Up front is the trademark Kia tiger-nose grille.
What is it?
The all-new Rio is the fourth generation of Kia’s subcompact hatchback. Kia has loaded the new car with numerous features while keeping the offering simple with a single variant for now.
Engine and transmission
The all-new Kia Rio comes with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine. The four-cylinder is equipped with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing system. It delivers 100 ps and 133 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Chassis
The all-new Rio rides on MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam axle at the rear. The struts are more rigid and the rear torsion beam was raised to improve stability. Springs and shock absorbers were reportedly tuned to improve ride comfort. Wheels are attractively large 17-inch alloys, wrapped with 205/45 R 17 tires. The Rio gets disc brakes up front with rear drum brakes, with standard ABS. The new Rio’s chassis is reportedly stiffer due to higher use of high-strength steel, 51 percent versus 33 percent in the previous Rio.
Springs and shock absorbers were reportedly tuned to improve ride comfort.
Styling
Kia has utilized its design teams in Germany and the United States, as well as its South Korean design studios to come up with the new car’s looks, and the Rio was rewarded with a Red Dot award for good design.
The new Rio looks longer and lower than its predecessor-because it is longer, by 15 mm, and lower by 5 mm. Wheelbase is marginally longer by 10 mm and the car is 5 mm wider than before. The new Rio features a long hood and longer front overhang, a thinner and more upright C-pillar, and shorter rear overhang. Kia points to prominent shoulder lines and creases on the door panels to make the car visually longer.
Up front is the trademark Kia tiger-nose grille, redrawn for a wider, thinner countenance. Bifunction projector headlamps project a U-shaped LED light signature, and they have integrated daytime running lights. Fog lamps are moved outwards in the front bumper to give the car a wider stance visually. The rear features arrow-shaped LED lighting elements. A rear spoiler is standard.
Interior
Kia says that the new cabin is more ergonomic with more attractive sculptural forms. Straight lines run the width of the dashboard to give an impression of greater space. The instrument panel itself is angled toward the driver. It features a large ‘floating’ touchscreen interface at the center.
The new cabin is more ergonomic.
Convenience Features
The Kia Rio comes with keyless go with push-button engine start; tilt and telescoping leather steering wheel; power steering, windows, mirrors and door locks; steering wheel switches for the audio and cruise control.
There’s automatic climate control, trip computer, sensor-equipped automatic lights and wipers, and glove box cooler. Seats are trimmed in fabric, with a 60/40 split folding rear seat. There are power outlets front and rear for those ubiquitous power-hungry gadgets.
Safety
The Kia Rio is equipped as standard with dual airbags, ABS brakes, and rear parking sensors.
Pricing and colors
The all-new Kia Rio has a single variant for now, the 1.4L GL 4AT, at P735,000. It’s available for order starting June 2017.
Rio comes in the following colors: Clear White, Silky Silver, Urban Green, Signal Red, Most Yellow, Deep Sienna Brown, Smoke Blue, Platinum Graphite and Aurora Black Pearl.
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