Here comes yet another B-segment player, one that’s generously equipped with nifty features like sunroof, six airbags and all, but on the flip side comes with the previous 1.4-litre engine and four-speed gearbox.
Its footprint is just marginally larger than the Rio it replaces, and boot space is also increased with the rear bench featuring a 60:40 split folding. There’s no magic seats like that in the Jazz, but what the Rio lacks it makes up for with style – lots of it.
The front gets halogen projector headlamps with U-shaped LED DRLs, projector fog lamps, sleek Tiger Nose grille, rear spoiler, rear combination LED lamps (with rear fog lamps) and 17-inch alloys wrapped with 205/45 tyres. There’s also keyless entry with push-start button as well as rear parking sensors.
The cabin has been extensively redesigned and is distinctly Kia. It’s a tad more premium in feel than most cars in the price bracket, with items such as arched dashboard, all-black fabric upholstery, sporty leather wrapped three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, single-zone automatic climate control with cluster ioniser and a 5.0-inch floating LCD colour head unit.
It comes with the sole 1.4-litre Kappa MPI engine that’s good for 99 hp at 6,000 rpm and 133 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This is paired to the antiquated but rather reliable four-speed automatic, driving the front wheels.
On the safety front, you get six airbags, ABS, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control and an Isofix child anchor. The Kia Rio carries a sticker price of RM79,888 (OTR before insurance) and comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. There are four colours to choose from: Signal Red, Clear White, Silky Silver and Smoke Blue.
IMAGE GALLERY
