2001 KIA RIO LS

The Rio is the third vehicle Korean manufacturer Kia has brought to Canada. The Rio is a four-
door subcompact sedan available in three versions with either a five-speed standard or a four-
speed automatic transmission. The engine is a 1.5-litre four cylinder.

Interior and trunk

The Rio offers good ingress but the rear seats are a bit hard to exit. The front seats are very
comfortable as long as you are not too broad-shouldered. The driving position is very good but
foot room on the left is tight. The driver’s seat has an armrest, and dial-type knobs to adjust the
height and angle of the seat cushion. Instead of an armrest, the passenger’s seat has a small net
on the left side, within reach of the driver. The lever controlling the fore-aft movement of the
seats is poorly located next to the centre console, instead of on the door side where it is easier to
use when you want to slide the seat back before getting in.

The rear seat provides comfortable seating for two adults or three small children. Head and foot
room is a bit limited for tall people. The rear seatback doesn’t fold, which is unusual for this type
of vehicle.

The roomy trunk is handicapped by its small opening, and it would be easy to hit one’s head on
the trunk latch.

Convenience and safety

Interior finish is generally very good, but soundproofing leaves much to be desired, with engine
noise in particular a problem. The climate control system is efficient. The cup holders are not
very practical: too close to the gear shifter in front, and for only one size of beverage container in
the rear. The power window controls are not lit up at night.

The Rio has good headlamp intensity, dual air bags, very good visibility on all sides, and locking
head restraints in front which cannot, unfortunately, be raised high enough to properly protect
tall people. The two small raised areas on the rear seat backs do not qualify as head restraints.
The reflection of the top of the dashboard onto the windshield is a permanent irritant.

Engine and transmission

The little four cylinder develops good power and enough torque for fairly lively acceleration and
pickup. The engine performs well in city driving and can maintain good highway speeds.
However, for safe passing, it should be running at about 3,000 rpm, preferably without the air
conditioner. The engine is noisy all or almost all the time.

The manual gearbox is easy to use once you’re used to the rubbery shift throw; this transmission
is anything but a model of precision. First gear is a bit short, but the transmission is otherwise
well geared.
On the road

Tuned more for comfort than for standout performance on winding roads, the Rio rides smoothly
with the occasional firm reaction. However, because of the rather soft suspension, there is more
than average lean in some corners and some pitch on rough roads. Road holding and
predictability are good nonetheless. The Rio is sensitive to cross winds.

As the power steering is vague when centred, the Rio needs constant course corrections,
especially when it’s windy. Except at centre, the steering is reasonably precise, with average
quickness and a short turning circle. Braking power is good, with normal fade resistance. ABS is
not available.

At the CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, the Rio proved to be well assembled with good
rustproofing. Only the fuel tank filler neck was untreated.

Conclusion

The Rio is a straightforward, unpretentious little car, with good standard equipment starting with
the RS version. Because of the level of engine noise and a tendency to wander off course, it is
more suited to short urban hops than long drives. The Rio is well assembled and should hold up
reasonably well.

FOR AGAINST
Comfortable ride Soundproofing
Front-seat comfort Deviations from course
Reasonably lively engine Dangerous trunk lid
Good assembly Windshield reflections
Handling Small trunk opening
Visibility Non-folding rear seatback

KIA RIO 2001

Engine: 16-valve, 1.5-litre 4 cylinder Horsepower: 96 h.p. @ 5,800 rpm

Torque: 98 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm Transmission: 5-speed man.; 4-speed auto.
Suspension: independent/torsion bar Brakes: disc/drum
Length: 420 cm Width: 166.5 cm
Height: 144cm Wheelbase: 241 cm
Weight: 944 to 970 kg Tires: P175/70R13
Towing capacity: non-recommended Air bags: standard dual

Fuel consumption with standard transmission:

− Transport Canada rating: city: 7.7 L/100 km (36.5 mpg); highway: 5.8 L/100 km (49
mpg)
− Test result: 7.4 L/100 (38 mpg)
Fuel tank capacity: 45 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 10.3 seconds 60-100 km/h: 6 seconds

Competition: Daewoo Lanos, Hyundai Accent, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Echo

Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer):

Frequency: 5 months/8,000 km; total cost to 100,000 km: $1,050

Warranty:
− Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km
− Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km
− Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000
− Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage
− Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km
(catalytic converter, electronic control module and on-board diagnostic device)

Factory replacement parts:

Rear bumper: $601 Front brake disk: $76
Brake pads: $77 Muffler: $345
Front fender: $183

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free

insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $598 to $926

Price according to trim line:

S: $11,995 RS: $12,795 LS: $13,695

Main options:
Automatic transmission: $1,000 Air conditioning: $1,200 (LS only)

Price as tested: $14,895 Freight and preparation: $700

Dealers: Quebec: 36; Canada: 96

 CAA-Quebec, November 2000