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Kia Rio RX-V EBK

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Khatir Soltani

It is all about the look...

If someone had told me 4 years ago that I would one day be astonished by the sight of a modified Kia, I would have laughed. As a matter of fact, it is hard to imagine a low suspension and low profile tires on a 17" wheel rimmed vehicle from this maker. One must admit that the maker's first products on the Canadian market, Sephia and Sportage, were neither attractive nor pleasing to drive. Four years after its introduction to Canada, Kia now presents a full fledged fleet of five models. Most of which are well designed and quite reliable.

Among Kia's models is the small Rio, a cute sub-compact offered in berline and station. Competing with the Accent and Echo in the entry level category, the Rio offers the best price/equipment ratio and the best warranty of the Canadian industry with a standard 5 years or 100 000 km protection.

To distinguish itself from the crowd (Civic & co.), a Kia dealership on Montreal's North Shore customized a brand new Rio RX-V. This pocket size Protegé5 normally offers an attractive, but none sportive, design. In collaboration with several partners, Boisvert Kia was successful in tuning the most beautiful Rio RX-V ever to exist. What catches the eyes first on this car is a spectacular aerodynamic apron custom designed by AJA Creations. Well designed, the apron suits well the standard anti-fugs and the grilles installed underneath the front and rear bumpers. The assorted colour clamshells also provide refinement to the front look. By the way, the rally blue colour is standard on this model. The car has therefore not spent anytime in the paint room excepted for the few accessories added. Aesthetically, the Rio enjoys a standard rear spoiler, tinted rear brake lights and a Eurolite neons set.

A charming aspect of this compact car is its spacious interior. The cab interior, ergonomically conceived, offers rare functionalities for cars of this category; height adjustable seats, tachometer and intermittent wipers. However, its conservative and sappy look called for a fine makeover. First, it was unthinkable to keep the standard pale grey interior design offered on serial models. Hence, the plastic trims on the dashboard, the door panels, trunks, mouldings and steering wheel were painted in white while the seats were upholstered in white leather by Autoskin Shop. Well done Job! For those of you considering a white upholstering on your car, beware that the Sun's reflection on white is so intense as to render daylight driving difficult. A Ractive low gear shifter lever knob and Ractive pedal set have been added. As well, the amazing Pioneer audio system model DEH-8500MP, the GM-X574 amplifier and 12" subwoofer don't go unnoticed.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada