Kia Rio

Manufacturer	Kia Motors
Production	2000–present
Predecessor	Kia Pride Kia Avella
Class	Subcompact
Layout	FF layout

The Kia Rio is a subcompact automobile manufactured and marketed by Kia Motors since August 2000 and now in its third generation. Body styles have included a five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, 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, the second generation was marketed as the New Pride.

In 2010, the Rio was facelifted to incorporate Kia's "Tiger Nose" grille, and for model year 2012, Kia introduced the third generation Rio.

First generation (DC)

First generation

Also called	Kia Rio Cinco (United States hatchback) Kia Rio RX-V (Canadian and Korean hatchback) Kia Rio SF (facelift, Korea)
Production	2000–2005
Assembly	Sohari Plant, Gwangmyeong, South Korea Quito, Ecuador (AYMESA) Tehran, Iran (Saipa)
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.6 L B6 I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,410 mm (94.9 in)
Length	2000–2002: 4,215 mm (165.9 in) 2002–2005: 4,240 mm (166.9 in)
Width	2000–2002: 1,675 mm (65.9 in) 2002–2005: 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height	1,440 mm (56.7 in)

The first-generation Kia Rio (referred to as the "DC") was offered in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. When released, it was the least-expensive mass-produced car to be sold in the United States.^[1] While the Rio's styling and affordability were well-received, it was derided for its poor build quality and driving experience.^[2]

2001-2002 Kia Rio Cinco (US)

The hatchback 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 hatchback/wagon was known as the "Rio" there. In Greece, both versions were sold as the "Rio".

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 105 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 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.^[3] 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).

2002 facelift

2003–2005 Kia Rio sedan (US)

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 2011, 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.

Second generation (JB)

Second generation

Also called	Kia New Pride (South Korea) Kia Rio5 (NA hatchback) Kia New Pride Sedan (Indonesia) Kia New Pride (Indonesia hatchback)
Production	2005–2011
Assembly	South Korea: Sohari Plant, Gwangmyeong China: Yangcheng Plant, Jiangsu Ecuador: Quito (AYMESA) Indonesia: Jakarta Philippines: Bicutan, Parañaque City
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.4 L 71.3 kW (96 hp) I4 1.6 L Alpha II I4 1.5 L Common Rail TD I4[4]
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	hatchback: 3,990 mm (157.1 in) 2005–2009 sedan:4,240 mm (166.9 in) 2009–present sedan: 4,250 mm (167.3 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,470 mm (57.9 in)
Related	Hyundai Accent

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 hatchback was renamed to Rio5 in the USA and Canada.

Interior

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).

Kia Rio Hatchback 1.4 EX (Europe)

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.^[5][6]

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.^[7]

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.^[8]

2009 facelift

2010 Kia Rio LX sedan (US)

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.

Third generation (UB)

Third generation (UB)

Also called	Kia All New Pride Kia All New Rio (Indonesia)
Production	2011-present
Model years	2012-
Assembly	South Korea: Sohari Plant, Gwangmyeong China: Yangcheng Plant, Jiangsu Ecuador: Quito (AYMESA) Indonesia: Jakarta Philippines: Bicutan, Parañaque City Russia: (St Petersburg Hyundai RUS)
Body style	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.25 L Kappa I4 1.4 L Gamma I4 1.6 L Gamma I4 1.1 L diesel I3 1.4 L diesel[9]
Transmission	6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,570 mm (101.2 in)
Length	Sedan: 171.9 in (4,366 mm) Hatchback: 159.3 in (4,046 mm)
Width	67.7 in (1,720 mm)
Height	57.3 in (1,455 mm)
Related	Hyundai Accent Hyundai Veloster

Kia All-New Rio UB 3 door Hatchback (Europe)

2012 Kia Rio EX five-door (US)

2012 Kia Rio sedan (US)

The third generation Kia Rio debuted on March 1, 2011, at the Geneva Motor Show, again based on the Hyundai Accent and featuring a 1.4 L and 138 horsepower (103 kW) 1.6 L Hyundai Gamma engine with GDI and Dual-Continuous Variable Valve Timing. Transmission options will includea 6 Speed Manual Transmission as well as a 6 Speed Automatic. The Eco automatic model will offer the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) option, which shuts the engine off when coming to a full stop. According to Kia's website, the 2012 Rio5 hatchback is available in North America in the fall of 2011, and the sedan in January 2012.^[10]

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. Kia Rio is The car of the year 2012 in Slovakia, too.

See also

• Kia Design and Manufacturing Facilities
• List of hybrid vehicles
• Hyundai Accent
• Hyundai Alpha Engine
• Hyundai Gamma Engine

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kia Rio

• Official site (US)
• Official site (UK)
• Review: Kia Rio 1.4 CRDi 5-door