Naza Kia launched the 2017 Kia Rio last week, with the fourth-generation B-segment five-door hatchback available at RM79,888 on-the-road without insurance. That’s nearly RM2,500 less than the list price of the previous model. What do you get?
The new Rio, announced in September 2016, has a slightly larger footprint (15 mm longer, 5 mm wider), sharper lines and a more angular shape. It looks more matured and less cutesy than before, as illustrated in our walk-around video above. Exterior highlights include U-shaped LED DRLs cradling halogen projector main beams, triple-arrow rear LED signatures, 17-inch multi-spoke rims (with highly-overspecced Continental CSC5 UHP tyres) as well as a sunroof.
Inside, the Rio gets a more formal-looking dashboard that looks wider than before. There’s a “floating” infotainment system with a five-inch colour display and Bluetooth connectivity, and materials used – fabric for the seats, leather for the steering and gear knob – are good. There’s more space than before from the larger body and improved packaging, and the boot 325 litre boot is 37 litres larger.
Aside from those mentioned above, standard kit includes front and rear fog lamps, keyless entry with push start, a Supervision 3.5-inch multi-info display, auto lights and wipers, automatic climate control with cluster ioniser, six speakers and a rear-view camera. Safety kit is the same as before – six airbags, stability control and hill start assist are in.
Power comes from a 1.4 litre naturally-aspirated engine paired to a four-speed automatic. Despite the similar capacity, this is a completely different engine from the old Gamma mill. The Dual CVVT Kappa unit makes 100 PS and 133 Nm of torque – slightly lower than before, but made at lower engine speeds.
It’s not the largest or most powerful B-segment hatchback around, but the new Kia Rio sports good design inside-out as well as a decent set of features. A five-year unlimited-mileage warranty is included. Watch the video above and tell us what you think of this handsome new entry.
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For those who like underpowered cars.
But their torque figures are close to 1.5L range though… Oh wait it’s Korean, they always have higher engine output figures… and heavier chassis… This guy gets it.
Can counter it with potent booster.
the center console screen reminds me ATARI game era
2017 but interior alredi outdated. And sunroof in MY is crazy.
You forgot to mention that gearbox which is a terrible disappointment
Normally, people are happy to know that the new model is cheaper by RM2,500 compare to the previous model not to mention its bigger/longer & a host of latest tech/gadgets that go with it.
Naza/Kia will be very sad when they cannot ship out a decent car like this in numbers when they realized Malaysian also want a better transmission than the OLD 4-speed. At RM80k, there are better choices to use your hard earn $$$.
Reliable 4-speed automatic, albeit outdated.
nice car with 4 speed. oops.
Nice car if below RM50k. Also, RV cannot match Toyota or Honda. Further, no manual option!
who is this fat model?
Definitely not a model ;p
U r a disgrace human being. What give u the right to comment on one’s appearance? This is an automotive website not FHM or Playboy alike website.
Hafriz, we r all behind u. Dont giv heed to such comments. Keep up ur good work.
The model should go to the gym to exercise and be buff or slim. Or else just show the car only please.
that price…why not CITY or JAZZ? lol
Tambah Rm4k only alredi can get Jazz hybrid. Only kimchi fanbois cant see this.
Tambah 4k get 7spd super fluid/jerk-free transmission, hybrid, 1.8L equivalent torque+horses, cruise control, spacious back seats, touchscreen+modern head unit, practical fold up seats (magic/ultra seat)
Don’t tambah 4k, get auto wiper & light, sunroof, cool led brake lights, probably better handling, sunglass holder?, +2 airbag, +2 speakers, and dat 17″ wheels.
Both are city cars yet so much difference.
Ekceli City H has LED brake lights, definitely better handling than numb steering kia, sunglass/smartag holder, and cheaper rubbers when changing 16″ compared to 17″. Oh, and sunroof in MY is just crazy.
Only thing left for rio is auto wiper & lights, +2 speakers & airbags, & 4k cheaper only.
Please do not forget 4 wheel disc brakes. Honda is not giving you 4 wheel disc on any model below Civic. I would prefer Vios over City, if at all. But in that category also, KIA K3 is the best.
so is performance against fancy..korean cars are really hopeless
Please mention the biggest difference, four wheel disc brakes
City or Jazz, even in their high spec, do not give 4 wheel disc brakes. All that stability control and blah blah is ineffective if it operates only on front two wheels.
At least Vios gives 4 wheel disc brakes, 7 speed gear box and other features. They sadly miss more than 2 airbags and climate control.
The cushion on rear deck dah jatuh
Living up to your name. Hahaha.
I want my gameboy advance back.
Should’ve made it a 1.0 to 1.2 ltr turbo instead. Or even an eco 800cc turbo would’ve been an attractive option.
So you like the a vibrating 3 cylinder 800cc engine instead of a proper 4 pot ? The excessive vibration from a 3 pot is inherrent by design
At this RM80k hatchback 1.4LNA, 4AT, 100hp, better get Hondak Jazz or the more powerfull Poton Suprimau S.
I am a RIO owner. Car build is good, power is reasonable. It is a good car….for those with deep pockets because the fuel consumption for town driving is REALLY BAD. Because of the fuel consumption, I do regret this purchase but unfortunately I can’t off load this vehicle due to its poor resale value.
This is strange. I have also heard others speak about it the same way. But my own experience is in fact opposite. I own KIA Optima, which gives a very nice 10 Km per liter in the city and about 13 Km on the highway. It is 2.0 liter but the gearbox is 6 speeds. Maybe a 4 speed gearbox makes Rio consume more. KIA has actually changed the engine of this new Rio, compared to the previous one, it maybe precisely be because of the fuel consumption. When the power comes at lower revs, people will mostly drive at lower revs and hence the FC will be lower.