IIMS 2017: New Kia Rio launched – 1.4L with 4AT, 6MT

IIMS 2017: New Kia Rio launched – 1.4L with 4AT, 6MT

Kia has launched the new Rio at the 2017 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS). This B-segment hatchback will surface very soon in Malaysia – Q2 is the target for Naza Kia – so while this serves as a preview of sorts, there are plenty of reasons why we shouldn’t take the Indonesia-spec car too literally.

Here, the fourth-gen Rio is powered by a 1.4 litre naturally aspirated engine with 100 PS and 133 Nm of torque. The Dual CVVT unit’s partner is a four-speed automatic transmission, and this combo is what we will also get. However, Indonesian buyers get an extra – and rather surprising – option of a six-speed manual gearbox. Both AT and MT Rios share the same trim level and kit count.

Speaking of kit, we’re used to getting Kias packed to the gills with features, so the sight of this modestly kitted new Rio takes some getting used to. It rolls on 15-inch alloys with skinny 185/65 rubber, and there’s manual air con inside, sitting below a “floating audio” head unit that was clearly designed/placed for a touchscreen.

Standard equipment include automatic halogen projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, a 3.5-inch LCD screen as MID, Bluetooth, steering audio buttons and dual airbags. There’s a powered sunroof, though.

Prices here start from 250 million rupiah (RM81,484) for a CBU import, so perhaps the low levels of kit was to ensure a more competitive price. Needless to say, we need (and will get) a higher level of specification for Malaysia. Like the looks of the new Kia Rio?

GALLERY: Kia Rio 1.4 MT

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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

  • I’m not sure if it’s the fault of the photographer, but wow the new RIO sure looks uglier than the current Rio.

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    • oi Kia,

      where got manufacturer still using 4at gb..

      owait lupa Perodua

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    • karam singh on Apr 29, 2017 at 10:18 pm

      Some review come out from overseas , this car can do 0-100kmh < 10secs , faster than AH BENG's VIOS & COROLLA
      got better handling too.

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  • applegreen on Apr 28, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    what? 3.5-inch LCD screen??

    That’s iphone 4 screen size

    Thumb up 16 Thumb down 1
    • karam singh on Apr 29, 2017 at 10:12 pm

      No use big screen if it lag like hell
      Useless feedback

      Better put on Android Tab / Apple iPad lots3 better

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  • My God, are we living in the 80’S? That infotainment looks like out of Nokia 8210.

    Thumb up 18 Thumb down 1
  • Aircon dials look like P2 controller. Dis wat happens when their designer only play play P2 games, teh tarik, nasi lemak everyday. Sack the designer!
    Ahh, but they kimchi overlord. Taboleh persoals.

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  • lolkat on Apr 28, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    Finally news about the Rio. Hope their 10-30km/h on the 4spd auto is smooth…

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  • Matchy on Apr 28, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    Less sporty than the current design.

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  • Dzire on Apr 28, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    KL motorshow Bila?

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  • Magnifique!

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  • noturbonobuy on Apr 28, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    Why no turbo?

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  • nice exterior but it has the ugliest head-unit

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  • Bernard on Apr 28, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Bring the manual transmission ….

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  • azhar on Apr 28, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    tropical climate also want sunroof…should trade it with touchscreen infotainment or better safety feature

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  • Therealmaserati on Apr 28, 2017 at 3:49 pm

    So damn ugly man. Interior and exterior look like 90s car. 4speed auto? Hahaha, joke!

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  • Saga headlamp?

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  • Rizal on Apr 28, 2017 at 5:18 pm

    Aiyohh, why 2017 KIA Rio interior looks like late 80’s -90’s design. From the aircond vent,to the whole layout looks El Cheepo. The Audio Head Unit looks as though it just came from Ah Beng accessory shop. The 2013 RIO much more upmarket. Hope they will revised it for Malaysia market else will lose to City and Vios in terms of features.

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  • lolkat on Apr 28, 2017 at 8:33 pm

    This was my 1st choice. If arrive in this state to MY at this price point, confirm dead on arrival. 100% jump ship to jazz hybrid.

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  • kia has always had badly design interior especially center console

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  • Idk why Rio design getting uglier one after the other

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  • Kelvin on Apr 30, 2017 at 1:04 am

    Outdated design and cheapo. The current Rio looks much classier

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  • khairul on Jun 05, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    Haritu review nampak cantik, dah mcm BMW 1 series, tapi kenapa dlm review yg ni nmpk buruk pulak, dah mcm saga plak..nampak low quality sgt interior..

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