The small 4 cylinder-engine (1594cc) developing 104hp quickly reminds that we are aboard a low performing economical car. As the engine was left untouched except for a P-Flow, I quickly understood that tuning on this car was not aimed for speed racing. To counter-weight this issue, Marc Boivert, president of Boivert Kia, confirmed the forthcoming addition of a turbo compressor. This customized car sets itself apart from the serial models on the test drive. Benefiting from a 2" lower suspension with Eibach shock absorbers, humongous 17" wheel rims with P215/45ZR17 tires, the car sticks to the road as you would not believe. The down note is with Quebec's roads as they are, the cab interior is often shook specially with the weak chassis frame. Plus, the large size wheels create considerable torque forcing to keep hands on the steering wheel at all time. As power is not the strength here, the standard breaks easily suffice to immobilize the vehicle. Finally, two Ractive exhaust pipes were installed to ensure good sound proofing and a "one of a kind" look.
Foreseeing a strong market for Tuning, Mr. Boivert expects to modify several other vehicles to capitalize on a clientele wishing to distinguish itself. This fabulous Rio, test driven and reported here, is now available for sale for about 30 grants and this, in spite of additional Tuning expenses. For those of you interested, check out www.boisvertkia.com.
The Rio RX-V EBK (Édition Boisvert Kia) is a perfect example of a well modified standard car to catch the eyes without necessarily offering high performances. The car has already been awarded two prices in the Imports Others category at the Olympic Stadium last May and the Show Extreme II at the Montreal's Race-track last April. The car has made such a great impression that Kia Canada used some of this car's shoots in one of its national ads. It says it all...
Translated by Jimmy Carbonneau
