Sure, the Rio nonetheless appears to be within the recreation
It doesn’t have the aura of a few of its rivals, however the Rio can do absolutely anything.
Like a Renault Clio or a Volkswagen Polo, the Korean belongs to the class of versatile metropolis automobiles, these which can be comfy on the town however are additionally in a position to rally Lille to Toulouse with out torturing their occupants.
The soundproofing stays very ample, rear-seat roominess is greater than respectable and the boot quantity, at 325 litres, is bigger than that of the Clio and Peugeot 208.
Add to that above-average consolation, a flattering tools value ratio and an prolonged seven-year guarantee; sure, the Rio seems completely updated.
Behind its pleasing facies to the attention, barely modified throughout September 2020 restylingthis Rio doesn’t home any diesel engine, however we received’t blame it for that.
It leaves the selection between “good outdated” 84 hp naturally aspirated 4-cylinderwhich serves as an entry-level, and two extra fashionable T-GDi engines, accessible with 100 and 120 hp.
With three cylinders, a turbo and chain distribution, the 100 hp engine is offered in a “regular” model (with out hybridization).
However, just like the 120 hp model which relies on the identical structure, it may well additionally, relying on the end chosen, undertake a 48 V micro-hybridization systemconsisting of a starter-alternator linked to the crankshaft via a belt.
It switches from generator to engine relying on the working phases, for instance to “recuperate” power throughout slowdowns and help the 3-cylinder within the restoration part.
This know-how, now widespread, permits free-wheeling operation (in Eco mode) in sequences, leaving the Rio to evolve by itself.
Aside from these deceleration phases, the 48 V system is imperceptible on the wheel. And the entire, discreet, stays nice and supple.
The Kia metropolis automobile can also be accessible with a robotic seven-speed DCT double-clutch transmission (+ €1,300) on T-GDi engines.
The Rio took benefit of its restyling to undertake a brand new 8-inch contact display screen (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), for an easy-to-use and purposeful multimedia interface.
The driving place, pure, composes with a sober presentation and apparent ergonomics. This versatile metropolis automobile produced in Korea du Sud may, relying on the end and/or the choices chosen, make the most of driving help resembling energetic lane upkeep, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise management.
No, the Rio is not on the celebration
The Kia model remains to be displaying good business ends in 2022, with a spread pushed by the Sportage and Niro. However the Rio stays behind within the coronary heart of a very hotly contested section.
Apart from, she didn’t offered solely 10,573 models since its reworking 2020 (quantity on the finish of August 2022); a relative anonymity which stays troublesome to elucidate.
The Korean, which is coming to the top of its life, will not be, nonetheless, free from flaws.
It suffers, for instance, from the hard-to-the-touch supplies that make up its passenger compartment, from a rear view tainted by the imposing rear quarter pillars, and from too lengthy a staggering of the gearboxes, which impacts driving pleasure and efficiency.
Notice additionally that the entry mannequin, 84 hp, is the one one within the vary to have solely 5 studies. Steering can also be mildmissing consistency.
Lastly Sure the value stays enticing (from €17,240), the Rio vary remains to be near the costs charged by European rivals.
WE love
- Habitability and luxury
- Versatility and trunk
- Gear provided
We love much less
- Transmission staging
- Mild steering
- Any supplies
RANGE (to Rio)
- Petrol: from 84 to 120 hp, from €17,240 to €26,540
Technical sheet (Kia Rio)
- Weight (kg): from 970
- Lxlxh (m) : 4,07×1,73×1,45
- Wheelbase (m): 2.58
- Tank (l): 45
- Chest of 5 (l): 325
Information from Kia, seen by auto-moto.com:
Kia EV9: on board the seven-seater electrical SUV
Kia Rio: finish clap for the Korean metropolis automobile?
Kia Stinger: a restricted version Tribute for the top of profession
