Test drive Kia Rio hatchback since 2009 hatchback

Optimization theory

Kia Rio 1.4. Price: 439 000 rub. On sale: since March 2007
Rio. There is such an abbreviation in English: ReliaBility Investment Optimization optimization of reliability costs. And although the name Kia comes from a completely different area, this phrase may well be considered the motto of potential buyers Kia Rio
In anticipation of winter resource tests, we conducted a small upgrade of Kia Rio already familiar to us (5 wheel No. 8 and 9, 2007): installed the Alligator SM-4300 security system and the Prology MCE-515U radio system. Along with the banal testing of these systems, another goal was pursued. After in the summer, after a month of operation, due to dirty contacts, the speedometer cornered the poorly protected contacts, I wanted to once again check the reliability of the electrical wiring of the car. But in fairness, we must admit that in winter the baby Rio did not act up anymore. Started with half a turn to the most severe frosts. And he never even got drunk throughout the winter season. Diseases bypassed both the wiring and all other car systems, including freshly installed.
The only negative that was revealed during the operation of the alarm is its excessive multifuroality. A joke, of course, but in every joke, as they say, to deal with the settings of 27 programs of the programs, it was meticulously read in volumetric instructions. Girls without higher technical education will not be easy. But it's worth it!
The ProLOGY car radio with a capacity of 4x55 watts also fully justified hopes, fitting perfectly into the Rio interior. Impressed by the presence of slots for SD and MMC cards and USB input, as well as buffer memory. The acoustic comfort of Rio leaves much to be desired: the sound of the engine and the suspension blows are quite poorly mixed. But the CD/MP3 -resort PROLOGY not only made it possible to drown out the working noises of the car, but also made it possible to achieve acceptable purity of sound.
As for Kia Rio, during winter running tests, only two shortcomings were revealed, inconspicuous in the summer. The blowing system of the rear lateral glasses is clearly not designed for severe frosts. At temperatures below 12C, they either freeze or sweat inexorably. In addition, the effectiveness of the brakes in the cold drops noticeably, so when leaving the parking lot, it is not a sin to warm them with a few sharp brakes.
But in terms of controllability, Rio did not disappoint. On the eve of winter, we retrained it into the winter, non-navigated Dunlop GraSpic DS-2 tires and did not lose. Yes, due to a fairly stiff suspension on an uneven winter highway, the character of Rio is sometimes harsh. Especially when leaving the track and a collision with minor irregularities. But at the same time, on slippery coating, the car is stable, we are absolutely predicting, obedient and the scales in management. The work of ABS also does not cause complaints. Unless winter braking with a gearbox is slightly complicated by too long switching a 5 -speed KP.
But these are only small flaws. In general, the baby Rio during resource winter tests showed himself not an excellent student, but a firm good. Having demonstrated unexpectedly persistent immunity to all seasonal diseases of the Russian winter and having received four in other nominations, Kia proved that he fully satisfies the motto of its potential buyers. Rio: ReliaBility Investment Optimization!
Driving
On a slippery and snowy track, it behaves somewhat nervously, but absolutely predictable.
Salon
A spacious salon, but not too roomy trunk.
Comfort
Convenient seats and driver's armrest. The suspension is hard and rather noisy.
Safety
Four points on Euro NCap tests for protecting passengers. It is only a pity that there is no ESP in the Russian version.
Price
Somewhat overstated, although quite within the framework of the price delta of its class.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Good accelerated dynamics at high speeds, enviable controllability.
- The need for hard heating of the brakes, not a very productive blowing system for the rear side glasses, the absence of ESP.
Specifications
Mark and model - Kia Rio 1.4
Dimensions - 3990x1695x1470 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1339 cm3, 97 hp/6000 min -1
Transmission - mechanical, 5 -speed
Dynamics - max 177 km/h; 12.3 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Hyundai Accent, Skoda Fabia, Opel Corsa
Our opinion
A solid, reliable and moderately dynamic city car with an attractive modern design. It does not create additional problems in operation in Russian winter. A very good option for those who finally want to transfer from the products of the Russian automobile industry to a foreign car.

Author: Vladimir Makkaveev
Photo: Sergey Krestov
 

 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [April 2008]