Kia Rio

KIA RIO
The Kia Rio is a subcompact car produced by the South
Korean manufacturer Kia since August 2000 and now in
its third generation. Body styles have included a three
and five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles,
equipped with inline-four gasoline and diesel engines,
and front-wheel drive
N O M A D I C | 2 4

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".
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.[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).

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".
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.[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).

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
hatchback was renamed to Rio5 in the USA and Canada.
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 leathercovered
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.[9]
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.

THIRD GENERATION
(UB; 2011–PRESENT
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 or 1.6 L Hyundai GDI Gamma engine. The
European market also receives the option of a 1.25L Petrol Engine, as well as a 1.4L or 1.1L
CRDi Turbo Diesel Engine - the 1.1L engine having the lowest 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 1.6L engine, with the 1.4 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 1.25L Petrol engine, a 6-
speed manual for the 1.4L Petrol, 1.1L and 1.4L Diesels and a 4-speed automatic for the 1.4L
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 topspec
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.[13]
[14]
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 GT
Kia released a turbo charged 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.

FOURTH GENERATION
Kia Motors will debut the fourth generation Rio at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The new car is
designed in Kia's California and Germany design centers, and will feature longer front
overhangs, a bigger hood, and a more upright C-pillar.[17] The hatchback model will be 15
mm longer, 5 mm wider, and 5 mm shorter in height than its predecessor. Production will
begin by the end of 2016.[
ARTICLE SOURCE:
WIKIPEDIA
IMAGE SOURCE:
THOMSON KIA SITE