Two months after we first got a glimpse of the Kia Rio Sedan at the 2015 ASEAN Auto Show, official distributor of Kia vehicles, NAZA Kia Malaysia has finally launched the B-Segment sedan and priced it at RM72,888.
As previously reported, only one variant of the Rio Sedan will be offered here, and it’s powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder multi-point injection engine – the same unit found in its RM79k hatchback brethren. The engine makes 108 hp and 137 Nm of torque and it’s mated to an archaic four-speed torque converter automatic which sends power to the front wheels.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Kia Rio Sedan |
| Engine | 1,396cc; inline-4 DOHC |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Max Power | 108 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
| Max Torque | 137 Nm @ 4,200 rpm |
| Price (OTR with insurace) | RM72,888.00 |
Just to recap, the Rio Sedan sports a larger ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, reflector-type headlights, fog lamps, 15-inch wheels wrapped with 185/55 R15 Hankook Kinergy Eco tyres and of course, a larger boot space which measures in at 389 litres. Because it’s positioned lower than the Rio Hatchback SX, this variant will lose out on LED DRLs, automatic folding side mirrors as well as the signal indicators which have been moved to the front fenders.
Inside the Rio Sedan is also pretty standard stuff. There’s no keyless entry or push-start ignition, and you only get a basic instrument cluster with a small trip computer screen at the bottom of the speedometer. The polyurethane steering wheel still comes with volume controls and switches for handsfree and Bluetooth operations. There’s also 800MB of onboard storage for you to store all your favourite tunes.
Despite what you think of its shortcomings, the Rio Sedan impresses in the safety department and gets six airbags as standard! Other safety systems include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and all-round disc brakes with ABS, Hill-start Assist Control, reverse sensors and Isofix child anchorage at the rear.
For RM72,888 (inclusive of GST and insurance), you can have your Kia Rio Sedan in four different colours –Â Clear White, Bright Silver, Deep Blue, and Signal Red. Like other Kia models, it comes with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. For an up-close and personal look at the new Rio Sedan, be sure to head over to PJ Red Cube from 15 to 17 January for their Karnival CNY Kia.
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