KIA Rio

Kia Rio Overview

The fourth-generation Kia Rio was first introduced in Malaysia back in 2017. It was designed from the ground up as a global car by Kia’s designers based in Germany and California.

Locally assembled in Gurun, Malaysia, the Kia Rio is available in the sole EX trim and priced from RM79,888 (OTR without insurance) with five-year unlimited-mileage warranty. The South Korean B-segment 5-door hatchback competes against rivals like the Mazda 2, Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz, Suzuki Swift and the Volkswagen Polo.

A mid-life refresh was introduced in 2018 with an updated transmission replacing the outgoing 4-speed unit carried over from the previous generation car. The old price remains but not without consequences. The stylish 17-inch two tone alloy wheels were replaced by a more conservative 16-inch and the sunroof was removed.

Kia Rio Design

The Kia Rio is designed from the ground up as a global car. Designed in Kia’s design centres in Germany and California, it is now sporting a more conventional VW Golf-like two-box profile, a longer front overhang, a wider track and a longer bonnet.

At the front, Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille is now wider and slimmer with gloss black cover accented by chrome trims. Headlights are now sleeker with U-shaped LED daytime running lights and the massive lower air intake further accentuate the visual width of the car.

Rear overhang is now shorter too featuring black plastic cladding at the lower bumper and a body-coloured roof spoiler with integrated brake light. The trapezoidal taillight featuring tri-arrow LED light signatures completes the overall look of the rear.

Kia Rio Dimension

The Kia Rio is built based on the Hyundai-Kia GB platform that also underpins the similarly sized Hyundai i20. It is both longer and wider than the Mazda 2. But weighing in at 1,162 kg, it is amongst the heaviest compared to its nearest rivals.

Kia Rio Interior

The Kia Rio interior design is contemporary and feels more expensive than the price tag suggests. Dual-tone dashboard design accented by satin chrome and piano black inserts adds a premium touch to the interior.

Both the steering wheel and the gear knob are wrapped in leather while the seats are finished in good quality fabric. The centre console is oriented slightly towards the driver and the dials and buttons are logically laid out. What stands out is perhaps the ‘floating’ 5-inch display control panel that looks out of place compared to the rest of the onboard equipment.

As for interior space, while it is nowhere near the Honda Jazz, knee room and head room is adequate and adults will have no problem fitting in the back seats. Boot space available is rather impressive at 325 litres despite with a shorter rear overhang, running at a close second behind the Honda Jazz’s 363 litres.

Kia Rio Features

Standard equipment for the Kia Rio includes projector halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights, keyless entry and push-button start, auto lights and wipers, automatic single-zone climate control with cluster ioniser, 5-inch colour infotainment display with 6-peaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity, and disc brakes on all four corners.

As for safety, the Kia Rio gets six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Driver assistance system like Cruise Control, Reverse Camera, Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror and the Blind Spot Detection System (BDS) also comes as standard.

Kia Rio Driving Performance

Engine

Powering the front wheels is the 1.4 litre naturally aspirated Kappa MPI four-cylinder engine from Hyundai, producing 100 PS at 6000 RPM and 133 NM from 4000 RPM. It is slightly down on power compared to the model it replaces but peak power now comes in at lower revs

Transmission

A new 6-speed automatic transmission replaces the outgoing 4-speed automatic transmission that was carried over from the previous generation model.

Kia Rio Ride Comfort

The Rio uses more than 50% Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), which is a more than 54% increase from the previous model. It promises higher body rigidity, enhanced cabin protection as well as improved dynamic performance.

The suspension system has also been retuned, now with revised spring and damper rates giving the car an improved compliance and comfort. With almost three times the structural adhesive applied compared to the previous generation, the Kia Rio is now more rigid but yet lighter, with significantly improved NVH levels.

Kia Rio Fuel Consumption

No official rated fuel economy.

Kia Rio Conclusion

The Kia Rio may be from South Korea, but it looks and feels every bit like a European car. At this price point, the Kia Rio presents a rather compelling proposition that is hard to contest. It is easily one of the best-looking B-segment hatchbacks on the market with bona fide credential to back up its pretty looks. But if one were to knit pick, perhaps the Kia Rio lacks the refinement found in most European cars, and it can certainly use a little bit more power from under the bonnet.