IIMS 2014: Kia pitches B-segment Rio Sedan as a taxi

Kia Rio Sedan Taxi IIMS- 1

No shortage of taxis on Jakarta’s clogged road network, and the scene is dominated by the Toyota Vios. Spotted a few Proton Persona and Saga cabs too, but they are rare sights.

Cabs live a hard life, and the Vios’ No.1 position in the taxi fleet sales charts is not surprising. Toyota is king in Indonesia with over 35% market share, and if you factor in affiliate Daihatsu, controls more than half of what will be ASEAN’s biggest market. With a strong local partner in Astra, which is also married to Daihatsu, Toyota has the biggest sales and after-sales network in the archipelago. Support is strong.

Which is why we’re not expecting this Kia Rio Sedan a.k.a. Pride, pitched at IIMS 2014 as a potential taxi, to make any headway. It looks good for what it is, blending the Rio’s cute face with a rear end that resembles the Forte Koup’s.

Spacious enough as a cab too, with a 2.57-metre wheelbase and 390-litre boot. This is a kosong spec Pride, which is why you’ll find no radio, capless steel wheels, black door handles/mirror caps and a six-speed manual gearbox, a far cry from our well-specified Rio hatchback.

Got us thinking, though. Now that the Kia Cerato has gone upmarket compared to the old Forte, will a B-segment Rio Sedan, specced and priced to match (or undercut) lower variants of the City and Vios, make it in Malaysia? What say you?

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Ganeson on Sep 26, 2014 at 5:21 pm

    Say yes.. We need competition for the vios and city.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
    • ProtonGSC on Sep 26, 2014 at 6:12 pm

      Yes, but first thing Kia m’sia need to price it below japanese competitor with better spec.

      Then it will be on the right track. If not nothing will change.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • kzm (Member) on Sep 26, 2014 at 5:24 pm

    if spec like above..no way

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
  • mustafa on Sep 26, 2014 at 6:21 pm

    if priced below vios or city…then it’s proton territory already…will the G allow this???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
    • kzm (Member) on Sep 26, 2014 at 8:39 pm

      they allow Mitsu mirage, GW M4, Mitsu Attrage, Hyun i10, kia picanto, kia rio, Nissan Almari..same or below p1 price.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
      • idealtech on Sep 26, 2014 at 9:50 pm

        the Nissan Almera should stay wherr it supposed to be – in the ALMARI, or else it will be driven and boasted with “IMPUL” insignia all over it. The story ends with Almera becomes Almari, addition of boast it ends up ALMERAK(peacock bird in malay)

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • ong chin aun on Sep 26, 2014 at 7:08 pm

    Yes, there must be some sort of choice.not monopoly trade and force to buy with high prices of VIOS N CITY.Please bring in with affordable price. Different countries free trade .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • kadajawi (Member) on Sep 26, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    The side reminds me of the Fiesta sedan… i.e. not attractive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • BeFaire on Sep 26, 2014 at 9:25 pm

    Kia Cerato lowest spec is already in City/Vios territory.

    If this car comes into Malaysia, expect it to be priced around Kia Rio.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Albert lee on Sep 26, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    Does Indonesia have “everlasting perlindungan” ?
    we have lots here.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • nabill (Member) on Sep 26, 2014 at 11:24 pm

    looks like its ready for some crash testing!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Don Juan De Marco on Sep 27, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    Kia Malaysia need to bring this, more competition the better
    !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • well, at least this kosong spec still has a 6-spd Manual!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

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