Test drive Kia Rio Cinco 2001 - 2005

The former hit sounds fresh

The debut of the Kia Rio car, which replaced the Avella model, took place in the fall of 1999. Sales in the European market began in January 2001. The machine turned out to be successful, which confirms statistics. In the struggle for the sympathy of buyers, she was ahead of the previous bestseller of the company - Kia -Sportge. During the year, 123,372 copies of the Rio were implemented, while the record of the all -terrain vehicle was 110 195 pcs. Already in the next, 2002, the car, which became so popular, was modernized.
The showing updated Kia Rio took place at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, a little later Kia Motors organized a test drive for journalists in Barcelona.
HERITAGE
Modernization of the serial model, or, as they are now more likely to say, restyling, in itself does not imply revolutionary innovations. Therefore, the choice of bodies is still limited by a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. A set of power units remained unchanged. Gasoline engines: 8-valve with a volume of 1343 cm and 16-valve 1493 cm are aggregated with a five-speed mechanical or four-speed automatic transmission. The leading wheels are front. The design and configuration of power units ensure the implementation of the requirements of Euro III and Euro IV for the release of harmful substances.
More character
As for external cosmetics, it benefited the new Rio to the benefit. It has become more original and recognizable thanks to the explosion blocks with a fashionable contour, a new radiator cladding, successfully combined with a characteristic substetric cap on the hood. The appearance turned out with some hint of aggressiveness. It is not surprising, the updated model is primarily focused on the consumer of 25-35 years, leading an active lifestyle.
The painting of all external body panels (including bumpers) is plain, but the color scheme is quite diverse. Two exterior decoration performances are provided: RS - with black door handles and LS - handles in the color of the body. In addition to the proposed traditional electric package (central castle, electric windows, external mirrors adjustment), designers and technologists have worked very carefully with the interior. Even the casing of the steering column, the material and shape of the barracks itself - as it turned out, not only for aesthetic reasons. According to KIA experts, the rigidity of the node is selected in such a way that, on the one hand, to ensure traumatic safety to the driver in a frontal collision, and on the other, reduce vibration on the rim of the steering wheel.
Not only appearance
Obviously, a significant part of the changes aimed primarily at increasing safety and comfort turned out to be hidden from the eyes of the consumer. To reduce the internal noise between the roof panel and the upholstery of the ceiling, as well as from the inside of the hood and the rear shelf, a layer of insulating material is laid, and the floor of the luggage compartment is covered with a seven -layer sandwich. The noise insulation of the shield separating the motor compartment from the cabin is strengthened. Through special measures (for example, excluding cavitation in the hydraulic drive of the steering wheel amplifier), the sound pressure in the engine compartment is reduced by 4-10 dBA, which made it possible to reduce external noise by 2-3 DBA. The voice of the release with a stubborn basic muffler became a quieter on average by 3-4 DBA. To reduce the vibration load of the body, the dimensions of the silent blocks in the engine supports are increased. The movement of the power unit during sharp acceleration and braking by the engine now limits the additional support.
The front mcesson-like front suspension in the new Rio became 10 mm higher, while receiving an enhanced three-point mount, as well as a more rigid reptile stabilizer. The transverse twisting beam of the rear suspension with a stabilizer of high stiffness and reinforced sealing of the longitudinal levers is now more powerful and reliable.
Without delights, but still ...
Spanish roads are the best suited for testing cars. Our routes included mountain serpentines, segments of autobahns and cozy streets of the resort suburbs of Barcelona.
And everywhere the new Rio showed himself very worthy. The capabilities of the power unit cannot be called sports, but confident movement in the stream on high-speed roads in modes up to 150-160 km/h is ensured. If you are also a temperamental driver, then, in a timely manner and actively acting a lever of the gearbox, you can frolic on the winding mountain paths, regardless of the height changes. At the same time, the car passes quite reliably and predictably, without scaring the rolls, tagging of the body or lateral slides. These are the settings of the suspension of the new Rio, successfully combined with the characteristics of the tires. In quick turns from him, I would like more clear reactions to turn the steering wheel, but Rio is not a sports car. But on broken or gravel roads, the suspension works hard. No, the probability of breakdown is small, but noisy and not very comfortable. Otherwise, even a finished motorist is unlikely to be able to make a claim against the new Rio.
In a word, Kia Motors specialists have seriously worked on improving Rio. It turned out a successful combination of security in modern ideas, comfort and ... prices. But the consumer will give the final assessment to the car, and its sales statistics will confirm, which will soon begin in Russia.
 

A source: The magazine "Driving"