The Kia Rio is a subcompact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since August 2000 and now in its fourth generation. Body styles have included a three and five-door hatchback and four-door sedan, equipped with inline-four gasoline and diesel engines, and front-wheel drive.
The Rio replaced the first-generation Pride--a rebadged version of the Ford Festiva--and the Avella, a subcompact sold as a Ford in some markets. A second generation was introduced in 2005 in Europe and 2006 in North America, sharing its platform with the Hyundai Accent, a subcompact manufactured by its sister Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea.
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First generation (DC; 2000-2005)
The first-generation Kia Rio (referred to as the "DC") was offered in both four-door sedan and five-door station wagon body styles. When released, it was the least-expensive mass-produced car to be sold in the United States. While the Rio's styling and affordability were well-received, it was derided for its poor build quality and driving experience.
The station wagon was marketed as the "Rio Cinco" in the United States, "Rio RX-V" in Canada, and "Rio Look" in Chile. The sedan version was not sold in the United Kingdom, and the station wagon was known as the "Rio" there. In Greece, both versions were sold as the "Rio". In South Korea, this was the only generation to use the "Rio" name, as the "Pride" name was used from the second generation onwards.
The first-generation Rio offered only one engine for each model year in the USA: a 96 hp (72 kW) 1.5-litre DOHC I4 gasoline engine from 2001 through 2002. Then a larger version appeared, a 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder rated at 104 hp (78 kW) used for model years 2003 through 2005. All years offered a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed F4A-EL automatic. An alternative of a 1.3-litre (1,343 cc) SOHC four-cylinder/eight-valve petrol, producing 75 hp (56 kW) was offered in some other countries, including the United Kingdom and most of continental Europe. The USA-version five-door featured power steering and a tachometer, optional on the sedan. The European version was marketed under several trim levels; standard equipment for all trims included a driver airbag. Additional features were available for promotion in Greece, including leather seats and car alarm. In Europe, the various national markets received different selections of the three engines.
The domestic Korean market versions did not include the 1.6-liter version, as the South Korean taxation system heavily penalizes cars of more than 1,500 cc. Claimed outputs for the domestic versions (JIS) were higher, at 84 PS (62 kW) for the little 1.3 and 108 PS (79 kW) for the DOHC 1.5. For the SOHC 1.5 95 PS (70 kW) was claimed. The first generation hatchback was marketed as the Rio RX-V in South Korea.
Safety features included seat belts and an airbag for the driver. ABS was available as an option for entry-line cars but fitted by default for top of the range models (i.e., Rio LX, in the UK, and Rio LS, in Greece).
Facelift
In 2002 the Rio received a mild redesign (for the 2003 model year in the US) including upgrades in engine, suspension, brakes and new exterior and interior styling. After this 2002 facelift the entire range received the "Rio SF" moniker in the domestic South Korean market, with "SF" standing for both "Science Fiction" and "Safety First".
In Europe, the facelifted Rio received minor changes in external look and engine improvement of the 1.3 from 75 hp (56 kW) to 80 hp (60 kW) at 5,500 rpm, and 86 lb?ft (117 N?m) at 3,000 rpm.
Iranian production of the facelifted Rio by SAIPA began in 2005. The cars were not equipped with ABS or airbags until 2012, powered by a version of the 1.5 litre engine which produces 96 hp (72 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 135 N?m (100 ft?lbf) torque at 4,500 rpm. In early 2012, the production ended.
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Second generation (JB; 2005-2011)
Kia introduced the second generation (JB) in the early 2005 model year in Europe and for model year 2006 in North America, based on a redesigned platform shared with the Hyundai Accent. The engine was upgraded to a 110 hp 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder "Alpha II" engine now also shared with the Hyundai Accent. Other changes include a new exterior design, an increase in exterior size and interior volume, increased safety features and fuel economy. The station wagon was dropped with this generation, replaced by a new 5-door hatchback.
Kia offered the 2006 sedan as the Rio and Rio LX, the LX trim included power steering, air conditioning, and CD player. The Rio5 (USA) offered simply in SX trim level with leather-covered steering wheel. As in the first generation, only the five-door hatchback version was offered in some European markets (including the UK). Three engines are available; a 1.6 litre DOHC engine with 110 hp (82 kW), a lesser 1.4 litre version with 96 hp (72 kW) and a 1.5 L Turbodiesel engine with 109 hp. However, in the US market only the 1.6L gasoline engine is offered, in two body styles: a four-door-sedan and a five-door hatch. The European version's common rail diesel engine produces 110 PS (81 kW).
In 2007, an SX trim level was added to the Rio sedan with the same features supplied with the Rio5 SX.
In 2007, the South Korean government began testing approximately 4,000 pre-production Rio hybrid-electric models, with parent company Hyundai Kia Automotive Group later announcing and subsequently withdrawing anticipated release dates for the hybrid model.
For 2008, Kia offered the LX trim level for the Rio5 (similar to the Rio LX sedan) and a limited production of Rio5 SX Tuner models, featuring Falken FK452 tires, Tanabe strut tower brace and Eibach lowering springs.
For the 2009 model year, all Rio and Rio5 trims received standard Sirius Satellite Radio (complimentary for three months) and radios with USB port & auxiliary jack, the auxiliary jack substituting for a Bluetooth mobile phone connection for devices with an earphone jack, e.g., the iPhone. The Kia Rio ranked 5th in the "20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure" list by Insure.com. According to research, the Rio is one of the least expensive vehicles to insure.
Facelift
For the 2010 model year, the models received a facelift in late 2009, adopting Kia's new Tiger nose grille. In addition, the steering wheel receives the same design as the Kia Soul and Kia Forte, featuring optional Bluetooth hands-free phone operation, and the gauges cluster receives a new red backlit design. The headlights were modified slightly, with a darker appearance and parking lights and side-marker lights sharing the turn-signal housing. Side mouldings on the car became narrower and body-colored. For the UK version, the Rio looks exactly the same as the US version, except that only the hatchback variant is sold there. It has Kia's new bowtie grille (for the 2010 model) and is powered by a 1.4 litre DOHC four-cylinder 16-valve petrol engine, or a 1.5 litre DOHC four-cylinder 16-valve diesel. They both have a five speed manual gearbox.
Safety
The 2006 Rio received Poor to Average ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 5-door hatchback variant on a 2005 registration:
Third generation (UB; 2011-2017)
The third generation Kia Rio debuted on March 1, 2011, at the Geneva Motor Show, again based on the Hyundai Accent.
It features a 1.4 L or 1.6 L Hyundai GDI Gamma engine. The European market also receives the option of a 1.25 L Petrol Engine, as well as a 1.4 L or 1.1 L CRDi Turbo Diesel Engine - the 1.1 L engine having the lowest CO2 emissions and highest MPG of any non-electric or hybrid car currently on sale at time of writing; up to 88mpg on the EU combined cycle (73mpg in US gallons) and emitting only 85grams of CO2 per kilometer. This market, however, lacks the 1.6 L engine, with the 1.4 L being the most powerful on offer.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic for the American market, with the European market receiving a 5-speed manual for the 1.25 L Petrol engine, a 6-speed manual for the 1.4 L Petrol, 1.1 L and 1.4 L Diesels and a 4-speed automatic for the 1.4 L petrol "2" spec model in 5-door configuration. Intelligent stop & go is an option on almost all available trim and engine levels.
The Rio in Europe also receives a 3-door model. It is mechanically identical to the 5 door, though its longer doors give it a more sporting appearance that appeals to younger audiences. The 3 door is also noticeably cheaper than the 5 door.
A one time, limited delivery of 50 top-spec European 3-door models have been shipped to New Zealand based on the UK "3" trim and marketed as the Rio Sport EX. The imported European models have a better spec than the current car available in New Zealand, with some extra options added over the European car (such as keyless go), with the limited availability designed to make the car feel exclusive.
In November 2011, the third generation Rio was awarded Semperit Irish Car of the Year and in December was awarded Carsguide's 2011 Car of the Year award as well, triumphing over many other vehicles including the likes of the Range Rover Evoque and the recently facelifted Ford Territory.
Safety
The 2012 Rio received Marginal to Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 5-door hatchback variant on a 2011 registration:
Kia Rio GT
Kia released a turbocharged performance model of the Cee'd, called the Pro_Cee'd GT in Europe in July 2013, and is the company's first ever hot hatch. Rumours have surfaced around the internet that a Rio GT (based on what is known as the Rio 5-door in America, but using the 3-door European configuration) may go into production, giving Kia a true supermini hot hatch to rival the established class leaders; the Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi and Renaultsport Clio. Rumours were backed up when the European VP for Kia, Benny Oeyen, mentioned that if the Cee'd GT is successful, Kia would put more GT models into production, including the Rio. An unnamed Kia insider also stated the Rio as a candidate for GT treatment in future.
Gallery
Kia K2 (China) & Kia Rio (Russia)
Fourth generation (SC; 2017-present)
Kia Motors presented the fourth generation Rio at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The new car was designed in Kia's California and Germany design centers and features longer front overhangs, a bigger hood and a more upright C-pillar. The hatchback model is 15 mm longer, 5 mm wider and 5 mm shorter in height than its predecessor. Production began by the end of 2016. In European markets, the car is only offered in hatchback form while the U.S. market will receive both hatchback and sedan forms. For the North American market, the Rio will be manufactured alongside the Kia Forte at the Pesquería plant in Mexico. Unlike the previous generations, the fourth generation Rio is not offered in the South Korean market; instead, the Rio-based Stonic crossover takes its place.
Kia K2 Cross (China)
At the 2017 Auto Shanghai, Kia Motors unveiled a crossover variant of the Kia Rio exclusive to the Chinese market. The K2 Cross is 30 mm wider and 40 mm longer than the standard Rio hatchback.
Marketing
For the international release of the Rio and the third generation Kia Picanto, Kia Motors produced two music videos featuring Korean-American singer Kate Kim and American musician Lee Radde in May 2017.
Awards
The Rio won the 2017 Red Dot Award for Passenger Car Design and the 2017 iF Design Award for Discipline Product.
Safety
Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 5-door hatchback variant with standard equipment on a 2017 registration:
Euro NCAP test results for a LHD, 5-door hatchback variant with optional safety pack on a 2017 registration:
Sales
The Rio/K2 was Kia's best selling model worldwide in 2012 and 2015.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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