New Kia Rio 5-door goes on sale in the UK in September with a choice of 2 petrol and 2 diesel engines.
Over the past few years, Kia has made huge inroads in the UK market, this despite the fact they did not have a valid entry in the subcompact, or supermini as it’s known in Britain, market.
That looks to change with the release of the 4th generation of Rio on September 1st. The Ford Fiesta has long been the go to supermini for the British car buying public, but the new Kia Rio may just give those drivers something to think about when it comes time for a new car.
The latest edition will come with 4 engine choices (2 petrol and 2 diesel) all of which will have improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with the 1.1L, 3-cylinder turbodiesel performing better than any other car on the market, including hybrids. The other options will be a 1.25 L petrol, and a 1.4 L available in both options.
The new Rio is wider, longer and lower, lending the car a sportier look, and the interior space has been improved to allow for better leg and head room. The dash has been given a more modern look with black and silver the predominant color scheme, but what sets it apart from others in its class are the standard features that it comes with; the level 1 Rio features daytime running lights, electric windows, trip computer and USB connectivity; 2′ trim adds 16-inch alloys, air con, electric folding door mirrors and chrome radiator grille. ’3′ has climate control, privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers and LED front running lights.
Safety, as always, is a large part of the Kia brand, and the Rio 2012 has lots to go round, including electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and emergency stop signaling. The new Rio also features hill-start assist control which prevents the car from rolling backwards on especially steep gradients. Front, side and curtain airbags will deploy in the event of impact, and the body has been designed to absorb and dissipate crash energy, protecting its occupants from possible serious injury.
Conservative estimates are calling for the new Rio to hit sales in excess of 12.000 units (UK market), but with the release of the 3-door version next January that number could climb dramatically.
New Kia Rio gallery:
August 26th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Question. When the new Rio goes on sale, is there really any real need of the Venga in UK? Two B segment Kia hatches? I haven’t even heard about the Venga since it first went on sale.
August 26th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
I used to like the sedan more but the longer I look, the more Im loving the hatch
August 26th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
When Kia gets smart and brings in a Diesel they can call me! Not before!!!! What maked Europe better than the USA????
August 28th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
I ask myself that same question Fred Krepps. Europe gets the better mpgs and diesel but Kia sales more vehicles in the States more than Europe. The Rio would be a Chevy Volt and Prius threat if that diesel sold over here. With an mpg at 90, I can make myself only go to the gas station at least every 37 days or more.
August 31st, 2011 at 2:07 am
Fred Krepps; You ask what makes Europe better then the USA? Very simple, for the most part they have a much more educated, literate, and sensible population that is not characterized like “Joe Six Pac” and the rest of the Religious Right Wacko`s that are embracing the “Tea Party” Movement. Chris Cristie, Rick Scott, Marco Rubia, Sharon Angle, Christine O`Donnell, Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Laura Ingram, Shawn Hannity, Anne Coultier, Rush Limbaugh, Neil Bork, Glenn Beck, Mike Savage, need I continue? North America, U.S. and Canada are not likely to (ever) get a Kia Diesel. They won`t even put the Daytime Running Lights on U.S. Kia`s and only put them on Canadian vehicles due to the fact that they are mandated by law up their. The U.S. does`nt even get an emergency spare tire and jack, (Canada still does). We instead get a $5.00 mini air compressor and a can of tire sealant, how nice!
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Pretty dismal range of colours in the UK. Where’s the metallic beige and caramel yellow?
September 8th, 2011 at 8:34 am
the different colors and the stunning designs of the cars is really great. also these cars are matching my requirements and the level of my comfort. really great cars.