Test drive Kia Rio X
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Advantages and disadvantages of the model
After waiting for the release of the Kia Rio 2019, experts and car owners closely examined every detail of the car. An impartial review of the Kia Rio 2019 revealed a number of weaknesses and strengths of the model.
Benefits for users include:
- attractive appearance;
- affordable cost;
- choice of engines and transmissions;
- excellent running performance;
- rich layout.
Among the minuses are:
- poor sound insulation;
- cramped rear sofas;
- insufficiently soft suspension.
User opinions may be subjective.
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Complete set
Cars are available in 5 trim levels: Classic, Comfort, Luxe, Prestige And Premium.
Basic modification Classic equipped with airbags, a set of active safety systems (ABS, HAC, ESC, VSM, ESS) and the ERA-Glonass system. The car is fully focused on maximum driving comfort: air conditioning creates a favorable microclimate, electric power steering is sensitive to your movements, and an ergonomic seat will allow you to comfortably sit in the driver’s seat. The models are equipped with power windows and side mirrors. Their bodies, as well as door handles and bumper, are painted to match the body.
Version Comfort will appreciate the heated steering wheel, which is adjustable for reach and height. The steering wheel and gear selector are finished in leather. Cars are equipped with electric rear windows, remote control of the central lock and audio control on the steering wheel.
In auto configurations Luxe, Prestige and top version Premium a climate control system is installed, and the expressive appearance of the front of the models is emphasized by laconic fog lights.
Modification Comfort and subsequent versions are equipped with a heated steering wheel and front seats, and equipment Prestige And Premium – electrically heated windshield and heated windshield washer nozzles. These options will be appreciated by you in the cold season. Another difference between premium modifications is lensed optics, equipped with a cornering illumination function. The interior space of the cars is decorated with spectacular glossy plastic and stylish chrome parts.
KIA Rio Premium will also please with a multimedia system equipped with a 7 ”touchscreen, navigation and a rear view camera.
Machines of all versions are fully suitable for operation in our conditions. They are equipped with a high-capacity battery (60 Ah), a 4.6-liter washer fluid reservoir, mudguards, heated side mirrors, and the bottom and body of the car are treated with an anti-corrosion compound.
Is Rio worth the money?
In general, despite some shortcomings and savings on trifles, Kia Rio is a very reliable and balanced car. So it’s definitely worth the money. The question is only in the configuration. Few people buy the most expensive versions – with a leather interior, a top-end multimedia system and a bunch of other features, some of which are frankly superfluous.
Perhaps the best option is a well (but not excessively) equipped version of the Luxe with a 1.6-liter engine and an automatic for 944,900 rubles. This Rio is one of the best deals on the new car market.
What about manageability?
It is worth paying tribute to Korean engineers – they know how to hear and listen. And they are well aware of their mistakes. Previous Kia Rio had problems with handling and was far behind in this aspect from the same Volkswagen Polo. The current Rio is a completely different matter. The electric amplifier imitates feedback very reliably. Reactions to the driver’s control actions are accurate and timely. Rio is reliable and predictable in all driving modes. Of course, he will not surprise a sophisticated driver. But for its class, Kia Rio demonstrates very good handling.
Exterior and interior
Externally, the car was quite seriously changed – if the third generation had more European features, then the Asian “notes” can be traced in the new version. The car has a front
In front of the car – slanting headlights with chrome “cilia”, the bumper is equipped with “fang-shaped” recesses for running lights and a radiator. The glasses have a dark plastic edging – such a solution will most effectively overtake on bright cars. Some car owners additionally tune the car with the help of sports body kits.
But the interior has changed very little. It is made in the same strict style as the previous models. Behind the wheel is the dashboard of the Kia Rio 4 with scales, an on-board computer display. The multimedia system has been updated – TOP configurations are equipped with a 7 dm touchpad. However, not everyone likes this arrangement, since visually the screen is located very low.
Under the display is the climate control Kia Rio 4, which comes even in the basic configuration.
But the dimensions of the cabin have become more spacious. Row spacing increased by 2.4 cm, width by 1.8 cm.
Safety
Engineers took care of the safety of the driver and passengers. The car has airbags, as well as belts with pretensioners, active head restraints, which are designed to protect the neck from injuries in an accident, as well as a whole range of useful systems:
- Rear parking sensors will help you maneuver in the parking lot and warn you of an obstacle.
- HAC will prevent the car from rolling back when starting uphill.
- ESS automatically activates the alarm if you press the brake pedal hard.
- SSC will eliminate the possibility of skidding.
We also note that the Rio body is more than 50% made of high-strength AHSS steel. To ensure the safety of children, the ISOFIX system is provided in sedans and hatchbacks, which allows you to securely fasten the car seat.
Engines and gearboxes are the same
Technical stuffing Rio remained unchanged. We can still choose between naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engines of 1.4 and 1.6 liters. The first develops 100 hp. With. and 132 Nm, the second – 123 liters. With. and 156 Nm. Most Belarusians prefer the 1.6-liter version. And rightly so – the base is rather weak. The three most expensive versions of the Rio X have disc rear brakes. For simpler modifications – “drums”.
It’s great that without exception, Rio is equipped with a stabilization system. To increase the smoothness of the ride, the design of the bushings of the silent blocks of the rear semi-independent suspension was modernized. Not everyone will notice these changes. But the enlarged reservoir for windshield washer fluid (5.3 liters instead of 4.6) is a nice little thing. Now the whole 5-liter bottle will fit.
The on-board battery in the updated Rio has a capacity increased to 60 Ah. Another common and useful solution in Belarusian realities is that while the washer fluid is being sprayed, the ventilation system automatically switches to air recirculation mode, which protects against foreign odors entering the cabin.
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