Inside, the new Rio features a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio and hands-free functionality.

THE new Rio is set to turn heads in the B-segment passenger car market with its youthful styling, specifications and pricing. It is aimed at those in their 30s and below who want a trendy lifestyle vehicle that does not compromise on fuel economy and safety.

Two variants are available: the cheaper EX is priced at RM73,888 while the SX is RM79,888 (on-the-road).

Its key features include LED daytime running lights for optimal visibility, a sunroof, motor-driven power steering, electronic stability control and six airbags.

The new Rio retains Kia’s signature “tiger nose” radiator grille, along with projection-type lenses. Its automatic electric folding mirrors are aerodynamically sculpted with LED side repeaters. At the back, its LED rear combination lamps improves the car’s visibility and brightness.

Inside, the new Rio features a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio and hands-free functionality, push start ignition (only available in the 1.4 SX variant), Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker Arkamys audio system and AUX, USB and iPod connectivity.

Other features available exclusively in the 1.4 SX variant include a sunroof, auto air-conditioning with cluster ionizer, an auto defog system, a rain sensor that is automatically initiated when the sensors detect misty conditions and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 1.4 EX comes with 16-inch alloy wheels.

The car is powered by Kia’s Gamma 1.4 MPI CVVT engine, which produces 109ps and 137Nm of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with a shift gate for manual-style gear shifting.

Its fuel consumption on a combined cycle is rated at 16.6km per litre, with CO2 emissions limited to 130g per 100km.

The brakes are improved and the car is more manoeuvrable because of a 5.2m turning radius.

It has a motor-driven power steering (MDPS) that saves fuel consumption by 3% over the conventional hydraulic steering.

Safety features include EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS (anti-lock braking system), traction control system (TCS), brake assist system (BAS), ISOFIX lock-in child seats in the rear, and safety windows with anti-pinching technology on the driver’s side and sunroof.

The car is also fitted with a vehicle stability management (VSM) system that operates in tandem with the ESC (electronic stability control) in variable driving situations, such as when one side of the car runs over a wet surface and loses traction.

Colours available are deep blue, signal red, clear white and bright silver while electronic blue will only be available as an option for the 1.4 SX.

The new Rio comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. – Thomas Huong

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