El KIA Rio It is one of the most important models for the Asian firm. The first generation hit the market in the year 1997 with family bodies and four doors. As with other models of the brand, it has been sold in many markets under different names.
La second and third generation were released in the years 2004 and 2012 respectively. Both models managed to improve the sales figures of their predecessor, although they were adapting their bodies and mechanical ranges depending on the market where they were sold.
En Spain, the fourth generation can no longer be acquired with the 4-door body. The design of this model has been developed in Germany and California and its production is carried out in the plant that KIA has in Sohari, South Korea.
Technical characteristics Kia Rio
The KIA Rio is the urban of the South Korean firm. By size it is positioned between KIA Picanto and Kia ceed. It is developed on a modification of the platform that mounted the previous generation. Externally it measures 4,06 meters long, 1,72 meters wide and 1,45 meters high.
Thanks to these dimensions, and a longer wheelbase (2,58 meters) allows 5 occupants to be accommodated inside (with some narrowness). Additionally, the ability to its trunk has grown to 325 liters (37 liters more).
KIA Rio mechanical range and gearboxes
The mechanical range of the new Rio is made up of three gasoline engines. The first one, less powerful, is made up of an atmospheric block, that is, it does not use turbocharging, so 1.2-litre DPi four-cylinder delivering 84bhp of power. The other two options, 100 and 120 hp, are based on a 1.0-liter T-GDi three-cylinder block that uses the turbo to provide more versatile power on a day-to-day basis.
Traction in all versions is to the front axle, while the Gearboxes available for the Rio are of two types, 5 or 6 speed manual, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, available only in the 1.0 hp 120 T-GDi engine together with the Drive or GT Line finish. As a novelty in the range, the most powerful engine in the range is always associated with a micro-hybrid system that receives the DGT ECO label.
KIA Rio equipment
The range of finishes and equipments of the KIA Rio It is divided into three versions. From lowest to highest standard endowment are the Concept, Drive y GTLine. From the access level, the Rio incorporates several airbags, air conditioning, light sensor, electric exterior mirrors or instrument panel with a 3,5-inch screen.
in the endings Drive y GTline, Driving aids are taking center stage with the inclusion of elements such as: speed control and limiter, rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights, 7-inch touch screen navigator, lane keeping system, dynamic assistant for high beams or forward collision alert with autonomous emergency braking.
The KIA Rio on video
The KIA Rio according to Euro NCAP
The fourth generation of the KIA Rio has already been subjected to the demanding Euro NCAP crash tests. in them has achieved a double score; 3 stars if the Security Pack is not included and 5 if it is included as standard. In the first score (3 stars) the percentages have been as follows: 85% and 84% in protection for adult and child occupants respectively. Pedestrian protection has been 62% and in the section on driving aids it achieved a discreet 25%. With the second score (5 stars) the percentages vary, since in protection for adult occupants it amounts to a remarkable 93%. Protection in the event of being run over and in driving aids rise to 71% and 59% respectively. Where there is no variation is in infant protection, maintaining 84%.
The KIA Rio of Km 0 and second hand
El Rio is one of the models that helped change the image of the firm. The first two generations were cataloged as low cost, but the third and fourth generations have shown that the brand can make products in the European way. The average depreciation of the eastern model is higher than that of its rivals, standing at a 36%. The reason for this is because there is still a high number of units from the first two generations on the second-hand market, causing their market value to suffer.
In this way, we can find first generation units, registered in the year 2000, with an average of 150 thousand kilometers per $900. In the case of third generation, the valuation amounts to $11.000 for version 1.2 VCCT 84 hp Tech with 10 thousand kilometers and several months old.
Rivals of the KIA Rio
Main rivals against which it has to compete in the urban segment the KIA Rio are Hyundai i20, Citroën C3 o Renault Clio. In front of them he brings a more youthful design, superior value for money and an unbeatable 7-year warranty. Against him plays a mechanical range in which there are no performance versions.
Highlight
- Integrated
- Technology
- Price-quality-equipment ratio
To improve
- Limited mechanical range in power
- Active driving aids not available in basic versions
- Absence of 3-door bodywork
KIA Rio prices
The official prices, communicated by the brand, for the KIA Rio start at 16.725 euros, without offers or promotions, for the 1.2 DPi Concept version with 84 hp. The most expensive model in the family is associated with the 1.0-horsepower 120 T-GDi engine with MHEV system, dual-clutch automatic transmission and GT Line trim. Its rate starts at 24.500 euros, without offers or promotions.
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