In 2000, Kia introduced the Rio. The smooth-lined sedan/station wagon instantly replaced the aging, much smaller Pride and the Avella, which was not available with us, a compact sedan/hatchback. The Rio was appreciated for its design and low price, but according to many the quality of the car left something to be desired. A striking version was the Sport-Pack, which was not available with us, which gave the car sporty decoration that was clearly inspired by the Subaru Impreza WRX STi of the time. Includes gold rims.
In 2000, Kia introduced the Rio. The smooth-lined sedan/station wagon instantly replaced the aging, much smaller Pride and the Avella, which was not available with us, a compact sedan/hatchback. The Rio was appreciated for its design and low price, but according to many the quality of the car left something to be desired. A striking version was the Sport-Pack, which was not available with us, which gave the car sporty decoration that was clearly inspired by the Subaru Impreza WRX STi of the time. Includes gold rims.
Third time’s the charm
The second generation appeared in 2005. The station wagon was dropped and was exchanged for a five-door hatchback variant. The sedan version continued to exist, but no longer came to the Netherlands. This time the quality was of the desired level, but the design of the car was found to be a bit boring. The third generation from 2012 did both well: the car met the requirements of the European consumer and also looked attractive. The appreciation was evident from the sales figures.
Evolution
It is therefore not surprising that the current generation presented in 2017 is an evolution of its predecessor for the first time. The car was designed by the American and German design departments of the brand and is only available in Europe as a five-door hatchback. The sedan version is now discontinued throughout Europe and the three-door version of the previous generation has completely disappeared. Remarkably enough, the Rio is no longer supplied in the home country of South Korea. There the car was completely replaced by the Stonic.
Technical
Engine type
petrol, 3-cylinder line
Displacement
998 cm
max. assets
74 kW (100 hp)
Bee
4,500 rpm
max. couple
171 Nm
Bee
1,500 rpm
Drive
front wheels
Brakes from/a
given disks/discs
Turning circle
10.4 m
Power range
74 to 88 kW
General
Transmission
6MT
Body type
5-drs. hatchback
Euro NCAP
3 stars
Market launch
January 2017
Latest facelift
September 2020
Guarantee
7 years
From price
€19,995
Particularities
The Rio has been equipped with mild hybrid technology since the facelift.
