Kia prices 2012 Rio sedan at $13,400

We're not exactly surprised, but Kia will be selling the sedan version of the Rio for $200 less than the five-door hatchback. The five-door is on sale now, while the $13,400 sedan won't hit dealers until January 2012.

An automatic-equipped Rio sedan will set you back $14,500, while the high-end SX trim starts at $17,500. None of those prices include the $750 destination charge.

While we found a lot to like about the all-new Rio five-door in our First Drive, we remain disappointed that yet another automaker has decided to charge a premium for the hatchback version. If we had a nickel for every time we've heard automakers say Americans don't want to buy hatchbacks, we'd all be able to retire to Bora Bora.

From where we sit, hatchbacks are not only easier on the eyes, but easier to live with, too. Of course, the bias against hatches seems like a self-fulfilling prophecy when there's no equity in pricing.