| By Anica Krüger
With its all-new Rio, Kia hopes to spark a revolution in the compact car segment which will result in a growth explosion in its sales. At first glance the revolutionary tendencies are underlined by the car’s muscular look – sort of come and have a go if you’re tough enough. From the front and back this attitude makes the Kia look like the car of choice for the global environmental activist – plus his hip granny that wants to keep up with technology and comfort. Kia says it hopes that the new Rio will spearhead the company’s own revolution – its effort to significantly grow market share globally. The new Rio model will be sold in South Africa with a choice of two body styles – the 5-door, available from November 2011, and 4-door from early 2012. The Rio 5-door is available with two petrol engines (1.2 and 1.4 litre) and three derivatives (1.2, 1.4 and 1.4 TEC). It is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. The passenger space in terms of head and legroom was hard to believe and cargo capacity likewise impressive. Rear legroom has been in creased by 34 mm and trunk capacity in the Rio hatchback is now 288 litres with the rear seats upright and 923 litres with the seats folded down. For a segment where consumers demand more quality and choice, an exciting design is being offered. From the front, the Rio has its own interpretation of the Kia grille, which is integrated with the front lamps. The 1.4 TEC model features Daytime Running Lights, incorporated into projection headlights, a standout feature in this segment.
In profile, the 5-door model’s shorter front overhang, lowered roofline and increased ratio of body-to-glass, gives the car a dynamic stance. The 1.2 Rio comes standard with 15 inch steel wheels, the 1.4 model with 15-inch alloy wheels (17-inch alloy wheels optional). The 1.4 TEC model comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels.
From the rear, the new Rio has a strong resemblance to the Sportage with a flowing C-pillar and high shoulder line. With an overall height of 1 455 mm, the Rio is one of the lowest cars in Kia’s product range. The aerodynamics are efficient, with a drag figure of Cd 0.32. Kia’s colour and trim team have developed a new choice of colours including one solid – Clean White, and nine Metallics – Bright Silver, Graphite Grey, Black, Fresh Beige, Caramel Yellow, Electronic Blue, Signal Red, Deep Blue and Wendy Brown.
The entry 1.2 and 1.4 models feature black woven fabric trim, while the range topping 1.4 TEC comes with leather as standard. Among the many features are: steering wheel-mounted audio controls, radio and CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections and hands-free Bluetooth. On the 1.4 TEC model extra features are: climate control air-conditioning, rear park assist with four sensors, rain-sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 1.2 Rio has four speakers, while the 1.4 and 1.4 TEC model is fitted with six as standard. The rear seat back rest is split 60/40 and the backrest can be folded down to create an al most flat load area.
Kia will offer Rio buyers two efficient four-cylinder petrol engines - a 1.2-litre Kappa engine generating 65kW or a 1.4-litre Gamma engine generating 79 kW of power. The new Rio 1.2 and 1.4 models will have a CO² rating of 129 g/km - 151 g/km, while achieving combined fuel economy of 5.4 - 6.4 litres per 100 km respectively for the 1.2 and 1.4 models. The 1.2 Rio is fitted with a five-speed gearbox, while the standard transmission for the lar ger capacity 1.4 engine will be a fuel-stretching six-speed manual gear box. As an option, a four-speed automatic transmission will also be available for the 1.4-litre unit. All three transmissions are fitted with a high top gear ratio to reduce engine revs when cruising and enhance fuel economy. On a reasonably varied drive route, the car’s handling was responsive and it felt stable, with good ride quality. The four-spoke steering wheel is tilt and telescopic adjustable for height and reach on all models.
The braking system for new Rio features 256 x 22 mm ventilated front discs and 203 x 10 mm drum brakes at the rear. The performance of the braking system is supported by ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution System). Passive safety equipment includes front airbags for the driver and passenger on the 1.2 and 1.4 models with six airbags (front, side and curtain) on the 1.4 TEC model. A Rear Park Assist system is fitted as standard on the 1.4 TEC and is unique to the compact hatch segment. Child-proof rear door locks and rear ISOFIX-child anchors are fitted as standard.
All Rio models are equipped with a battery saver that automatically turns off the headlights and other electrical systems when the engine is switched off, preventing the battery from running down when the car is parked. All prices include VAT and a four year or 60 000 km service plan, five year or 100 000 km warranty and a three year roadside assistance.
PRICING
RIO 1.2 Man R136 995; 1.4 Man R154 995; 1.4 Auto R 164 995.00; 1.4 TEC Man R168 995; 1.4 TEC Auto R178 995.
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