Close up: Kia Rio 1.4 2013

In this blog entry, I'm posting about the New Kia Rio hatchback! This is a value for money B-segment car! Priced to sell at Rm 74,000 for Ex and Rm 80,000 for Sx otr with insurance!

The car's powered by Gamma 1.4 DOHC 16V DUAL CVVT engine (Same family as Elantra 1.6 MD) producing 109ps @6300rpm and 137Nm @ 4200rpm torque mated with 4 speed Automatic gearbox.  Note that this is IDENTICAL Horse power and only 4Nm less torque than similar priced Toyota Vios 1.5E.

Performance wise, top speed for this car's 180km/h and 0-100km/h's respectable 11.8 secs (as tested by The Sun newspaper).  Claimed FC's 16.6km/l combined cycle.

The New 2013 Rio is well equipped for a B-segment offering. Common to both EX and SX models are LED daytime running lights, electric folding wing mirrors with LED side repeaters, static bending lights, chilled glove box and Bluetooth connectivity.  High quality Fabric seats with 3 headrests.


In addition, there's LED rear combination lamps, tilt/telescopic steering, an Akarmys-enhanced six-speaker audio system with MP3, iPod and aux connectability, a leather-wrapped steering with audio and hands-free functionality, alloy pedals, reverse sensor, 60:40 split folding rear seats and rear fog lamps.

Safety kit is also comprehensive, the five-star NCAP-rated Rio coming with Isofix mountings, six airbags (front, front side, front/rear curtain), electronic stability control, ABS/EBD, TCS, brake assist and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) as standard fitment.

The EX gets 16" alloy rims with 195/55R16 Kumho tyres.

The SX gets the following extras:
There are front fog lamps, 17 inch alloy rims with 205/45R17 Continental MC5 tyres, electric tilt and slide glass sunroof, full auto air-conditioner with cluster ioniser and a Supervision cluster instrument panel.  Wait, the lists goes on... rain sensor with auto windscreen defog system and lastly a Smart Key system with push-start ignition (the EX makes do with normal key ignition).

Rating: 7/10 EX and 8/10 SX.  Deduct points for Poor Rear legroom, smallish boot space and cheap dashboard materials.  Otherwise, Highly Recommended car.

Sadly, no test drive unit available for test drive, all is not lost, I dished out many photos of this baby. Enjoy!

Above: EX, Below SX.

Above: SX gets Front fog lights, DRL over EX.

Above: 17" rims with 205/45R17 Continental MC5 tyres for SX variant.

Above: Electric Tilt and slide glass sunroof standard for SX only.

Above: 288 litres boot space with Flat folding 60:40 split fold rear seatbacks!

 Above: EX wears 16" rims with 195/55R15 Kumho tyres.

 Above: Decent headroom but Poor (cramped) legroom (below)

 3x headrests with 3x 3 point rear seatbelts.

 Above: Full size spare tyre.

 Above: Passanger airbag on/off switch indicator and seat belt warning lights.

 Above: Supervision cluster and Below: Auto climate-control air cond with Ionizer for SX only.

 Above: DUAL 12v plugs with Ipod, Aux and USB slots.

Currently, 3 weeks to 2 months (for electric Blue SX) waiting list depending on colours.

If you want to buy this car, head to NAZA Kia TTDI Plaza.  All their sales executives are friendly. Special mention to Encik Wan, a highly recommended Professional Sales Executive.  Please mention that you were recommended by Jeffrey Lim when you call him at 017-712-3685!  

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An original Jeff Lim's production.  Please give credit to me or link to this blog if you want to copy.  Copy like a man, don't plagiarize!