LOCAL SPINS
KIA RIO
folding for added load carrying flexibility. With the rear seats in place, the Rio’ s 288-litre luggage capacity is an 18-litre gain over the preceding model.
Moving off from a standstill, the Rio is as driveable as can be expected of a mainstream hatchback. Gear selection and gear changes on the go from the four-speed automatic are fuss-free and smooth, while the electrically assisted steering varies its weight according to vehicle speed- light during low speeds for easy urban driving manoeuvres, and slightly heftier during higher motorway speeds.
At a rated 109hp and 140Nm of torque, the 1.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder is on par with its competitors in terms of output. The powerplant moves the Rio along briskly enough, though not exactly tarmacscorching. In the upper reaches of its rev range however, the engine drones rather than sings, and its best work is done well below the top end.
Even though the Gamma powerplant won’ t be cutting record deals soon, noise, vibration and harshness are otherwise impressively well suppressed in this new Rio. At a steady highway cruise on various surfaces, conversations can be kept to a relaxed volume, while the mostly absent din also allows a good level of detail from the sound system to be heard without requiring a significant increase in output. The fine insulation extends to the roof too, as was demonstrated during moderate to heavy rainfall which did not inundate
the cabin with the pebblesagainst-tin cans noise.
Surface imperfections are dealt with quite well in the Rio, even in SX trim with its 17-inch, 40-series tyres. That comfort from bump absorption comes at a price, however. Body roll is well contained to an extent, but vertical control is less convincing as the body rebounds back from dips and humps more than it should; it feels as if it is slightly under-damped.
The front perches in the Rio provide acceptable comfort during steady-state driving. Lateral support, however, leaves some room for improvement as occupants tend to be pushed out of their seats as cornering forces grow. Rear passenger accomodation is somewhat okay, but headroom for taller occupants is compromised due to the sloping roof.
Having reached over 460,000 units in sales last year, the Kia Rio is already well received worldwide and the Korean manufacturer is pitching it into the increasingly well populated hatchback market.
Naza Kia will surely want to repeat that success in this region, and how much of it is achieved will depend on the company’ s ability to raise the brand’ s perception in the eyes of its target market.
SpECifiCaTiOnS Kia rio
Engine 1,396cc inline-four, naturally aspirated
Max power 107hp @ 6,300rpm
Max torque 140nm @ 4,200rpm
Fuel consumption 16.6km / litre
CO2
emissions 130g / km
Features six airbags( front, side, curtain), eBd, aBs, tCs, Ba, esC, active head restraints
Price 1.4 eX- rm73,888 otr with insurance, 1.4 sX- rm79,888 otr with insurance
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