We just looked at Kia’s new A-segment contender, the new Picanto. Now moving to the B-segment they have the all-new Kia Rio that also made its big debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
The improvement on this car is very remarkable since thoroughly enhanced in every aspect. It features a funky new design that’s far more interesting than the previous model and also features an upgraded lineup of incredibly clean power-trains starting at just 85 g/km.
Available as 5-door and 3-door bodystyles, the new Rio is longer by 20 mm, wider by 25 mm, and lower by -15 mm and features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm to 2,570 mm. So despite its size it is actually quite roomy inside. The car also comes with an all-new interior featuring ‘three cylinder’ instrument cluster, precise instrument graphics and clear functionality. The quality of used materials are also on the par with premium cars.
Optional features available on new Rio cars for the UK market will include smart-key entry system, RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections, Bluetooth handsfree (with voice recognition available from December 2011), climate-control air-conditioning, heated front seats and LED daytime running lights.
As for the safety, this 5-star car gets electronic stability control, six airbags and ‘active’ front seat head restraints, to protect against whiplash injury in a rear impact. A new system called Emergency Stop Signal will be available for additional safety. To alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly, sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then automatically flash the brake lights three times.
A range of three- and four-cylinder engines – with a 70-to-109 ps power range – and a CO2 base-line rating from just 85 g/km, plus fuel consumption as high as 88.3 mpg power the 2012 Kia Rio. It will be available with two versions of Kia’s ‘U2’ power unit – both fitted with 16-valves and a Waste Gate Turbo. The 1.4-litre generates 90 ps and 216 Nm of torque, while the 1.1-litre produces 70 ps and 162 Nm. Both engines deliver maximum torque from just 1,750 rpm.
You may also choose one of the petrol 1.4-litre Gamma or 1.25-litre Kappa engines. With maximum output of 109 ps and peak torque of 136 Nm, the Gamma engine powers the fastest Rio – accelerating to 100 kph (62 mph) in 11.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 181 kph (112 mph). The Kappa offers 85 ps and 117.8 Nm of torque, while achieving fuel economy of 58.8 mpg.
Engines
| 1.4-litre | 1.25-litre | 1.4-litre | 1.1-litre | ||
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Diesel | Diesel | |
| Displacement | cc | 1,396 | 1,248 | 1,396 | 1,120 |
| Power output | ps | 109 @6000 rpm | 85 @ 6000 rpm | 90 @ 4000 rpm | 82 @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque output | Nm | 136 @ 4200 rpm | 118 @ 4000 rpm | 216 @ 1750 rpm | 94 @ 3500 rpm |
| Engine details | Gamma 4-in-line, DOHC, four-cylinder with dual CVVT | Kappa 4-in-line, DOHC, four-cylinder with dual CVVT | U2 4-in-line, DOHC four-cylinder with WGT | U2 3-in-line, DOHC three-cylinder with WGT |
Transmission
| Transmission type | Six-speed manual | Five-speed manual | Six-speed manual | Six-speed manual |
| Four-speed auto |
Suspension, steering and braking
| Front axle | Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts with coil spring, gas-filled shock absorbers and anti-roll stabiliser bar. |
| Rear axle | Semi independent CTBA with separate coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers |
| Braking system | Ventilated front discs 256 x 22 mm, and solid rear discs 262mm x 10mm with ABS and EBD and ESC |
| Steering | MDPS electric power-assisted, rack-and-pinion, 2.8 turns lock-lock |
| Wheels | 15 inch x 5.5J/ 16 inch x 6.0J/ 17 inch x 6.5J |
| Tyres | 185/65 R15 / 195/55 R16 / 205/45 R17 |
Dimensions and weights
| Wheelbase | mm | 2,570 |
| Overall l / w / h | mm | 4,045 / 1,720 / 1,455 |
| Front / Rear overhang | mm | 805 / 670 |
| Front / Rear track | mm | 1,520 / 1,525 |
| Head / Leg / Shoulder room front | mm | 1,015 / 1,112 / 1,350 |
| Head / Leg / Shoulder room rear | mm | 960 / 790 / 1,324 |
| Luggage capacity (VDA) | litres | 288 |
| Turning circle | metres | 10.4 |
Performance and fuel consumption
| 1.4-litre | 1.25-litre | 1.4-litre | 1.1-litre | ||
| Petrol | Petrol | Diesel | Diesel | ||
| Acceleration (0-100 kph)* | seconds | 11.5 | 13.0 | 14.2 | 16.4 |
| Maximum speed* | kph | 181 | 167 | 171 | 161 |
| Fuel consumption** Fuel consumption w. ISG** |
mpg | 54.3 58.8 |
58.8 65.7 |
68.9 80.7 |
80.7 88.3 |
| CO2 CO2 (with ISG) |
g/km | 124 114 |
114 104 |
109 94 |
94 85 |
| Fuel tank capacity | litres | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
* Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates
** Figures are for combined cycle
