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Back to February 2012 Motorsports News Archive
| 09-02-2012 at 09:00: Rio’s Siblings Need Respect | |
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The addition of the 3-door and 4-door variants to the existing 5-door hatch makes Kia only the second manufacturer in Australia to have a vehicle with all three body shapes in the light passenger vehicle category. Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the remarkable international sales success of the previous generation, Kia’s engineers and designers have created a new Rio, which combines European flair, Australian drivability with Korean spice and starts at just $15,290. “Rio has always been a commercial success and with this new incarnation now available in three body shapes new Rio will appeal to a much wider demographic than before. It will continue the process of dramatically improving public perceptions of the Kia brand and converting that new awareness into profitable conquest sales,” said Kia Motors Australia President and CEO Mr Chongwoo (Charlie) Kim. “Rio is a car that people will want to buy for its new looks, its new premium feeling, generous features and environmental credentials. The variation across the range, including each vehicle’s list of standard features, will appeal to all generations.” Kia’s market research predicts that global demand for B-segment cars is going to grow significantly over the next two years as more consumers shift to more economical, more fuel-efficient cars – downsizing to offset the continuous rise in fuel prices. Analysts forecast that global demand for B-segment cars will climb to 9.2 million units in 2012 and to 14.0 million units by 2014. The three bodystyles will be available with a choice of two engines matched to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with manumatic (manual and automatic) shift gate in the Si, SLi and SLS trims and either a 6-speed manual or 4-speed manumatic transmission in the base S models. Compared to its predecessor, the 6-speed automatic transmission has 62 fewer parts, is 41mm shorter and 12kg lighter, making it one of the most compact and efficient 6-speed transmissions available.
With the help of GDi, this four-cylinder powermill develops 103kW at 6300rpm and 167Nm at 4850rpm, a 13 per cent improvement in power over a conventional Gamma1.6L fed by MPi. A well-proven power unit, the updated ‘Gamma’ has friction-reducing modifications and dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing), to achieve responsive performance of 0 to 100kph in 10.2 seconds (MT) and 10.3 seconds (AT) while maintaining competitive fuel consumption 5.6 L/100km (MT) and 6.1 L/100km (AT). The base model Rio S comes with a 1.4L MPi 4-cylinder petrol powerplant with DOHC and CVVT and produces 79kW of power at 6300rpm and 135Nm of torque at 4200rpm. That is a power boost of 9kW and a torque increase of 10Nm over the previous 1.4L engine. Once again safety is non-negotiable for the brand. Five-star crash integrity is the target of every new car while the standard inclusion of six airbags and electronic stability control across the range is designed to keep Kia customers and their families as safe as possible. For new Rio, an all-new bodyshell was created using a higher percentage of high-strength steel than the third-generation, enhancing strength and rigidity. Like the 5-door, special attention was given to strengthening the engine-bay longitudinal side members, floor panel side members, floor level cross-member between the B-pillars and the transverse dashboard bulkhead. An all-disc braking system with 256/262mm (front/rear) diameter discs (S and Si models) and 280/262mm diameter discs (SLi and SLS), HAC (hillstart assist control), ESC (electronic stability control), ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BA (emergency ‘brake assist’) systems ensure all new Rio owners have the latest in vehicle control systems. The new Vehicle Stability Management program monitors all safety features. VSM utilises the computing power of a central ECU to seamlessly integrate the operation of all the traditional active safety systems. In addition to ABS, ESC and traction control the VSM monitors and adjusts the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) by applying variable input to steering weight when the vehicle reaches the stability control threshold. If required, six front, side and curtain airbags offer protection to occupants in the event of an accident while night driving is made safer by the availability of projection headlamps and new front ‘cornering’ lamps in the SLi and SLS models. Identical to the 5-door in so many ways the new 3-door variant offers the same dimensions (length 4045mm; width 1720mm; height 1455mm; wheelbase 2570mm) and the same striking looks. The all-new 3-door is available in two trim levels – S and SLS. Rio S will become the new entry level Kia with the RRP price for the six-speed manual at $15,290. The 3-door S copies the features and specifications of the 5-door with a comprehensive list of safety features, Bluetooth, iPod compatible audio system and front power windows all standard. Joining the S model is the Rio SLS, a halo variant in the line-up. The SLS is aimed squarely at those who are happy to forego the back doors for an upgrade in technology. The Rio 3-door SLS comes with all of the features in the range topping 5-door SLi model which includes a full list of safety features, climate control, Bluetooth® connectivity and a radio CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections _ all controlled remotely from the steering wheel for added convenience and safety _ cruise control, daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, projection front headlamps, static cornering lamps, auto light control and an enhanced brake package.
Viewed head on, new Rio 4-door sedan has its own unique interpretation of the Kia corporate grille which is integrated beautifully with the front lamps to create a new twist on the Kia family look. In this latest form, the Kia logo sits above the grille. Below the grille, the treatment of front bumper and spoiler again shows signs of the Kia design DNA, with its distinctive on-road presence. In profile, when compared to its predecessor, the new 4-door model’s shorter front overhang (reduced by 35 mm), lowered roofline and increased ratio of body-to-glass, combine with the car’s strong wedge form (the beltline angle is increased from 2.5 to 4.9 degrees), to give new Rio a dynamic, sporty stance. Longer (by 115 mm), wider (by 25 mm), and lower (by 15 mm) and featuring a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2570 mm) – the new sedan has greatly enhanced passenger space and cargo capacity. The cabin is more spacious than the previous model and also feels more spacious. The base of the windscreen is moved forwards by 156 mm and up by 18 mm, which together with the 70 mm longer wheelbase and 25 mm wider bodyshell, brings space benefits for all occupants and for cargo capacity. Front legroom is increased by 45 mm, front headroom by 8 mm and rear knee room by 34 mm. Trunk space in the Rio sedan models is 125 mm wider and the capacity is now 389 litres – a 14.4% improvement. With an overall height of 1455 mm, new Rio is one of the lowest cars in Kia’s global product range. Its aerodynamics are extremely efficient, resulting in a drag coefficient of Cd 0.29. Rio 4-door is available in Si trim and features the 1.6 litre Gamma GDi engine which can be mated to either the 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The RRP is $19,690 and $21,690 respectively. Rio’s striking appearance is maximised by a fresh new palette of 10 exterior body colours. Kia’s colour and trim team have developed a spectrum of exclusive colours for Rio which underline its refined and stylish character. These include Latte, Rich Caramel and Graphite (grey), all with a classic premium flavour. FEATURES LIST Rio S 1.4L MPi Petrol engine with DOHC, four-cylinder, CVVTHood insulator6-speed M/T or 4-speed A/T15-inch steel wheel with full wheel cover (185/65 R15 tyre)Full-size spareMDPS (Electric Power Steering)Tilt & telescopic steering wheel adjustment6 airbags (dual front, front side & curtain)ESC with Rear disc brakeVehicle Stability Management with Hillstart Assist ControlSeatbelt reminders (all positions)Body colour outside mirrors and door handlesRear spoiler (Hatch only)Chrome signature grilleElectric heated outside mirrorsFolding key fob (x2) with central door lock & immobiliserIlluminated glove boxDriver and passenger vanity mirrorsDriver and passenger seatback pockets60:40 split rear folding seatCentre room lamp & luggage lampAmbient temperature displayTrip computer (6 function)Front wiper – variable intermittent, with aero blade wiperRear wiper (2 speed) (Hatch only) Driver’s seat height adjustment (pump)Manual air conditioningFront power & rear windowsAudio unit (CD, radio & USB/AUX/iPod connectivity) with 4 speakersAudio remote controls (steering wheel)Bluetooth (remote steering wheel controls)Rear cargo covering shelf trim (Hatch only)Front fender side repeaterRheostat (dim function)Rio Si – S model trim plus: 1.6L GDi D-CVVT (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine with full engine cover6-speed M/T or 6-speed A/TTweeter speakers (6 speakers)Electric folding mirror with side repeaterLeather wrapped steering wheel and TGS knob16-inch alloy wheel with 195/55 R16 TyreSunvisor illumination & map lampFront fog lampsSupervision cluster with dot-matrix displayVehicle information options & maintenanceShift indicator MT / ECO indicator AT)Centre console armrest (sliding) / storageSoft-touch dash centre fascia finishLeather-like door trim insertAuto cruise control with steering wheel remote controlsMetal-look interior accent (steering wheel, centre console & door handles)Rio SLi – Si model trim plus: 17-inch alloy wheel with 205/45 R17 Tyre (Continental)Projection front head lampsLED Day-time Running LightsStatic cornering lampsLED rear combination lampsAuto light controlEnhanced brake packageRio SLS – SLi model trim plus: Climate control with auto defogRain sensor wipersSmart-key entry system with engine start/stop buttonLeather SeatsDual chrome exhaustTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Engines / Gasoline 1.4-litre 79kW 1.6-litre 103kW Transmissions
1.4 1.6 Manual / speeds6 6 Automatic / speeds4 6 Suspension & Damping Front Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar. Steering Brakes S / Si SLi / SLS Wheels & Tyres DIMENSIONS (mm) Interior 3 / 5 Door Front Rear Exterior 4 Door Interior 4 Door Front Rear Capacities Performance*
1.4 (MT) 1.4(AT) 1.6 (MT) 1.6 (AT) Top speed / kph183 170 190 190 0-to-100 kph / sec11.5 13.2 10.2 10.3 Economy*/**
1.4 (MT) 1.4(AT) 1.6 (MT) 1.6 (AT) Litres / 100km5.7 6.3 5.6 6.1 CO2 emissions135 150 133 145 Pricing Body Grade Engine T/M RRP 3 Door Hatch S 1.4l Petrol 6M/T $15,290 4A/T $17,290 SLS 1.6L Petrol 6M/T $19,990 6A/T $21,990 4 Door Sedan Si 1.6L Petrol 6M/T $19,690 6A/T $21,690 5 Door Hatch S 1.4l Petrol 6M/T $16,290 4A/T $18,290 Si 1.6L Petrol 6M/T $18,990 6A/T $20,990 SLi 6M/T $19,990 6A/T $21,990
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Kia’s popular fourth generation Kia Rio 5-door will now be joined by both a 3 and 4-door version.
The 1.6L Gamma GDi petrol engine is fitted to both the midrange Si and top of the range SLS 3-door and Si and SLi 5-door models. The Gamma is the smallest Kia engine yet to benefit from the application of GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) technology and is capable of 190kph top speed.
In addition, 3-door SLS buyers will receive climate control with defog, rain sensing wipers, push start ignition with smart key and leather seats making it one of the most feature-packed models in the light passenger vehicle category. The 3-door SLS is $21,990 when matched to the six-speed automatic transmission, the same as the 5-door SLi.^ Back to top ^
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