First Drive: Kia Rio Sedan

It’s been just a week since we brought you news of the all-new Kia Optima and now, even while the Optima’s face is still fresh in our minds, Kia have launched their new Rio Sedan. Economies of scale are more important than ever right now, therefore it’s a logical and relatively straightforward process for any manufacturer to use what is already available maximum effect. In this case it’s the Rio hatchback that has been morphed into a sedan.

You can breath a sigh of relief, as the addition of a boot doesn’t look the ‘after thought’ it does with many of the Rio’s competitors. Instead, the C-pillar flows neatly into the bootline to top a chunky rear-end, but one which is tastefully styled with a spoiler lip, Cerato Koup-inspired tail-lights and a faux-diffuser. From the front, the Rio sedan can be identified by its slightly revised bumper, which features a single lower-grille area versus the hatchback’s three-piece design. The fog lights are also rectangular units in contrast to the hatch’s circular items.

Three models are available, namely the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.4 Tec. Exterior detailing differs only slightly, with wheel sizes going from 15-inch steel rims on the 1.2, to 15-inch alloys on the 1.4 and 17-inch 5-spoke units on the 1.4 Tec. The 17-inch alloys are a R3 000 option for all other models, while fog lights are standard on the 1.4 models.

Inside, the Rio comes into its own in terms of specification levels. Overall it offers enough space and features some more endearing materials than in years past, such as the soft-touch dashboard. The controls are logically arranged and include those mounted on the steering wheel for the audio and trip computer. The steering wheel is tilt and reach adjustable, while the height adjustable driver’s seat also offers a generous range of fore and aft movement. The all-important boot can accommodate 389-litres (the hatch holds 288-litres), and the rear seats also fold down in a conventional 60:40 split.

Standard equipment across the range includes: electric adjustable door mirrors; electric windows; air-conditioner; bluetooth hands-free phone system; radio/CD/MP3-player with Aux-In and USB connectivity; driver and passenger front airbags; as well as an ABS braking system with EBD. The 1.4 model extends this spec to include a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob. While the 1.4 Tec boasts a full-house list that includes: LED day-time running lights and LED rear lamps; a cooled glove box; rear parking sensors; fully automatic air-conditioning; rain sensing wipers; leather seats; side & curtain airbags; as well as alloy foot pedals.

The engines are all naturally-aspirated and produce above average power for their size. Starting with the 1.2-litre unit, 65 kW and 120 Nm are available at 6 000 and 4 000 r/min respectively and, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, returns a claimed average fuel economy of 5.4 L/100km. The bigger capacity 1.4-litre engine produces 79 kW and 135 Nm at 6 300 and 4 200 r/min, with the option of a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission that will help see an average fuel consumption of 6.4 or 7.0 L/100km.

We sampled the 1.4 Tec 4-speed automatic (the auto ‘box is a R10 000 optional extra) and 1.4 6-speed manual models at the Cape Town launch. Upon first impression, both models offered reasonable levels of refinement in terms of ride quality and NVH levels. The manual transmission is easy to use and thankfully has nothing in common with that of the Kia Picanto, which is, well, let’s just leave it here. The automatic transmission is smoother than expected considering it’s teamed to a high-revving, small capacity engine, with its most obvious trait being a sluggish response when you’re in a hurry, but it does have a sequential mode that allows the driver more control. Performance is adequate, but you’ll need to exercise those revs if you want to get a move on.

Kia Motors South Africa are riding on a wave of success right now. Selling well over 1 000 Rio hatchbacks per month already, sales targets are for 500 Rio sedans to roll off showroom floors – and that’s excluding sales to fleet operators. Recent awards and accolades for the brand include: three design awards at the 2011 Automotive Brand Contest for the Sportage, Rio and Optima; as well as 2012 Red Dot design awards for the Picanto and Rio 5-door models; in addition, Kia Motors South Africa was also recognised as the top Kia distributor globally (out of 172 countries) in 2011. Kia has begun to gather big momentum in the market, especially with the B-segment Rio, and the sedan variant undoubtedly bolsters it.

Pricing includes a 5-year/100 000km warranty, 4-year/60 000km service plan and 3-year/unlimited roadside assistance.

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