KIA Rio TEC 3-door enhances strong design
The KIA Rio range has been expanded with the inclusion of a 3-door model in TEC specification. This new KIA Rio TEC will feature alongside the existing hatch and sedan bodies, broadening the Rio line-up to 12 models.
The KIA Rio TEC 3-door will come equipped with all the features found in the top-of-the-range 5-door hatch, but will have everything packaged in a sportier and sleeker design. This latest addition to the Rio family sports an interior that creates a sense of space that should sit well with occupants. The two front doors open wide for easy access in and out of the car, while the forward-folding front seats allow for effortless entry and exit to the rear.
Both driver and passengers are treated to a long list of standard features that make the KIA Rio TEC 3-Door an option worth considering. These include leather seats, Bluetooth, a USB and AUX port, and controls on the steering wheel, amongst others. The Rio TEC will ride on the same 17-inch alloy wheels found on its 5-door equivalent.
Powering the KIA Rio TEC 3-door will be the Korean company’s familiar 1,4-litre Gamma engine. The produced power (79 kW and 135 N.m of torque at 4 200 rpm) is down compared to its turbocharged competitors, but KIA claims that this engine will provide responsive performance and a modest fuel consumption.
A choice between a six-speed manual and a four-speed automatic gearbox are on offer– with the former allowing for a top speed of 183 km/h and 0 – 100 km/h time of 11.5 seconds.
The current KIA Rio was launched in 2012 and almost immediately became popular with buyers around the world, including South Africans. The Rio soon became KIA South Africa’s best-selling model and was a finalist in the 2012 South African Car of the Year competition.
Despite its global success, KIA managed to uphold the Rio as a value-for-money proposition and keep its pricing competitive. The new KIA Rio TEC 3-door will come standard with KIA’s 5-year/150 000 km warranty, as well as a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
Price: KIA Rio TEC 3-Door R241 995 (manual) and R254 995 (automatic)
