The Kia Rio is a series of subcompact automobiles produced by Kia Motors since the 2001 model year. Two generations have been produced, both in five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, all equipped with inline-four gasoline and diesel engines, and front-wheel drive. Introduced in August 2000, the Rio replaced the first-generation Pride—a rebadged version of the Ford Festiva—and the Avella, a subcompact sold as a Ford in some markets. A second generation of the Rio was introduced in 2005 in Europe and 2006 in North America, and is based on a redesigned platform shared with the Hyundai Accent, a subcompact manufactured by its sister Hyundai Motor Company. This car is known as the New Pride in its domestic market of South Korea. The exterior of the second-generation Rio was redesigned in 2010 to incorporate Kia's "Tiger Nose" grille. In 2007, the South Korean government began testing approximately 4,000 pre-production Rio hybrid-electric models, with parent company Hyundai Kia Automotive Group later announcing and subsequently withdrawing anticipated release dates for the hybrid model.^[1][2]

[edit] First generation (DC)

The first-generation Kia Rio (referred to as the "DC") was offered in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. When released, it was the least-expensive mass-produced car to be sold in the United States.^[3] While the Rio's styling and affordability were well-received, it was derided for its poor build quality and driving experience.^[4] Positive points included the cars' affordability and styling.

The hatchback was marketed as the "Rio Cinco" in the United States, "Rio RX-V" in Canada, and "Rio Look" in Chile. The sedan version was not sold in the United Kingdom, and the hatchback was known as the "Rio" there. In Greece, both versions were sold as the "Rio".

The first-generation Rio offered only one engine for each year in the USA: a 96 hp 1.5-litre DOHC I4 gasoline engine from 2001 through 2002, then a larger version of the same engine, a 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder rated at 105 hp (78 kW), from 2003 through 2005. All years offered a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. An alternative of a 1.3-litre (1343 cc) SOHC four-cylinder/eight-valve petrol (75 hp) was offered in some other countries, including the United Kingdom and Greece. A diesel engine was also available in other markets. The USA-version five-door featured power steering and a tachometer, optional on the sedan. The European version was marketed under several trim levels; standard equipment for all trims included power steering and driver airbag. Additional features were available for promotion in Greece, including leather seats and car alarm.

Safety features included seat belts and an airbag for the driver. ABS was available as an option for entry-line cars but fitted by default for top of the range models (i.e., Rio LX, in the UK, and Rio LS, in Greece).

[edit] 2003 redesign

Rio received a mild redesign for the 2003 model year including upgrades in engine, suspension, brakes and new exterior and interior styling.

In Europe, the facelifted Rio received minor changes in external look and engine improvement from 75 hp (56 kW) to 80 hp (60 kW) at 5500 rpm, and 86 lb·ft (117 N·m) at 3000 rpm.

Iranian production of the facelifted Rio by Saipa began in 2005. The cars were not equipped with ABS or airbags, and powered by the 1.5 litre engine producing 97 hp (72 kW) at 5500 rpm and 135 N·m (100 ft·lbf) torque at 4500 rpm &mdash.

[edit] Second generation (JB)

Kia introduced the second generation in the early 2005 model year in Europe and for model year 2006 in North America, based on a redesigned platform shared with the Hyundai Accent. The engine was upgraded to a 110 hp 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine now also shared with the Hyundai Accent. Other changes include a new exterior design, an increase in exterior size and interior volume, increased safety features and fuel economy. The hatchback was renamed to Rio5 in the USA and Canada.

[edit] Model year changes

2006

Kia offered the 2006 sedan as the Rio and Rio LX, the LX trim including power steering, air conditioning, and CD player. The Rio5 (USA) offered simply in SX trim level with leather-covered steering wheel. As in the first generation, only the five-door hatchback version was offered in some European markets (including the UK).

Three engines are available (1.6L DOHC engine 110 hp/1.4L DOHC engine 97 hp/1.5L Turbodiesel engine 109 hp). However, in the US market only the 1.6L gasoline engine is offered.^[6]

• (4-door-sedan)with 1.6L DOHC engine 110 hp 0–100 km/h 10.6 sec., 12.3sec. Top speed 192 km/h (119 mph), 185 km/h (115 mph) MT, AT respectively.
• (5-door-hatch)with 1.6L DOHC engine 110 hp 0–100 km/h 9.9 sec., 11.9sec. Top speed 188 km/h (117 mph), 180 km/h (112 mph) MT, AT respectively.
• Note: the Rio(5Door-hatch) with 1.6L DOHC engine and manual transmission gear-box called (limited sports version)
• Note: The European version is also equipped with 110 hp (82 kW) Diesel engines performing exceptional values in both fuel economy and torque. Diesel in most countries costs only 1000 to 1500 USD more than analog Otto motor version.

2007

The 2007 An SX trim level was added to the Rio sedan, with the same features supplied with the Rio5 SX.

2008

For 2008, Kia offered the LX trim level for the Rio5 (similar to the Rio LX sedan) and a limited production of Rio5 SX Tuner models, featuring Falken FK452 tires, Tanabe strut tower brace and Eibach lowering springs.^[7]

2009

For the 2009 model year, all Rio and Rio5 trims receive standard Sirius Satellite Radio (complimentary for three months) and radios with USB port & auxiliary jack, the auxiliary jack substituting for a Bluetooth mobile phone connection for devices with a earphone jack, e.g., the iPhone.

The Kia Rio ranked 5th in the "20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure" list by Insure.com. According to research, the Rio is one of the least expensive vehicle to insure.^[8]

2010

For the 2010 model year, the models received a facelift for sedan & hatchback models, adopting Kia's new Tiger Nose grille. In addition, the steering wheel receives the same design as the Kia Soul and Kia Forte, featuring optional Bluetooth hands-free phone operation, and the gauges cluster receives a new red backlit design. The headlights were modified slightly, with a darker appearance and parking lights and side-marker lights sharing the turn-signal housing. Side moldings on the car became narrower and body-colored.

[edit] See also

• Kia Design and Manufacturing Facilities
• List of hybrid vehicles

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official site (US)
• Official site (UK)