This afternoon, Naza Kia Malaysia proudly introduced the fourth-gen Kia Rio in One Utama. This new B-segment hatchback is now longer, wider and a little shorter compared to the predecessor.
The new Rio does packed with notable safety features like the previous generation. What's new about it was the strength of the platform itself, known as the Hyundai-Kia GB platform. The platform itself was more stiffer than the old ones especially with the usage of Advanced High Strength Steel at a higher percentage, resulting in a better collision protection than before. Powertrain-wise was a little thumbs-down for the Rio, with its new 1.4 litre four-pot engine, with 100 HP (well, it's 9 horsepower shy from the previous gen) and a 4-speed slushbox. However, when it comes to driveability, Kia claims that the new Rio has a better handling with its new suspension and steering setup.
Thoughts of the car?
The new Rio is quite a better-looking hatch compared to the old one. It might taking some of the design cues of the old one, but Kia managed to revamp the design on the Rio by making it to be sharper and less rounder than before, meaning that this car is not just aiming towards lady drivers, but for younger drivers who just got their license and they want a funky looking car to cruise around.
One of the most distinctive part of the Rio is the new frontal design, with its new projector headlamps with a semi-square DRLs and a thin Tiger Nose grille, although it is not an actual grille. In my point of view, I think that Kia did a great job on the front as they managed to make the front to be gorgeous and ferocious to look at any angle, with an essence of 3D design to it.
Speaking of the side and the rear of the car, the Rio doesn't feel like an average hatchback that you always see on the streets. With its shorter overhang and thinner C-pillar width, it makes even more sense and underrated, although it is not really that sporty. Moving on to the wheels, the Rio gets a 17" alloy wheels.
The LED tail lamps are really decent for Kia.
As I mentioned previously, the only drawback is under the hood. I previously hoped that Kia might bringing the 1.0 Kappa turbo engine, but it turns out it utilizes the 1.4 litre MPI Kappa DOHC engine which gives out 100 hp and shoots 133 Nm of torque to the front wheels, and paired with a 4-speed automatic, yes, 4-speed auto, kids! I hope Kia updates the Rio again with the turbo engine and a 6-speedo for crispier driving experience.
Moving on to the interior, the overall cabin is pretty appealing with its new floating LCD head unit on the center console and gloss finish air vents. Also, the design itself is much more driver-focused and proportional. On the plus side, there is no such downgrades inside, as it now utilizes the touchscreen head unit and a colored multifunction screen on the gauge cluster.
Sunroof is still available as standard.
Speaking of the rear seats, the sitting position is way better thanks to the door trim, which is now thinner than before and redesigned rear console for easy entry and exit. Plus, the legroom is also improved too. If your passengers have their phones running low, the Rio also comes with a USB power supply at the rear.
When it comes to safety, the Rio does come with 6 airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, traction control system, hill start assist, and ISOFIX as standard.
The all-new Kia Rio costs RM 79,888 without insurance, and it comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. First 50 customers who booked this particular hatchback will get an inclusive of free 3 times service and maintenance.
To find out more about the new Kia Rio, click this link to get more information.
Special thanks to Naza Kia Malaysia for inviting me for the launch of the all new Kia Rio.
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