For them, Kia serves up two Rio flavours: the base EX and the swankier EX Convenience. Both are powered by a 1.6-litre, multivalve, 4-cylinder engine generating 110 hp. It’s mated to a slightly imprecise, 5-speed, manual transmission. For a premium, you can get a humble 4-speed autobox.
The DOHC engine, also nestled inside the 2011 Hyundai Accent, uses a variable valve timing system that helps increase torque at low and mid rpm. This is a real advantage when you opt for the manual transmission. However, because the automatic transmission’s gear ratio is well suited to the engine’s output, it makes for a nice drive too, especially in the city.
As for power, the Rio has no cause to be jealous of its rivals, even the most recent ones. All the econominis count on small displacement engines producing between 106 (Yaris) and 120 hp (Fiesta). Hardly breathtaking. On a standing start, figure about 10 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/h.
The typical economini buyer won’t be put out by this. He or she is undoubtedly more concerned with fuel consumption that with the time it takes to get from one red light to another. However. The automatic Rio EX Convenience we tested returned an average consumption rating of 8 litres per 100 km. True, it was the dead of winter. In warmer weather and on clear roads, that number will definitely drop.
Technologically simple?
Evidently, this Rio features neither a push-button starting system nor a multimedia package that can connect you to the net. No navigation system either. That’s all coming in the next Rio.
Nevertheless, the current “high end” model delivers standard heated front bucket seats, something you don’t even find in the equivalent Yaris, Versa or Aveo sedans. What’s more, the air conditioning system that graces the other three’s options list comes standard in this Rio.
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| A 110-hp, 4-cylinder mill, the same one responsible for getting the 2011 Hyundai Accent moving, is nestled under this hood. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
The DOHC engine, also nestled inside the 2011 Hyundai Accent, uses a variable valve timing system that helps increase torque at low and mid rpm. This is a real advantage when you opt for the manual transmission. However, because the automatic transmission’s gear ratio is well suited to the engine’s output, it makes for a nice drive too, especially in the city.
As for power, the Rio has no cause to be jealous of its rivals, even the most recent ones. All the econominis count on small displacement engines producing between 106 (Yaris) and 120 hp (Fiesta). Hardly breathtaking. On a standing start, figure about 10 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/h.
The typical economini buyer won’t be put out by this. He or she is undoubtedly more concerned with fuel consumption that with the time it takes to get from one red light to another. However. The automatic Rio EX Convenience we tested returned an average consumption rating of 8 litres per 100 km. True, it was the dead of winter. In warmer weather and on clear roads, that number will definitely drop.
Technologically simple?
Evidently, this Rio features neither a push-button starting system nor a multimedia package that can connect you to the net. No navigation system either. That’s all coming in the next Rio.
Nevertheless, the current “high end” model delivers standard heated front bucket seats, something you don’t even find in the equivalent Yaris, Versa or Aveo sedans. What’s more, the air conditioning system that graces the other three’s options list comes standard in this Rio.
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| Although it isn’t breathtaking, the dash boasts an efficient layout and all controls are within reach. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |