Kia Rio Hatchback: Features explained

The Rio hatchback is a slightly more premium car than Kia’s own Picanto. This is a good strategy by the South Korean car maker to keep a new option available for its loyal customers. While the Picanto is a great package in itself, it does lack on new features. Kia has tried to provide those in the Rio hatchback.

So, if you’re in the market for a premium yet affordable hatchback then you should consider the Rio. There are four Kia Rio variants available in the country, so you shouldn’t have a problem selecting the one you like. And we’re here to help, by explaining a few of Rio’s interesting features.

Exterior features

Stylish bi-projector headlamps

We don’t know how Kia does it, but it brings out some of the best headlamp designs in the industry. Just like the Kia Picanto, Rio also gets a pair of stylish headlamps. These bi-projector units not only provide impressive illumination in the dark but also look fantastic. And to make things even more interesting and tempting, Kia has used a U-shaped LED daytime running light; very sporty.

Unique front grille

We tend to get bored explaining the front grilles of cars as they’re more or less built in a similar fashion; horizontal chrome slats. However, Rio has a unique front grille design. Instead of filling the entire grille with chrome slats,

Kia has highlighted the boundary of the grille with chrome. This looks elegant and very tidy. And with the bright red body color, it gives the perfect contrast. We also like how the grille tapers in the middle and widens out towards the headlights.

Attractive rear end

Kia tried to make the rear end of the Rio as attractive as possible. And it is. But when you go around the car and look at its front fascia then the rear of the car doesn’t appear to be that eye-catching. We are not complaining in any way. The two-piece combination tail light setup is great. And there’s also a roof-mounted spoiler with a brake light. So that adds extra sportiness.

Interior features

All-black cabin

The interior of the Kia Rio is very similar to that of the Kia Picanto. However, it is a bit more subtle as it doesn’t have the red treatment going on. But it does get a different micro design printed on the seats. That’s nice. So, you’ll feel a balanced environment; sporty and elegant.

Cabin space and comfortable seats

The seats in Rio are very comfortable. They offer good support. Also, the extended wheelbase makes the car a bit more spacious hence there is a good amount of legroom even for the rear passengers. The rear seats are also foldable. The can be either folded to a 60:40 split type or fully folded to give you that extra space for carrying more luggage.

Sporty steering wheel

The three-spoke steering wheel of the Rio is very sporty thanks to silver at the bottom spoke. The steering wheel also has mounted controls for audio, call, and cruise control.

Powertrain

The 1.4-litre DOHC D-CVVT engine mentioned in the Kia Rio specs sheet is tuned to churn out 100 PS of max power at 6000 revs and 133 Nm of peak torque that kicks in at 4000 revs. There’s only one engine option available in all the four variants of the car. However, you do get options to pick transmission setup. You can go either with a 4-speed AT + Shiftronic or a 6-speed MT.

Safety features

Not a long list when it comes to the safety department. And whatever few features are available, there are distributed between the variants. So, if you want to have ABS then you will have to get the top-end GL AT model.

Rear parking assist system and child anchor ISOFIX are also exclusive to this variant. There are dual front airbags in all the models except the most affordable 1.4L SL 6MT, which gets only a driver side airbag. Kia could have and should have done better in the safety front.’

These were some of the key features of the latest Kia Rio. Available in 8 different colors - Brown, Clear White, Silky Silver, Green, Smoky Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Platinum Graphite and Signal Red - the Kia Rio price starts at Php 746,000 for the base model and tops out at Php 975,000 for the top-end variant.

Also Read:- Kia Rio Hatchback - Top Features