Verdict
The Proton eMas 5 is RM15,581 cheaper, cuts annual road tax from RM70 to RM30 and brings a 30.12-kWh battery rated for 225 km, plus 6.6-kW AC and 53-kW DC charging. It is also 70 mm longer, 80 mm wider and has a 375-litre boot against the Rio’s 325 litres. The Kia Rio counters with 99 hp and 133 Nm versus the Proton’s 77 hp and 130 Nm, 17-inch alloys, automatic climate control and a sunroof. For an owner with charging access, the eMas 5 has the stronger case; the Rio suits those who specifically want petrol power and its extra cabin niceties.
Pick the Kia Rio if you want the higher-output 99-hp petrol engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control and a sunroof.
Pick the Proton eMas 5 if you can charge an EV and want lower road tax, a 225-km rated range, a larger boot and more rear-seat-oriented space.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Rio RM75,381; Proton eMas 5 RM59,800.
- Powertrain: Kia Rio 99 hp/133 Nm 1,368-cc petrol engine; Proton eMas 5 77 hp/130 Nm electric motor.
- Energy storage: Kia Rio 45-litre fuel tank; Proton eMas 5 30.12-kWh battery with 225 km EV range.
- Dimensions and boot: Kia Rio 4,065 mm long with 325 litres; Proton eMas 5 4,135 mm long with 375 litres.
- Wheels: Kia Rio 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/45R17 tyres; Proton eMas 5 15-inch steel wheels with 205/65R15 tyres.
- Rear suspension: Kia Rio torsion beam; Proton eMas 5 multi-link.
Rio
- 99 hp and 133 Nm, ahead of the eMas 5’s 77 hp and 130 Nm.
- 17-inch alloy wheels and Continental ContiSportContact 5 tyres.
- Automatic climate control, sunroof, auto headlamps and auto wipers.
- RM15,581 more expensive with RM70 annual road tax versus RM30.
- 325-litre boot is 50 litres smaller than the eMas 5’s.
- No blind spot information system or rear air-con vents.
eMas 5
- 225-km rated EV range with 6.6-kW AC and 53-kW DC charging.
- 375-litre boot and 2,650-mm wheelbase.
- Blind spot information system, rear air-con vents and a 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- 77 hp and 130 Nm trail the Rio’s 99 hp and 133 Nm.
- 15-inch steel wheels replace the Rio’s 17-inch alloys.
- No front foglamps, auto headlamps, auto wipers or sunroof.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM75,381 | RM59,800✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70 | RM30✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,368 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 99 hp | — |
| Torque | 133 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 72 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 77 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 130 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | — | 30.12 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 225 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 53 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.3 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4-Speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 4 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | — | 125 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,065 mm | 4,135 mm |
| Width | 1,725 mm | 1,805 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,580 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,162 kg | 1,230 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 325 litres | 375 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 205/65R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 205/65R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental ContiSportContact 5 | Linglong Comfort Master |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 15" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 15" Steel |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Front, Tilt and Slide | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 5" Floating Screen with 6 Speakers | 14.6" Touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 6 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/160,000 km BEV and Components Warranty, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Rio & eMas 5 for sale
Rio vs eMas 5 FAQ
Is the Kia Rio or Proton eMas 5 better?
The Proton eMas 5 is the better fit if home or workplace charging is available: it costs less, has a 225-km rated range and a 375-litre boot. Choose the Kia Rio for its 99-hp petrol engine, 17-inch alloys and automatic climate control.
What is the price difference?
The Proton eMas 5 is RM15,581 cheaper than the Kia Rio. Its annual road tax is also RM30, compared with RM70 for the Rio.
How fast can the Proton eMas 5 charge?
The Proton eMas 5 supports AC charging at up to 6.6 kW and DC charging at up to 53 kW. It also has 3.3-kW vehicle-to-load capability.