Kia Rio 3-door

Introduction

Kia has made its mark at a global level (with a huge push from Hyundai MotoCorp) and has attained a pretty much permanent status as being world's fastest-growing car manufacturing company and there is just little doubt that this entry level hatchback will strengthen its hold in the automarket. After a tremendous overall success in the world market, with a superlative appealing style and tangible quality Rio is set to start another success chapter in South Asian markets. The 3-door variant with its coupe-like appearance adds a bit more spark to this drive.

Engine, Mileage and Variants

This stylish entry-level luxury hatchback comes embedding two engines – 1.25 litre and 1.4-litre petrol ones to be specific. The maximum power delivered out of the manual 1.25-litre engine is 84 bhp at 6000 rpm alongside a maximum torque measuring 121 Nm at 4000 rpm. The 1.4-litre petrol engine delivers a maximum power output measuring 107 bhp at 6300 rpm inline with a maximum torque of 137 Nm at 4200 rpm. The 0-100 kmph acceleration count from a halt/top speed measure 12.6 seconds/168 kmph (1.25) and 11.1 seconds/183 kmph (1.4) respectively. The mileage delivered by this car measures approximately 17 kmph (1.25) and 14.5 kmph (1.4).

Exterior

Exterior is the forte of Kia Rio, the contemporary styling bundled with latest technologies and upbeat build quality, Rio offers more than what you pay for. It is designed by Peter Schreyer, if you dont know who that is, look out for the designer for the revolutionary Audi TT. The traditional Kia grille sports the Kia logo proud in the centre, some of the features available on the outside are radiator grilles with chrome surround, reversing sensors, electrically foldable mirrors, fog lamps and an optional sun roof. A choice of 15-17 inch alloy wheel range is available with the car. The dimensions of the car measure 4045mm x 1720mm x 1455mm with a wheelbase of 2570mm (L x W x H).

Interior

This car boasts spacious interior with high tech amenities and 288-litres of boot space which is a valued addition. The car can easily accommodate 4 people and has a convenient rear seat access. The front seats backrests fold down so as to allow easy entry to the cabin. It has AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers and USB/Auxiliary input jack. The air condition system with auto-climate control feature and the cluster ionizer that keeps the cabin fresh. There are also dual front cup holders and rear lower door trim bottle holder and glove box cooling of 15 liters which keeps the drinks cool. The sliding console arm rest which in all increases comfort. The button mounted steering and the metal pedal pads gives it a sporty car looks from inside as well. A lot of interior colors are also available such as black, desert grey, red color package and brown.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

A perfect partnership of power and safety can be seen in all cars of Kia and this 3 door variant is no exception. The active and passive safety measures are the Anti Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) which maintains control of car while applying brakes. The high tensile steel body of the car provides protection along with the front and rear seat belts with the 6 airbag system. The back warning system creates an alert sound helpful in safe parking. The auto defog system automatically detects mist on the windscreen and removes it giving a clear view of the front and back.

Verdict

Kia Rio is one of the best innovations in a hatchback body form. It is upbeat, stylish, comfortable, performs well and feels good. It requires a bit of extra bucks from your traditional hatchback but it is worth every penny spent.