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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