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Back to January 2012 Motorsports News Archive
| 04-01-2012 at 09:00: ADM 2012 Kia Rio Test & Review | |
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The early Rio was not without its faults but the price to buy and low cost to buy replacement parts meant they were a force on the Australian roads. The third generation Rio was defiantly heading in the right direction with style, safety and pricing. But with constant market change, Australian drivers have seen the fourth generation Kia Rio which has set benchmarks in the light passenger vehicle category. The Reborn Rio has two engine variants and three trim levels. The first engine is the Gamma 1.4 MPi Petrol which offers 79kW and 135Nm and is only offered in the S, or base, model Rio. The Si and SLi include the larger engine option, the Gamma 1.6 GDi Petrol offering 103kW and 167Nm. The 1.4 is offered standard with a 6-speed manual with the option of a 4-speed manu-matic automatic. The 1.6 in the Si and SLi is also offered as a standard 6-speed manual but has the better option of a 6-speed manu-matic automatic. All models in the Rio range offer a long list of safety features. Some of these include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with TCS (Traction Control System), VSM (Vehicle Management System), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), seatbelt reminders for all positions, rear view mirror (day & night) and a high-mounted rear stop lamp. As well as these listed safety features the driver and front passenger will be protected with front, side and curtain SRS airbags, six in total, along with front seatbelt pre-tensioners. The Rio 5-door hatch that was giving to Australian Driver Magazine is a very good looking car indeed. Offering a style that is not seen in many hatches’s, the Rio is sleek looking but offers more room inside then was expected. The drivers position is set in the perfect with head, leg and shoulder room all there for the larger driver but not too big if on the short side. The seats are supportive and no matter if you’re in the front or back the ride is a little bit firm, but nice The suspension is firm but comfortable and offers a sporty feel when having that little bit of a play on mountain roads. With all the safety features working together, the handling and turn in corners is seamless and a little bit fun. As a city car the Reborn Rio needs to be respected as it is a big small car. There is lots of room on the inside and yet it is small and easy to park in tight spaces. The visibility is good when looking forward due to the large front door glass and quarter glass but the rear window in the hatch is a tad on the small side and offers a lack of sight backwards. When travelling along, a driver, and of course the passengers, need some tunes. The Rio offers some great features including radio CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections and Bluetooth® handsfree. All Rio’s have a four speaker set up with the Si and SLi adding front tweeters to sharpen the sound. The stereo also has SDVC, Speed Dependent Volume Control. This means that the faster you go on the road the louder the music will become to compensate. But when you slow down again the sound turns down so you don’t become deaf. The starting price is a little more than first thought for a Kia Rio. Going off previous model pricing the starting price seems high, but when you realize how much you get for your dollar and how good the drive is the price makes more sense. Still being the lowest price Kia on offer in Australia, the Reborn Kia Rio starts from $16,990 drive away. ADM Opinion All the features and more we have not covered make for some exciting driving in the Reborn Rio. The starting price is good, the car is packed with features, the warranty is 5 years, some conditions apply, and the drive is more than average. Kia have done well with this new vehicle and by having respect in the name and advertising campaigns shows what Kia can really do. Not only has the company found their feet in this ever changing market but they have been Reborn with the Rio. Feature Highlights 15-inch steel wheel with 185/65 R15 tyre Available Equipment 16-inch alloy wheel with 195/55 R16 Tyre Pricing Starts from $16,990 drive away |
More respect is needed for the Kia brand as they are now producing cars at equal or better standards to some European makes. The continued success of the Kia Rio has shown all the way to the latest model on the market.
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