Test drive Kia Rio Cinco 2001 - 2005
A new version
Many brands of modern prestigious cars are owe to the fact that during their construction, technologies were used that have been finalized and changed for several years, improved, moving from one version to another. In this way, dynasties of certain models were created. It seems that Korean manufacturers, the main advantage of which for a long time remained the low cost of products, decided to go along the same path.One of the most successful examples of improving the Korean car, after the model entered the market, became Kia Rio. Its premiere took place in 1999. A year later, she was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. The initial version of RIO already largely exceeded its predecessor Avella, who previously occupied its market niche as a representative of the Kia brand. However, the developers did not stop there, and in 2003 a modified version of Kia Rio appeared, which underwent significant changes and got rid of many previous shortcomings.
The updated RIO is already available in Moscow car dealerships, where it is positioned as a car related to the segment with (golf class). Two options are presented to the choice: a 4-door sedan (many of its competitors have two doors) and a 5-door hatchback. It is possible to purchase a car with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic. It should be remembered that in the second case, fuel consumption increases by 0.8 liters per 100 km of path, but this does not affect the economy of the car: according to the manufacturer, it consumes 7 liters per 100 km. They say that Kia Rio has a rather vague origin: there is no unambiguous opinion about which model served as a prototype. Be that as it may, but outwardly, the car is unlikely to leave the Russian consumer indifferent. Korean cars in general and hatchbacks in particular often reproach for a faded inconspicuous design (gray mice on the road) and the angularity of forms. Rio is favorably different from its competitors. Elements of bio-design and techno, rounded back, smooth lines of a massive bumper, mowed relative to the lower edge of the glass, the fifth door gives the hatchback atypically sports appearance, visually increasing the body of the car, and 14-inch wheels that provide external squat, enhance this effect. In addition to the fact that such constructive solutions form an unforgettable image that attracts many buyers in our country, they have favorably affect the aerodynamics of the car. As for the body, it is not only elegant, but also, according to owners, is quite resistant to corrosion. Since 2003, the front headlights have become larger and expressive, they have not been lost against the background of the body. An even more spectacular machine makes a right color: the range is quite wide of 11 options.
Despite the positioning of Kia Rio as a compact car, the salon is quite spacious 4215 mm in length, which is comparable to competitors, and it even surpasses some of them in width. A person with a tall of 1.80 m and 1.90 m can be easily and conveniently located in place of the driver. At the same time, it is quite realistic to place four passengers in a car. The sedan and hatchback are approximately the same size, however, the hatchback has an additional space (296 l) for cargo, which, if necessary, can be increased to 621 liters. This is achieved thanks to the folding seats that the sedan does not have.
The volume of the luggage compartment is in no way inferior to more expensive competitors. A little inconvenience is a narrow entrance to the trunk. This is a modern board that emphasizes large rear lights.
A stylish salon cannot but make a favorable impression. A thoughtful interior is a distinctive feature of the latest Korean developments. It used classic, but high -quality and pleasant materials. Soft plastic and fabric (the color of the upholstery can be selected) are presented in two versions: W (beige) and DD2 08 (gray). Thanks to them, all outlines become convex, solid. So, the steering wheel is subject with a material that does not allow hands to sweat.
The updated Kia Rio has quite spacious pockets, niches for glasses (which is a rarity for machines of this price category), a foot area. In her arsenal and some necessary little things that are easy to evaluate during operation. The devices familiar to the driver and control levers are located conveniently and compactly. By the way, when the rear speed is turned on, indicator R lights up, which is useful not only in inexperienced drivers, but also to motorists with experience. The steering wheel is located in such a way as not to close the overview of the devices (it can be installed in the optimal position). At the same time, the driver’s chair is adjusted along the length, the corner of the back and the height of the pillow, has good side support, the lumbar roller, which can also be adjusted to its parameters.
Inside Kia Rio is a 16-valve 1.5-liter engine with a capacity of 98 liters. With. It accelerates the car to 100 km in almost 11 seconds. This is not the best, but not the worst indicator among potential competitors, if when buying such a machine it matters in general, how many seconds, this or that model will reach the indicated mark faster. The car pleasantly surprises in smoothness: it reacts rather softly to both small bumps of asphalt and larger obstacles, although when driving along a country road with a load, you should be careful.
Here it is worth evaluating other parameters by which Kia Rio has certain advantages. The car feels perfectly at a speed of 130140 km/h, holds the road well and during sharp maneuvers, with due attention, the driver succumbs to control. At the same time, the machine has strong brakes: the braking distance from 100 km/h/h to zero 51 m. The attention of manufacturers to safety and comfort is indicated by a set of options, which is included in the standard equipment of the car. This is a steering hydraulic wire, a safety pillow, a steering wheel adjustable for inclination, a tachometer, caps, moldings, audio training, a clock adjustable in height belt. The hatchback has an additional rear wiper. All machines are installed 14-inch wheels, branded rugs are provided, lamps of gas tank and trunk are opened from the cabin. However, this is the original option. When choosing a car, the buyer will be offered a few more.
So, a sedan 1.5 m/t (standard setting code FDFGP65 178) worth $ 10,800 will delight the owner with stamped discs. The same model (FDFGP65 2724), but for 12,100 dollars. Among other things, has air conditioning, central castle and electric package. Exactly the same set of additional equipment in Kia Rio with an automatic gearbox (FDFGP6B 2724). Its price is 12,700 dollars.
The most expensive options for Rio hatchbacks 1.5-liter models with mechanical and automatic transmission boxes worth 13,300 (FDAGP65 2722) and $ 13,900 (FDAGP6B 2722), respectively. In this case, stamped discs that will be replaced with cast ones will be removed from all of the above. But two airbags and ABS, fog lights, arcs on the roof and spoiler will be added to this. The decoration of the steering wheel and handle of the CP is available only for a model worth 13,900. e.
The original version of Kia Rio was often criticized for a high level of noise in the cabin. Especially unpleasant was the movement along suburban roads. These claims are unsubstantiated. Significant adjustments are made to reduce the noise level to the design of the car body. Firstly, the noise of the engine is reduced, which caused a lot of negative sensations even when working at low speeds. Now he has a three -point, more rigid mount. It was also decided not to save on sound -absorbing materials: the trunk, the distance between the dashboard and the engine compartment, the floor, the roof, and the back regiment was laid with sound insulation. The soundproofing of the hood is enhanced.
Thus, for a fairly moderate fee, the buyer receives a stylish, economical, convenient, supplier, spacious, generously equipped and inexpensive car, which has every chance to win the recognition of Russian motorists thanks to a successful combination of price and quality indicators, which has increased significantly thanks to the changes made by the amendments .
Kia Rio has many competitors in their class, but there is an additional incentive to pay attention to it: cars that are collected in Kaliningrad are already found on sale.
