the rest of the car remains the same with a 101-hp 1.4-liter engine.

GALLERY: Fiat 500 Cabrio

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 Fiat 500 Review here and get more news and info at Fiat500Owners.com

Mazda confirmed that their previously unveiled Minagi concept will go into production as the Mazda CX-5, a small crossover intended to slot beneath their mid-size CX-7 and full-size CX-9.

The CX-5 will be the first Mazda vehicle to come with a full suite of SKYACTIV fuel-saving technologies, among them an all-new engine designed for maximum efficiency, new gearboxes, lightened engine ancillaries and other little tricks to eke out optimum fuel economy. Mazda has chosen a route similar to Hyundai, where weight reduction and refinement of the internal combustion engine is utilized to save fuel and cut emissions, rather than hybrid or electric technology. However, Mazda says that the SKYACTIV architecture will eventually allow it to employ start-stop systems, regenerative braking and other hybrid-esque technology.

A refreshed 2012 Mazda3 with a new SKYACTIV 4-cylinder engine will debut this fall, and is expected to get 40 mpg on the highway. With 33 % of Mazda’s global sales being made up of Mazda3 vehicles, the refreshed version is a crucial product for the company, but the current car’s multitude of strengths combined with increased efficiency should have nothing but positive effects. Mazda also announced a diesel engine in time for 2013, but gave no further details regarding product packaging.

The car the launched Kia‘s transformation from an auto industry back-marker to a legitimate brand, the Soul has received a list of mid-cycle upgrades for 2012.

New front and rear fascias give a cleaner look to the Soul, while a new hood design has also been incorporated, all of which works to give the car a smoother exterior appearance. Perhaps more noticeable are new LED taillights and even LED daytime running lights. Plus, new for 2012 are two additional paint colors, Canyon and Moss. Inside there are some new items depending on trim level, with the biggest news being the UVO Sync-style system for the Soul! and Soul sport, which comes as part of a Premium Package with leather, heated seats, Nav, climate control and a push-button ignition.

The most significant changes come under the hood, however, with a new 1.6-liter direct-injection engine on base models, delivering 135-hp (up 11%) and 121 lb-ft of torque. Thanks also to new six-speed manual transmission, fuel economy is up to 28/34 mpg. Those in search of a bit more pep can upgrade to a 2.0-liter engine that makes 160-hp (up 13%) and 143 lb-ft of torque. Plus, the added power comes with little drawback by way of fuel economy with a rating of 27/33-mpg, with your choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

GALLERY: 2012 Kia Soul

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Announcing that it’s serious about bringing a premium small car to America, Mercedes unveiled the A-Class Concept at the New York Auto Show. Powered by a turbocharged direct-injection 2.o-liter 4-cylinder making 210-hp, this look at the next-generation A-Class is a strong indication of just how different the car will be from the current pedestrian model.

Mercedes did not give an indication of just when the new A-Class would see production, but execs weren’t shy about the hopes Benz has for the premium small car segment.

Watch the video for more and see AutoGuide’s full NY Auto Show coverage here.

GALLERY: Mercedes A-Class Concept

Introduced by MINI CEO Jim McDowell  today at the New York Auto Show (in full KISS makeup no less), the legendary rock band helped announce that the new Countryman crossover is going on tour.

Making the band analogy, McDowell said that like when a successful album brings about a tour, so should a successful car and as a result the ‘MINI Rocks the Rivals’ tour will be heading out across America. The tour will let customers drive the new Countryman alongside several of its rivals to show just how capable it is.

Appearing on stage with KISS (minus Paul Stanley) were four custom-wrapped Countryman models – one for each of the KISS band members. Front man Gene Simmons and McDowell announced that they are partnering to auction off the four vehicles with the proceeds going to Unicef to help children in Japan. In addition, any MINI customer will be able to buy the same KISS-themed wrap and MINI will donate the proceeds to charity.

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When Toyota’s FT-86 finally makes it to market in North America next year it will wear a Scion badge. Revealed at the New York Auto Show, the FR-S Concept is the latest rendition of the front-engine rear-drive sports car that enthusiasts have been clamoring for since they first saw the FT-86 almost two years ago.

Scion didn’t give much in the way of new info, reiterating that it would use a Subaru boxer 4-cylinder that would allow for a lower center of gravity and better weight balance. That engine will also be fitted with a Toyota-designed direct-injection system. Plus, it will get a limited slip differential.

Plenty can still change between now and the production car’s likely debut at the NY Auto Show next year. We just hope they leave the bodywork mostly unchanged.

GALLERY: Scion FR-S Concept

Get more Scion FR-S news and info at FRSforum.com

Looking to expand interest in its brand in China, Nissan held the World premiere of the Compact Sport Concept at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.

This three-door hatchback concept has a turbo-charged 1.6-liter engine, which produces 190-hp. Couple that with a CVT gearbox with paddle-shifters for its six-speeds and this would be a pocket rocket.

The concept was designed at Nissan’s Global Design Center in Japan, with input from the brands new Beijing design studio in China. Nissan says, the Compact Sport Concept is “for young customers in emerging countries.”

The concept seems to be built on the platform of the new Micra, even some interior elements look to have been borrowed. Since the current Micra is only offered as a five-door hatchback, could this new concept hint at a sportier model in the near future? Let’s hope so.

The Chevrolet Volt won the World Green Car of the Year award at the 2011 New York Auto Show, beating out the Nissan Leaf and BMW 320d for the title.

The World Car of the Year award is made up of 66 jurors from 25 countries, who are responsible for selecting the vehicles. This year, the Nissan Leaf ended up taking the honors for World Car of the Year, despite losing the “Green Car” title to the Chevrolet Volt. Other winners included the Ferrari 458 Italia for Performance Car and the Aston Martin Rapide took home top honors for Design. Check out AutoGuide‘s coverage of the New York Auto Show for more.

Chevrolet may be proud of its World Green Car of the Year award for the Volt, but it was Nissan who took even bigger honors taking home the World Car of the Year Award for 2011 for the Leaf electric car.

The Volt wasn’t even in the running for the more prestigious World Car title, however, competing instead against the Audi A8 and the BMW 5 Series – arguably the most ‘mainstream’ of the three nominees.

Nissan’s victory isn’t all that surprising after the Leaf was named the European Car of the Year for 2011 earlier this year.

The Leaf is widely touted as the first mass produced and mainstream electric vehicle, and priced at $32,780 it’s not unaffordable for normal consumers. Making it even more attainable is a $7,500 federal tax credit.

The Leaf can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge, and can be charged up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes using a special quick charger. Traditional charging takes about 8 hours. Power for the car comes from a lithium-ion battery pack with 80kW/280Nm, (107-hp and 207 ft-lbs of torque).

Other awards handed out included the Performance Car of the Year award, which went to the Ferrari 458 Italia over the Mercedes SLS and Porsche 911; while the World Car Design of the Year award went to the Aston Martin Rapide.

The World car of the Year Award is decided upon by a panel of 66 automotive journalists from 25 countries.

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 New York Auto Show coverage here.