From the front and back this attitude makes the Kia look like the car of choice for the global environmental activist. Plus his hip granny that wants to keep up with technology and comfort will also like this car. So it's a good thing that the Rio is offered in so many colours that anyone can choose his or her statement.
Kia says it hopes that the new Rio will spearhead the company's own revolution - its effort to significantly grow market share globally. "The new Kia Rio model is not an evolution of its predecessor, it's a revolution. The new Rio is extremely attractive with a fresh feeling of sportiness - a car that people will want to buy for its new looks, generous features and environmental credentials," Ray Levin, CEO, Kia Motors South Africa, said at the national launch held last week in Muldersdrift near Johannesburg. The Southern Cape Motoring Guide was there to report on how the all-new Rio looked and drove on the Highveld.
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. This means this segment is becoming more competitive in terms of performance, qua-lity and environmental friendliness since neither our activist friend nor his granny are people who want to compromise. The Korean manufacturer is set to capitalise on the global demand for B-segment cars which is estimated as increasing to 9.2 million units in 2012 and to 14.0 million units by 2014.
"With new Rio, we are set to attract a host of new customers in this segment to Kia showrooms, We think it will appeal to a much wider demographic audience plus the new car offers features only seen from the C-segment upwards", Levin said.
The new Rio model will be sold in South Africa with a choice of two body styles - the 5-door available from November 2011 and 4-door from early 2012. The Rio 5-door is available with two petrol engines (1.2 and 1.4 litre) and three derivatives (1.2, 1.4 and 1.4 TEC). It is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. The passenger space in terms of head- and legroom was simply incredible and cargo capacity is as impressive. The rear legroom has been increased by 34 mm. Trunk capacity in the Rio hatchback is now 288 litres with the rear seats upright and 923 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Styling
For a segment where consumers demand more quality and choice, an exciting design is being offered. From the front, the Rio has its own interpretation of the Kia grille, which is integrated with the front lamps. The 1.4 TEC model features Daytime Running Lights, incorporated into projection headlamps, a standout feature in this segment.
In profile, the 5-door model's shorter front overhang, lowered roofline and increased ratio of body-to-glass, gives the car a dynamic stance. The 1.2 Rio comes standard with 15 inch steel wheels, the 1.4 model with 15-inch alloy wheels (17-inch alloy wheels optional). The 1.4 TEC model comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels.
From the rear, the new Rio has a strong resemblance to the Sportage with a flowing C-pillar and high shoulder line. With an overall height of 1 455 mm, the Rio is one of the lowest cars in Kia's product range. The aerodynamics are efficient, with a drag figure of Cd 0.32.
Kia's colour and trim team have developed a new choice of colours including one solid - Clean White, and nine Metallics - Bright Silver, Graphite Grey, Black, Fresh Beige, Caramel Yellow, Electronic Blue, Signal Red, Deep Blue and Wendy Brown.
Interior
The interior is uncluttered and clean with quality material and good finish. The instrument cluster is clear and functional and all back-lighting on the instrument cluster, dashboard, audio and heating systems are in Kia's signature red. A neat central row of toggle switches caught the eye which control some of the car's secondary functions. The entry 1.2 and 1.4 models feature black woven fabric trim, while the range topping 1.4 TEC comes with leather as standard.
Among the many features are: steering wheel-mounted audio controls, radio and CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections and hands-free Bluetooth. On the 1.4 TEC model extra features are: climate control air-conditioning, rear park assist with four sensors, rain-sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.The 1.2 Rio has four speakers, while the 1.4 and 1.4 TEC model is fitted with six as standard. The rear seat backrest is split 60/40 and the backrest can be folded down to create an almost flat load area.
Engines and transmissions
Kia will offer Rio buyers two efficient four-cylinder petrol engines - a 1.2-litre Kappa engine generating 65kW or a 1.4-litre Gamma engine generating 79 kW of power. The 'Kappa' engines feature dual CVVT, with a cast aluminium block, off-set crankshaft, maintenance-free timing chain and low-friction 'beehive' valve springs. These technologies significantly improve efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. The new Rio 1.2 and 1.4 models will have a CO2 rating of 129 g/km - 151 g/km, while achieving combined fuel economy of 5.4 - 6.4 litres per 100 km respectively for the 1.2 and 1.4 models. These are the manufacturer's estimated figures, under strict testing conditions.
The 1.2 Rio is fitted with a five-speed gearbox, while the standard transmission for the larger capacity 1.4 engine will be a fuel-stretching six-speed manual gearbox. As an option, a four-speed automatic transmission will also be available for the 1.4-litre unit. All three transmissions are fitted with a high top gear ratio to reduce engine revs when cruising and enhance fuel eco-nomy. On a reasonably varied drive distance, the car's handling was responsive and it felt stable, with good ride quality. The four-spoke steering wheel is tilt and telescopic adjustable for height and reach on all models.
Safety and security
An all-new bodyshell was created using more ultra high-strength steel (UHTS) than on the third-generation model. So the car is stronger and more rigid with improved progressive deformation during a frontal impact. Side impact protection was improved by fitting stronger side sill members made from roll-formed UHTS steel, and UHTS B-pillars and cross-members between the B-pillars at floor and roof level.
Pedestrian safety is addressed by a deformable hood with flexible hinges to reduce head impact forces, plus the removal of headlamp support structures to allow easier deformation and an additional 70 mm of crumple space behind the front bumper beam to lessen lower leg injuries.
The braking system for new Rio features 256 x 22 mm ventilated front discs and 203 x 10 mm drum brakes at the rear.
The performance of the braking system is supported by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution System).
Kia's engineers are confident that new Rio will achieve a 5-Star safety rating in EuroNCAP crash tests, following family members Soul, Sportage and Sorento. Passive safety equipment includes front airbags for the driver and passenger on the 1.2 and 1.4 models with six airbags (front, side and curtain) on the 1.4 TEC model.
A Rear Park Assist system is fitted as standard on the 1.4 TEC and is unique to the compact hatch segment. Child-proof rear door locks and rear ISOFIX-child anchors are fitted as standard.
All Rio models are equipped with a battery saver that automatically turns off the headlamps and other electrical systems when the engine is switched off, preventing the battery from running down when the car is parked.
Pricing and details
RIO 1.2 MAN R 136 995;
RIO 1.4 MAN R 154 995;
RIO 1.4 AUTO R 164 995;
RIO 1.4 TEC MAN R 168 995;
RIO 1.4 TEC AUTO R 178 995.
All prices include VAT and standard on all models are a four year or 60 000km service plan, five year or 100 000km warranty and a three year unlimited roadside assistance.
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The new Kia Rio
ARTICLE: ANICA KRÜGER
