Kia Rio, transformation of Compact Sedan

BY THEODORE OPARA

The Kia Rio, unarguably, is one of the most powerful cars in its segment. A car that was hardly reckoned with before the beginning of the  new millennium, the all-new Kia Rio, has proved Kia’s Research and Development as one of the best in the automobile world at the moment, having transformed the Rio and other Kia sibling from what they used to be  to great cars that could compete with the very best from Japan, Europe and America.

Powered by a 1.4 litre four cylinder petrol engine that delivers 107ps/13.8kg.m, the all-new Rio engine provide optimum performance with enhanced fuel economy. Made from high presence die-cast aluminum to keep weigh down and therefore save on fuel, the Rio’s rigid ladder-frame construction helps reduce vibration thereby making the car deliver quiet, smooth-running on the road. The Rio comes in hatchback and sport saloon  with either manual or automatic transmission.

Though a compact car, Kia offers array of wheel sizes on the Rio, ranging from 14 inch steel wheel to 17 inch alloy wheel. This gives the Rio amazing ground clearance that is hardly found in its class.

Design-wise, the Rio has one of the most outstanding designs in its class that often times gives it away as a car  in the upper segment. “With a low roof line lending in a coupe-like silhouette, Rio’s clean, flowing lines combine with the latest technology, advanced features and low emissions to Rio gifted both sides and outside.

*Kia Rio

Inside, the Rio would not stop giving you the impression that it is a car that is ahead of its time and class.  Intelligent use of space in the Rio and other features adds to the comfort and makes driving more interesting. While the ergonomically-designed cockpit puts the driver in control, the dashboard’s harmonious interplay of form and function is given an extra touch of class by use of high grade finishing materials.

Smart key, telescope steering wheel, auto cruise control, bluetooth, steering wheel, audio remote, radio/CPD/MP3, full auto climate control/cluster ioniser, crash pad album, auxiliary/USB/ipad port are options you can settle for to make your Rio outstanding.

The Rio as a segment leader has raise safety to the next level. From a structural framework that absorbs impact forces in both frontal and side-on collisions to a range of active and passive safety measures, the Rio is built to give best protection in its class.
With good engineering and performance, the Rio is backed up with a three-year warranty or a 100,000 kilometre warranty from Kia Motors Nigeria. It boasts exciting colours both inside and outside and is available in four door  sedan  and five-door hatchback.