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Kia Rio gains 3 & 4 door variants

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16th February, 2012

The all-new generation Kia Rio 5-door which landed on showroom floors throughout Australia in September 2011, has now been joined by 3 and 4-door models.

Tasked with the job of improving upon the international success of the previous generation, Kia’s engineers and designers have designed a new Rio in three body styles, combining European flair and Australian drivability priced from $15,290*.

“Rio has always been a commercial success and with this new incarnation now available in three body shapes new Rio will appeal to a much wider demographic than before. It will continue the process of dramatically improving public perceptions of the Kia brand and converting that new awareness into profitable conquest sales,” said Kia Motors Australia President and CEO Mr Chongwoo (Charlie) Kim.

“Rio is a car that people will want to buy for its new looks, its new premium feeling, generous features and environmental credentials. The variation across the range, including each vehicle’s list of standard features, will appeal to all generations.”

Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the third-generation Kia Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units.

Kia’s market research predicts that global demand for B-segment cars is going to grow significantly over the next two years as more consumers take-up economically-efficient cars. Analysts forecast that global demand for B-segment cars will climb to 9.2 million units in 2012 and to 14.0 million units by 2014.

Gamma engine teams up with 6-speed automatic transmission

The three bodystyles will be available with a choice of two engines matched to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with manumatic (manual and automatic) shift gate in the Si, SLi and SLS trims and either a 6-speed manual or 4-speed manumatic transmission in the base S models.

Compared to its predecessor, the 6-speed automatic transmission has 62 fewer parts, is 41 mm shorter and 12 kg lighter, making it one of the most compact and efficient 6-speed transmissions available.

The 1.6L Gamma GDi petrol engine is fitted to both the mid-range Si and top of the range SLS 3-door and Si and SLi 5-door models. The Gamma is the smallest Kia engine yet to benefit from the application of GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) technology and is capable of 190 km/h top speed.

With the help of GDi, this four-cylinder powermill develops 103 kW at 6,300 rpm and 167 Nm at 4,850 rpm, a 13 per cent improvement in power over a conventional Gamma 1.6L fed by MPi. A well-proven power unit, the updated ‘Gamma’ has friction-reducing modifications and dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing), to achieve responsive performance of 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds (MT) and 10.3 seconds (AT) offering competitive fuel consumption of 5.6 L/100 km (MT) and 6.1 L/100 km (AT) in the combined cycle.

The base model Rio S comes with a 1.4 litre MPi 4-cylinder petrol-fuelled engine with DOHC and CVVT and produces 79 kW of power at 6,300 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. That is a power boost of 9 kW and a torque increase of 10 Nm over the previous 1.4 litre engine.

Comprehensive ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety

Five-star crash integrity is the target of every new car while the standard inclusion of six airbags and electronic stability control across the range is designed to keep Kia customers and their families as safe as possible.

For new Kia Rio, an all-new bodyshell was designed using a higher percentage of high-strength steel than the previous generation, enhancing strength and rigidity.  Like the 5-door hatchback, special attention was given to strengthening the engine-bay longitudinal side members, floor panel side members, floor level cross-member between the B-pillars and the dashboard bulkhead.

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An all-disc braking system with 256/262 mm (front/rear) diameter discs (S and Si models) and 280/262 mm diameter discs (SLi and SLS), HAC (hillstart assist control), ESC (electronic stability control), ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BA (emergency ‘brake assist’) systems ensure new Kia Rio owners have the latest in vehicle control systems.

The new Vehicle Stability Management programme monitors all safety features. VSM utilises the computing power of a central ECU to seamlessly integrate the operation of all the traditional active safety systems.

In addition to ABS, ESC and traction control the VSM monitors and adjusts the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) by applying variable input to steering weight when the vehicle reaches the stability control threshold.

If required, six front, side and curtain airbags offer protection to occupants in the event of an accident while night driving is made safer by the availability of projection headlamps and new front ‘cornering’ lamps in the SLi and SLS models.

Three Doors with more

Identical to the 5-door in so many ways the new 3-door variant offers the same dimensions (length 4,045 mm; width 1,720 mm;  height 1,455 mm; wheelbase 2,570 mm) and the same striking looks.

The all-new 3-door hatchback is available in two trim levels – S and SLS. The new Kia Rio S will become the new entry level for the South Korean brand with the MLP* for the six-speed manual at $15,290*. The 3-door S copies the features and specifications of the 5-door with a comprehensive list of safety features, Bluetooth, iPod compatible audio system and front power windows all standard.

Joining the S model is the Rio SLS, a higher level variant in the line-up. The SLS is aimed squarely at those who are happy to forego the back doors for an upgrade in technology.

The Rio 3-door SLS comes with all of the features in the range topping 5-door SLi model which includes a full list of safety features, climate control, Bluetooth® connectivity and a radio CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections - all controlled remotely from the steering wheel for added convenience and safety - cruise control, daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, projection front headlamps, static cornering lamps, auto light control and an enhanced brake package.

In addition, 3-door SLS buyers will receive climate control with defog, rain sensing wipers, push start ignition with smart key and leather seats making it one of the most feature-packed models in the light passenger vehicle category. The 3-door SLS is $21,990* when matched to the six-speed automatic transmission, the same as the 5-door SLi.

Roomy 4-door sedan

Viewed head on, new Rio 4-door sedan has its own unique interpretation of the Kia corporate grille which is integrated with the front lamps to provide a new twist on the Kia family look. In this latest form, the Kia logo sits above the grille. Below the grille, the treatment of front bumper and spoiler again shows signs of the Kia design DNA, with its distinctive on-road presence.

In profile, when compared to its predecessor, the new 4-door model’s shorter front overhang (reduced by 35 mm), lowered roofline and increased ratio of body-to-glass, combine with the car’s strong wedge form (the beltline angle is increased from 2.5 to 4.9 degrees), to give new Rio a dynamic, sporty stance.

Longer (by 115 mm), wider (by 25 mm), and lower (by 15 mm) and featuring a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) – the new sedan has greatly enhanced passenger space and cargo capacity.

The cabin is more spacious than the previous model and also feels more spacious. The base of the windscreen is moved forwards by 156 mm and up by 18 mm, which together with the 70 mm longer wheelbase and 25 mm wider bodyshell, brings space benefits for all occupants and for cargo capacity. Front legroom is increased by 45 mm, front headroom by 8 mm and rear knee room by 34 mm.

Trunk space in the Rio sedan models is 125 mm wider and the capacity is now 389 litres - a 14.4% improvement.

With an overall height of 1,455 mm, new Rio is one of the lowest cars in Kia’s global product range. Its aerodynamics are extremely efficient, resulting in a drag coefficient of Cd 0.29.

Kia Rio 4-door is available in Si trim and features the 1.6 litre Gamma GDi engine which can be matched to either the 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The MLP* is $19,690* and $21,690* respectively.

Rio’s striking appearance is maximised by a fresh new palette of 10 exterior body colours. Kia’s colour and trim team have developed a spectrum of exclusive colours for Rio which underline its refined and stylish character. These include Latte, Rich Caramel and Graphite (grey), all with a classic premium flavour.

FEATURES LIST

Rio S

  • 1.4L MPi Petrol engine with DOHC, four-cylinder, CVVT
  • 6-speed M/T or 4-speed A/T
  • 15-inch steel wheel with full wheel cover (185/65 R15 tyre)
  • Full-size spare
  • MDPS (Electric Power Steering)
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
  • 6 airbags (dual front, front side and curtain)
  • ESC with Rear disc brake
  • Vehicle Stability Management with Hillstart Assist Control
  • Seatbelt reminders (all positions)
  • Body colour outside mirrors and door handles
  • Rear spoiler (Hatch only)
  • Chrome signature grille
  • Electric heated outside mirrors
  • Folding key fob (x2) with central door lock and immobiliser
  • Illuminated glove box
  • Driver and passenger vanity mirrors
  • Driver and passenger seatback pockets
  • 60:40 split rear folding seat
  • Centre cabin lamp and luggage lamp
  • Ambient temperature display
  • Trip computer (6 function)
  • Front wiper – variable intermittent, with aero blade wiper
  • Rear wiper (2 speed) (Hatch only)
  • Driver’s seat height adjustment (pump)
  • Manual air conditioning
  • Front power windows
  • Audio unit (CD, radio & USB/AUX/iPod connectivity) with 4 speakers
  • Audio remote controls (steering wheel)
  • Bluetooth (remote steering wheel controls)
  • Rear cargo covering shelf trim (Hatch only)
  • Front fender side repeater
  • Rheostat (dim function)

Rio Si - S model trim plus:

  • 1.6L GDi D-CVVT (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine with full engine cover
  • 6-speed M/T or 6-speed A/T
  • Tweeter speakers (6 speakers)
  • Electric folding mirror with side repeater
  • Leather wrapped steering wheel and TGS knob
  • 16-inch alloy wheel with 195/55 R16 Tyre
  • Sunvisor illumination and map lamp
  • Front fog lamps
  • Supervision cluster with dot-matrix display
  • Vehicle information options and maintenance
  • Shift indicator MT / ECO indicator AT)
  • Centre console armrest (sliding)/storage
  • Soft-touch dash centre fascia finish
  • Leather-like door trim insert
  • Auto cruise control with steering wheel remote controls
  • Metal-look interior accent (steering wheel, centre console and door handles)

Rio SLi – Si model trim plus:

  • 17-inch alloy wheel with 205/45 R17 Tyre (Continental)
  • Projection front head lamps
  • LED Day-time Running Lights
  • Static cornering lamps
  • LED rear combination lamps
  • Auto light control
  • Enhanced brake package

Rio SLS – SLi model trim plus:

  • Climate control with auto defog
  • Rain sensor wipers
  • Smart-key entry system with engine start/stop button
  • Leather Seats
  • Dual chrome exhaust

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Body and Chassis

5-door and 3-door hatchback and 4-door sedan with all-steel unitary construction body shell. Choice of two transversely-mounted petrol-fuelled engines driving the front wheels via a 6-speed manual or 6- or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engines (petrol)

1.4-litre 79 kW
Type / capacity                       MPi Petrol DOHC, four-cylinder, CVVT / 1,396 cc
Power / torque                        79 kW @ 6,300rpm / 135 Nm @ 4,200 rpm

1.6-litre 103 kW
Type / capacity                       GDi Petrol DOHC, four-cylinder, Dual CVVT / 1,591 cc
Power / torque                        103 kW @ 6,300 rpm/167 Nm @ 4,850 rpm

Transmissions

 
1.4  
1.6
Manual / speeds: 
6
6
Automatic / speeds:
4
6

Suspension and Damping

Front: Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear: Semi independent by CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle) with separate coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.

Steering
Type                       MDPS electric power-assisted rack and pinion
Gearing                   2.82 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle           10.5 metres (minimum)

Brakes                  S / Si                                                   SLi / SLS
Front                      256 x 22 mm vent. discs                     280 x 22 mm vent. discs
Rear                       262 x 10 mm solid discs                      262 x 10 mm solid discs

Wheels and Tyres
Standard
15 in x 5.5J            185/65 R15 tyres
16 in x 6.0J            195/55 R16 tyres
17 in x 6.5J            205/45 R17 tyres

DIMENSIONS (mm)

Exterior  3 / 5 Door
Overall length          4,045              Overall width   1,720 (ex. door mirrors)
Overall height          1,455              Wheelbase                  2,570
Front overhang        805                Rear overhang              670
Front track              1,521              Rear track                   1,525

Interior 3 / 5 Door                Front                  Rear
Headroom                              1,015                    960
Legroom                                 1,112                   790
Shoulder room                        1,350                   1,324

Exterior  4 Door
Overall length            4,365              Overall width   1,720 (ex. door mirrors)
Overall height            1,455              Wheelbase                  2,570
Front overhang          810                Rear overhang              985
Front track                1,521              Rear track                   1,525

Interior 4 Door                    Front                    Rear
Headroom                              1,015                      955
Legroom                                 1,112                     790
Shoulder room                        1,350                     1,324

Capacities
Fuel tank (litres)                      43
Luggage Hatch (VDA)            288 litres
Luggage Sedan (SAE)            389 litres

Performance

 
1.4 (MT)
1.4(AT)
1.6 (MT)
1.6 (AT)
Top speed (km/h)
183 
170
190
190
0-to-100 km/h  (seconds)
11.5
13.2
10.2
10.3

Economy

 
1.4 (MT)
1.4(AT)
  1.6 (MT)
1.6 (AT)
Litres / 100 km
5.7
6.3
5.6
6.1
CO2 emissions
135
150
133
145

Pricing*

Body

Grade

Engine

Transmission

MLP*

3 Door Hatch

S

1.4l Petrol
MPI

6M/T

$15,290*

4A/T

$17,290*

SLS

1.6L Petrol
GDI

6M/T

$19,990*

6A/T

$21,990*

4 Door Sedan

Si

1.6L Petrol
GDI

6M/T

$19,690*

6A/T

$21,690*

5 Door Hatch

S

1.4l Petrol
MPI

6M/T

$16,290*

4A/T

$18,290*

Si

1.6L Petrol
GDI

6M/T

$18,990*

6A/T

$20,990*

SLi

6M/T

$19,990*

6A/T

$21,990*


NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.


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