Kia Rio (2000 release)

The debut of the Kia Rio was held at the Geneva Motor Show in 2000. The car has replaced a previous Avella. It belongs to the class B, has a transverse-mounted engine, front-wheel drive and is built on the same platform with the Sephia / Shuma. On the day of the opening to the public the company introduced two models with a body of a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback, the original wagon, with a rounded back. Kia Rio were much more than their predecessors, and are actually Avella counterparts Hyundai Accent.

The modern design, comfortable interior, roomy trunk, good build quality and reasonable price allowed the car to win a lot of favorable comments.

Salon meets passengers cozy interior, but the low quality of the materials that, given the cost of the car, okay. The driver's seat is comfortable, with good lateral support, adjustable in length, angle and height of the backrest cushions. Ergonomics at a good level, all the controls at your fingertips. The scales on the dashboard conveniently arranged - a central place is occupied by the speedometer, tachometer and present.

Standard on most Rio has power steering, air conditioning, central locking with remote control, airbag, power windows in the front doors, power mirrors, the possibility of opening of the fuel tank flap and luggage compartment from the cabin, stereo system.

The number of additional equipment includes: ABS with electronic brake force distribution, front airbags, electric sunroof, CD-changer.

Gamma powertrain consists of two petrol engines: a 1.3 liter capacity of 84 hp and 1.5 liter capacity 108 hp A choice of two very reliable and durable gearbox: automatic transmission with 4 steps and manual transmission with a 5-speed.

Front disc brakes, ventilated, rear drums are.

In 2003, the Kia Rio was subjected to restyling. The model gets an updated design: headlights have become larger and more expressive. It changed the structure of the body. Improved sound insulation have undergone the hood, roof and rear shelf. Sound-absorbing materials laid the trunk floor, the distance between the instrument panel and the engine compartment.

After five years of successful production of Kia Rio Koreans decided to release the second generation of this car.

Kia Rio JB differs entirely new, more modern and, in a sense, "European" design of the body, as well as other interior design. The car has received regular, almost classical proportions.

Rio JB is built on an entirely new platform, which will be used not only Kia, and Hyundai. The wheelbase has increased from 2410 to 2499 mm. The creators promise that because of the increased base and track the car became much more stable on the road and better managed. Now Rio in size as close to the C-Class models: length - 4238 mm (23 mm), width - 1694 mm (14 mm), height - 1470 mm (30 mm). The total volume of the cabin - 2,611 m ?. The boot capacity is increased by 29% and reaches 337 liters (76 liters), besides it can be increased by folding the rear seat backs.

External changes were primarily lighting. New lights in a modern contemporary style noticeably freshened front of the Rio. Other steel front bumper, hood and grille. In general, the shape of the car seems to be changed slightly, but became more fit and modern.

It is much more essential to update the interior. Thus, the completely redesigned front panel design. Previously, it clearly limited the driver's workplace - the central console and the area around the instrument panel are integrally formed and allocated on the general background light texture and black plastic. Now, in a similar way to allocate only part of the center console. As a result, the front panel See more seamless and natural. The instrument cluster is somewhat different in design from the previous one, although it is similar in composition, simple and informative.

Inside was a lot more spacious. This is primarily reflected in the rear seat passengers. The driver's seat is provided with a first and a variety of settings, including a separate adjustment of the height of the pillow. Salon has expanded, which allowed the manufacturer instead of a narrow shelf on the door of a vehicle of the first generation to make a full armrest and place it on the control button mirrors and electric lifts.

The new Rio is still equipped with independent front and semi-independent rear suspension. Front - time-tested rack McPherson, and rear - torsion bars. Plus, the more front and rear stabilizers.

Rio JB is offered in two versions - Base and LX. The basic version (Base) rather ascetic, and only includes 6 airbags, three-point belts, four mechanical adjustment of the driver's seat and the rear window. The LX SKU this list much richer: power steering and height adjustable steering column, air conditioning, audio system with CD-changer and four speakers, 60/40 folding rear seat back, full-size "spare wheel".

There is a so-called Power Package, which is available only to complete LX. It includes electric windows and mirrors, access to the interior without a key, mirror, two tweeters in the front doors, extra lighting in the cabin and a pocket for sunglasses. For lovers of sports image sportpaket proposed including a more expensive trim, 15-inch alloy wheels with tires dimension 195/55 R15, disc brakes on all wheels, "fog", rear spoiler, metallic enamel body, aluminum pedals, leather steering wheel and gearshift lever.

The two petrol engines are designed for a new Kia Rio, added to the volume of 100 cubes, becoming respectively 1.4 and 1.6-liter (110 hp). The engines are equipped with variable valve timing CVVT. The power unit is combined with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-gun with which put on request.

In addition to the size and power, the new Rio thoroughly worked over security. Already in the car standard six airbags: two front, two side and two full-size "curtains". Adaptive front airbags - the degree of filling the gas depends on the position of the seat, the collision velocity signal from the sensor and fastened the seat belt. The scope of the basic means of passive safety include pretensioners and force limiters front seat belts, 3-point belt for the third passenger and two rear attachment for child seats. But ABS, rear disc and power steering mechanisms put at an additional cost.

With the new design Kia Rio has become more attractive to young buyers. This spacious, quite comfortable and practical car looks modern and European-style.

» go to the manual, maintenance and repair Kia Rio