Rio – Automobiles Review

UK line up confirmed for revised KIA Picanto and Rio

Kia is cutting a dash this autumn, with updates to its small car collection. On sale from today, the Picanto and Rio both adopt a series of changes to the interior and exterior. Key highlights include the introduction of a new Automated Manual Transmission and ‘Smartstream’ powertrains on the Picanto and a 48-volt mild hybrid ‘Eco-Dynamics+’ drivetrain for the Rio. That’s alongside engine enhancements, revisions to the model line-up, upgrades to technology, the addition of extra equipment, and the latest safety systems.

Picanto: More distinctive with ‘class-above’ technology
The smallest model in Kia’s line-up has been substantially upgraded with a new range of safety systems and telematics technologies that you’ll normally see on more expensive models. The revised Picanto features lower CO2 emissions from its new ‘Smartstream’ powerplants and adopts bold styling updates, both inside and out.

The upgraded Picanto brings with it a suite of advanced safety technology from Kia’s larger cars, making it among the safest cars in its class. It also offers Kia’s new ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect telematics technologies, enhancing vehicle connectivity, with a new 8-inch touchscreen display now offered on grade ‘3’ models and above.

The ‘face’ of both the ‘GT-Line’ and ‘X-Line’ Picanto models has been revised to give each car a more purposeful design. This starts with the ‘tiger-nose’ grille, which features a new textured surround and open-link appearance. The chrome-effect surround forms a sweeping shape that extends into the lower part of the headlights and gives the car a wider, more planted appearance. Each side of the ‘tiger-nose’ features a red highlight on ‘GT-Line’ models or more technical black trim on ‘X-Line’ models to resemble air intakes.

Both versions of the car now feature redesigned headlights and four-bulb LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the car also features a new LED rear combination lamp design and a slimmer fog light design, creating a more recognizable rear light signature at the same time.

Each of the ‘GT-Line’ and ‘X-Line’ models features refreshed front and rear bumper designs with sharper creases in the bodywork for a more contemporary appearance. The changes create a more rugged, robust-looking design for ‘X-Line’ models and, for ‘GT-Line’ models, an appearance which visually links the car to higher-performance ‘GT’ models in Kia’s model range. The larger, wider air intake in the lower bumper is accented by the ‘GT-Line’ body-colored bumpers with gloss black highlights and jewel-like fog lamps. ‘X-Line’ models echo the appearance of SUV protective skid plates, with metal-effect trim bearing the ‘X-Line’ logo, and a gloss black surround which extends from the front grille into the wheel arch surrounds at the side of the car.

The upgraded Picanto offers a choice of eight vibrant paint finishes, designed to make the car stand out. A new alloy wheel design for grade ‘2’ strengthens the Picanto’s sporty character and is a 16-spoke, 14-inch design.

UVO Connect ‘Phase II’ telematics with new 8-inch touchscreen
The Picanto features a larger 8-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen navigation system, replacing the earlier 7-inch system. It also features Bluetooth multi-connection, enabling users to pair up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and media use, the other for media use only. The system features Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM as standard.

Offering Kia’s UVO system, the Picanto gives drivers access to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking – including price, location, and availability. The UVO App, compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, enables owners to activate a range of functions and features remotely. Users can remotely send route directions to their car before a journey; check the location of their vehicle, and access vehicle reports and diagnostic notifications.

New ‘Smartstream’ petrol engines
The latest Picanto is available with two new ‘Smartstream’ petrol engines, each maximizing efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions compared to their predecessors. The engine line-up features a 1.0-liter T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine producing 99bhp, or a 1.0-liter DPi (Dual-Port fuel injection) engine producing 66bhp.

A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on all of the engine choices, with a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) available on all grades, except ‘1’.

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
The updated Picanto is the first model equipped with Kia’s new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The AMT is based around a five-speed manual transmission with clutch and gear shift actuators to automate clutch operation and gear shifts. Using a single dry clutch, the AMT is a cost-effective option for customers who favor the convenience and ease-of-use of an automatic transmission, without sacrificing the fuel efficiency of a conventional manual transmission.

New Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) Systems
Several of Kia’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a range of new active safety systems to enhance occupant safety, make the Picanto one of the safest cars in its class.

Standard from specification ‘2’ and upwards, the Picanto’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with a vehicle and pedestrian detection. The updated Picanto is also equipped with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Torque Vectoring by Braking, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), and Straight-line Stability (SLS) systems as standard, helping drivers maintain control under braking and cornering. The updated Picanto is now fitted with seven airbags as standard throughout the cabin, including a driver’s knee airbag. It also features an ISOFIX child-seat tether and anchor points.

Rio: Updated design, mild-hybrid technology, and new connectivity
A range of enhancements has been revealed for the Rio this autumn, with mild hybrid technology the headline act, alongside new ‘Smartstream’ engines and a ‘clutch-by-wire’ intelligent manual transmission designed to enhance efficiency.

The revised Rio introduces updated exterior and interior styling, alongside new safety equipment, Kia’s brand new ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect infotainment system, and a new larger 8-inch touchscreen.

Changes to the exterior styling include a narrower ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a lower, wider front bumper and bolder fog light surround. A new 16-inch eight-spoke alloy wheel design is introduced for grade ‘3’ models and two new colors are introduced – Storm Grey and Azure Blue – bringing the color palette choices to seven.

Inside, the Rio brings together a range of visual, material, and technological updates to create a more upscale and enhanced quality ambiance. The biggest change is the introduction of a new larger 8-inch touchscreen on grade ‘2’ models and above and a higher-resolution color 4.2-inch supervision cluster display.

‘EcoDynamics+’ petrol mild hybrid with new intelligent Manual Transmission
The Rio is the first Kia powered by a petrol mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. The new ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain pairs Kia’s new ‘Smartstream’ 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine with Kia’s 48-volt MHEV system, maximizing fuel efficiency with electric torque assistance and regenerative braking.

‘EcoDynamics+’ has been engineered to deliver greater efficiency from internal combustion engines on the road, seamlessly deploying and recuperating electric power. The system supplements the engine’s torque output with power from a compact 48-volt lithium-ion polymer battery and extends the engine ‘off time’ with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG) unit.

The MHSG is connected by a belt to the engine’s crankshaft and switches seamlessly between ‘motor’ and ‘generator’ modes. In ‘motor’ mode, under acceleration, the MHSG provides electric power assistance to reduce engine load and emissions. As the car decelerates, the MHSG has the ability under certain conditions to switch to ‘generator’ mode, recuperating energy from the crankshaft to recharge the battery.

The new ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain reduces Rio’s CO2 emissions and is offered on the 118bhp versions of the new engine. 48-volt powertrains with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT) will be equipped with a Drive Mode Select system, giving drivers the choice to customize their drive with ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Normal’ modes.

The Rio ‘EcoDynamics+’ is also one of the first models from Kia to be equipped with the brand’s new intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). The ‘clutch-by-wire’ system contributes to the MHEV system’s greater fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions while retaining the driver engagement of a conventional manual transmission. Instead of a mechanical linkage, the iMT’s clutch is controlled purely electronically. It integrates seamlessly with the MHSG to switch off the engine earlier than Kia’s Idle Stop & Go start-stop system when coasting to a halt, improving overall fuel efficiency.

The 1.25-litre ‘Smartstream’ engine
There is a further petrol engine in the Rio line-up, a four-cylinder 16-valve unit featuring Dual-Port injection technology. The 1.25-liter unit is from the ‘Smartstream’ family of engines and has been redesigned compared to the engine in the previous Rio.

Cutting-edge ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect infotainment
Offering Kia’s UVO system, the Rio is among the first Kia vehicles to offer new ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect telematics features. Rio gives drivers access to a range of ‘Phase II’ On-Board Services, in addition, to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest (POIs), fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking – including price, location, and availability. The system also features Online Voice Recognition, supported by server technologies, which lets users give voice commands, hands-free, to search for nearby POIs, addresses, weather updates, or send text messages.

The UVO App, compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, also offers a range of new ‘Phase II’ features, enabling owners to activate a range of functions and features remotely. Users can remotely send route directions to their car before a journey, check the location of their vehicle, and access vehicle reports and diagnostic notifications.

October 23, 2020

Kia Rio in sketches: bold, muscular and confident. Hopefully, as the real one.

2016 Kia Rio Long story short, the fourth-generation Kia Rio will make its world debut on 29 September in Paris, at the 2016 Mondial de l’Automobile.

Short story long, Kia reveals tasty details for the upcoming SUV and by all it looks as engineer and design teams have decided to make their very best on this project. And by judging by the official sketches, we tend to believe that this Kia vehicle will be a killer one.

Rio’s dynamic new exterior and interior design has undergone numerous changes and improvements that bear the touch of the specialist design centres in Germany, California and Korea. We see neat straight lines, smooth surfacing and longer front overhang and bonnet, longer wheelbase and upright C-pillar that altogether contribute to that manly and muscular body with action-ready stance.

2016 Kia Rio

Of course, Kia team also promises class-leading practicality and safety technology, new-gen connectivity features and overall more pleasurable and rewarding ride.

In fact, Kia’s Rio is one of brand’s best-selling models with the titanic 473,000 units sold in 2015. Hopefully, this won’t stop Kia team to evolve and bring us even better and better vehicles and products.

2016 Kia Rio

Official details will be gained on September, 29 in 14:45 CET, when Kia’s official press conference takes place at the Mondial de l’Automobile event.

Stick with us for further details!

Source: Kia

August 24, 2016

Enhanced 2015 Kia Rio Hatch with World Premiere in Paris

2015 Kia Rio is getting enhanced and it just made its official debut at the Paris Motor Show. The car now features a number of improvements, including a slight visual makeover both inside and outside. The Rio design team in Korea has updated car’s ‘tiger-nose grille’, thus giving it a newly-designed front bumper and fog lights. The enhanced Rio will be offered exclusively in Europe with a choice of up to four efficient engines. Their power output will range from 75 hp to 109 hp.

The units will drive the front wheels via five- or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. In addition, every engine in the range can be equipped with the optional second-generation fuel-stretching Start/Stop (ISG) technology. The ISG features an automatic start-stop function, advanced alternator control and an upgraded starter motor.

Kia is also offering three new alloy wheel designs that will be available in 15-, 16- and 17-inch dimension. What is more, the refreshed Rio’s profile is rounded up by the new rear bumper. Two new exterior paint finishes, called Urban Blue and Digital Yellow will be also added.

Inside, the updated Rio is brightened by the addition of chrome accents around the four dashboard air-vents. There is also a newly-designed centre-stack around the audio system. The range-topping EX models have a new cloth trim as standard, while the Kia is also offering as an option grey faux leather upholstery.

Other available features for this car include DAB digital radio and the AVN (audio-video navigation) system with a 7.0-inch display screen, improved processing speed and faster route calculation. 2015 Kia Rio hatchback is expected to go on sale in Europe in 2015.

Source: Kia

October 7, 2014

New Kia Models for 2014

Kia has announced four new high-spec models, which will satisfy the demands of customers seeking even greater luxury. The new models will also help Kia to maintain its phenomenal record-breaking sales growth in the UK. The new models include Sorento KX-4, Picanto “4” and Rio “4” as well as the pro Ceed SE Tech.

2014 Kia Sorento KX4 comes with standard 2.2 litre CRDi turbodiesel engine. There is also Parallel Park Assist, memory seat function on the driver’s seat, 19” alloy wheels, rear side door sunshade blinds and a silver front mesh grille and chrome surround add identifiable touches to the Sorento’s road presence. The Sorento KX-4 is priced at £36,495.

2014 Kia pro Ceed SE Tech is available exclusively with a 1.6 litre 126HP CRDi turbodiesel engine and 6-speed manual gearbox. It is able to return 65.7 mpg UK and CO₂ emissions of 112g/km. 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (122 mph). The standard equipment includes black leather seats with contrasting mesh inserts, an electric tilting and sliding sunroof with an automatic electric roller blind, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, front parking sensors and Kia’s Parallel Park Assist System (PPAS). The pro Ceed SE Tech is priced at £22,795.

2014 Kia Picanto 4 is ered by a 1.25 litre 84HP petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox and ISG engine stop/start system. The standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, 15” alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and LED rear combination lights, a premium Supervision instrument cluster and heated front seats. The Picanto 4 is priced at £11,995.

2014 Kia Rio 4 boasts a smart key with engine start button, a power sliding and tilting sunroof, black leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. It has a 1.4 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 107HP connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is also a 1.4 liter CRDi diesel with 6-speed manul transmission. The Rio 4 starts at £16,595.

Source: Kia

April 4, 2014

Kia Launches VR7 Line For Picanto, Rio, Cee’d

Kia-VR7-Range-shadow Kia-VR7-Range-medium Kia are planning to introduce a new range for the Picanto, Rio and, cee’d (low-case spelling) models. It’s called the VR7 which sounds sporty but it really isn’t.

All VR7 models should have a high level of standard equipment. That means air conditioning, leathered steering wheel and gear shift knob, Bluetooth connectivity and USB and AUX ports. On the exterior the new trim-line cars will showcase a selection of features usually found on premium models: alloy wheels, reversing seonsrs, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, and electric windows on all doors.

The Kia Picanto VR7 comes in either a 3- or 5-door version. The latter holds a slightly more powerful 1.0 engine with 84 hp. (the 3-door has 68 hp). Either way, you get an entirely comprehensive automotive package complete with things such as ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (ESB), Brake-Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), six airbags and Hill-start Assist control (HAC).

The Kia Rio VR7 models are again in either 3- or 5-door shells. The 3-door Rio VR7 comes only with a 1.25-liter 84 hp engine and a 5-speed manual. All the while, the 5-door can have the same engine or a 1.1 CRDi diesel with 98 hp and a 6-speed manual ISG transmission. All the Rio models boast color-oriented bumpers, exterior door handles and door mirrors. Needless to say, ESC, VSM, HAC and Anti-theft Alarm System are again included.

Finally, the cee’d VR7 family. Weather you’re going to go with a pro_cee’d, a 3-door cee’d, a 5-door cee’d or a cee’d Sport Wagon, you will always end up with a 1.4 engine. All but one have the same power output: 98 hp. The one exception is the cee’d CRDi engine which develops 89 hp. All cee’ds have a 6-speed manual and all have a great bundle of standard extras: a rear spoiler, projection headlights, front fog lights and daytime running lights. Kia-Picanto-3door-VR7-medium

Kia-Picanto-5door-VR7-medium

Kia-Rio-3door-VR7-medium

Kia-Rio-5door-VR7-medium

Kia-ceed-VR7-medium

Kia-ceed-SW-VR7-medium

Kia-Pro-ceed-VR7-medium

Source: Kia

January 22, 2014

2014 Kia Rio Sedan And Rio 5-door Get Slightly Better

2014-Kia-Rio-shadow 2014-Kia-Rio-medium

With the end of 2013 come the attempts of carmakers to keep their bread and butter fresh and desirable for next year. Kia, for example, are spicing up their Rio range. Both the Kia Rio 5-door hatchback and the sedan will receive minor updates on their exterior, interior, and on their equipment. Oh, and there’s going to be a new engine available.

Actually, forget the exterior updates unless you feel like crawling under the car. Only then you will notice that the 2014 Rio has body, engine and rear bumper under covers. It’s for improved aerodynamics supposedly. The other revised feature is the key of the car itself. It now folds – impressive.

On the inside, there’s a new water temperature gauge, which seems redundant and the steering wheel has now been wrapped with enhanced leather. Environmentally conscious customers, however, should rest assured that the Kia Rio is 85% recyclable. The seats for example are full of a foam made up of 100-percent biodegradable and non-toxic castor oil.

The engine then. It’s a 1.6-liter GDI (rather counter-intuitively, it’s a petrol one and not a diesel) mated to either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or a six-speed automatic. It produces 138 hp and returns 27/37 mpg in the city and on the highway respectively. If you opt for the Rios that have the ECO package, you get 28/37 mpg – a whopping one mile more on the highway.

The main trim levels are LX, EX and SX in that order. The LX is the base one and gets some standard equipment that can be seen throughout the whole range – AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio unit with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capabilities2, and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting MP3 players with full iPod and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel-mounted controls.

The EX and SX add to that a chrome front grille surround, power windows, power door locks, cruise control on the steering wheel, remote keyless entry and a tilt and telescopic steering column. Exclusively standard on the SX are the ventilated disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters and sport-tuned axles.

It does not all boil down to these three options. There’s a confusing realm of packages that can be ordered optionally. The LX (but automatic transmission only) can be equipped with a Power Package that adds power windows and keyless entry. For the EX there’s the Convenience Package that includes 15-inch alloy wheels, UVO voice-activated infotainment system, Rear Camera Display, automatic headlamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power folding side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, front fog lights, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, and dual map lights. The said ECO package can be added onto the Convenience Package EX Rio (told you it was confusing). It actually just employs a start-stop system. Finally, the Premium Package, which is available only on the SX, throws in a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic, push-button start with Smart Key, leather seat trim, heated front seats, and a power tilt/slide sunroof.

Source: Kia

December 10, 2013

2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics – Price £11 895

2012 Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics has been named “Best sub-100g/km business car” in the Business Car Manager Best Business Car 2012 Awards.

It emits just 85 g/km CO2, which is the lowest of any non-electric vehicle currently on sale. The Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics impressed the Business Car Manager judges as an overall ownership proposition and not just for its class-leading green attributes.

2012 Kia Rio starts at just £9 995 OTR and the 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics model is available from £11 895. The entire Rio range is available with Kia’s fixed price servicing plans, Care-3 and Care-3 Plus, which offer 3 or 5 years servicing from just £269.

“Any Kia Rio is a good car – but the EcoDynamics version is a champion. It returns a staggering 88mpg and emits just 85g/km of CO₂ thanks to a punchy and characterful 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel engine.”, said Commenting on the Rio’s win, Ralph Morton, Editor, Business Car Manager.

“As well as those cheap running costs, the Rio boasts an ownership experience that is anything but. This is a compact hatchback that looks just as smart as its Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa rivals – while inside there’s plenty of space, the cabin is really well made and there’s lots of equipment. It’s precise to drive too. You certainly don’t feel like a second-class citizen in a Rio; it’s a genuine class-beater.”, Mr. Morton added.

The Business Car Manager award is the Rio EcoDynamic’s third so far in 2012 having already scooped CarBuyer’s 2012 Green Car of the Year Award as well as having been singled out for special praise in Kia’s What Car? 2012 Ultra-Low-Carbon Award.

Source: Kia

March 22, 2012

2012 Kia Rio 3-door – Price £9 995

Kia has announced the new 3-door version of Rio. It will hit the UK market with a £600 saving, compared to equivalent five door models.

The engine range includes two petrol and two diesel power units. The 1.1 CRDi delivers 75PS (55 kW) and 170Nm (125 lb-ft) at 1500RPM. It boasts CO2 emissions of 99g/km or below and fuel economy of at least 74.3mpg. Nice!

EcoDynamics technologies, such as Intelligent Stop & Go, will be a standard feature with all new Rio diesels, including the 1.4-litre models. The 1.4 CRDi is a four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 90PS (66 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. Economy and emissions figures are 70.6mpg combined and just 105 g/km of CO2.

The petrol variants are 1.25 litre Kappa engine with 84PS (61 kW), 121Nm (89 lb-ft) and a 1.4 litre Gamma engine with 108PS (80 kW) and 137Nm (101 lb-ft). All petrol manual versions of the new Rio comfortably exceed 50mpg, with CO2 emissions below 130g/km.

Rio 3-door is offered in four trim grades – badged 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3 – as the five door version.

The standard equipment includes daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, speed-variable front wipers, headlamp levelling, front electric windows, 15-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, two-way steering column adjustment on the petrol model (height-adjustable only on the entry level diesel), a tachometer and trip computer, split folding rear seats, a boot light, a 12-volt power socket and an MP3-compatible RDS radio and CD player with USB and AUX ports. Bluetooth is also standard on the petrol entry model, and on all versions with other trim grades.

The 1 Air grade is for buyers who want the comfort of air conditioning without upgrading to level 2.

The 2 is distinguished by 16” alloy wheels, front fog lights and a chrome radiator grille surround. Inside, there is premium black cloth upholstery, a cooling glovebox, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with side repeaters, leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift and a centre console armrest.

The luxurious level 3 specification adds 17” alloys with low-profile tyres, LED daytime running and rear combination lamps, automatic air conditioning with auto de-fog, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic projection-type headlights, heated front seats and six speakers instead of four.

The safety is granted by electronic stability control (ESC), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA) in addition to emergency stop signalling (ESS). The new Rio also includes the helpful feature of Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

2012 Kia Rio 3-door is priced from £9 995 OTR.

Source: Kia

January 25, 2012

Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car

Kia has announced Rio B-Spec Race car, which will have its official debut at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. The vehicle is developed by Kia as 5-door version model is being used for base. The project is finished thanks to Kinetic Motorsports.

Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car comes with a pair of sport bucket seats, 5-point seatbelts, a roll cage and ultra-light rims fitted with performance tires. There are also new adjustable coilover suspension and sport brake system. Carbon fiber components are also used for weight reduction and more balance.

The manufacturer didn’t release any further information about the engine or performance, but more details will be available soon.

Source: Kia

October 13, 2011

2012 Kia Rio three-door

While the all-new Kia Rio five-door hatchback is generating positive media coverage around the world and arriving in dealer showrooms across Europe this month, Kia is celebrating the world premiere of its new Rio three-door model at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Designed primarily for the European market, the new Rio three-door will expand the appeal of Kia’s latest B-segment model to attract a new group of consumers to the brand for the first time – boosting conquest sales after its introduction during the first quarter of 2012. Ultimately, Kia expects the Rio three-door to account for approximately 20 to 25 per cent of total Rio sales.

Rio three-door has the same key dimensions as the five-door model (length 4,045 mm, width 1,720 mm, height 1,455 mm and wheelbase 2,570 mm) and retains the same roofline that is one of the lowest in Kia’s European product range, emphasising its purposeful, sporty stance.

In most European markets, Rio three-door will be available with the same range of powertrains, equipment and options as the five-door. The new model will offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines – with a 75 to 109 ps power range.

The fastest Rio three-door will accelerate to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds and be able to reach a top speed of 114 mph. Fuel consumption will be as low as 88.2 mpg for the newly-introduced EcoDynamics diesel model, which will also deliver an industry-leading CO2 rating of just 85 g/km – the lowest emissions of any non electric vehicle, including hybrid vehicles.

With two bodystyles for new Rio, plus the already-popular five-door Soul and Venga B-segment models, Kia is confident of capturing an even larger share of the increasingly popular compact car market in Europe. The three-door Rio will go on sale from early 2012.

Source: Kia

September 13, 2011

2012 Kia Rio – first real photos

Kia has published the first real, studio photos of its next-generation, 2012 Kia Rio which public unveil is scheduled for the upcoming 81st edition of Geneva Motor Show. (more…)

February 11, 2011

2012 Kia Rio

Kia has just revealed its “next big step” in the company’s design revolution with the first official sketches of the 2012 Kia Rio, which premiere is scheduled for the Geneva Motor Show 2011. (more…)

January 12, 2011

Tag: Rio