Kia Rio (2011 – 2017) Review
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Kia Rio (2011 – 2017) At A Glance
Upmarket interior. Satisfyingly low running costs. Well specified.
Not as refined as a Volkswagen Polo. Not as exciting to drive as Ford Fiesta. DAB wasn’t standard.
When this Kia Rio was launched in 2011, the South Korean firm was well on its way to a place at the top table of small car makers. Excellent build quality and running costs drew in customers, along with the car’s sharp looks. However, it isn’t as refined as a Volkswagen Polo or as good to drive as a Ford Fiesta. Read on for our full Kia Rio review.
While it might not be the most entertaining or exciting small car on sale, there is no denying the value-for-money credentials of the Kia Rio.
It is well built, easy-to-drive, economical and well-equipped. For those seeking a cost-effective small used car, it should be high on the shortlist.
Those who really want to cut costs to the bone can pick the 1.1-litre CRDi diesel, which has official fuel consumption of up to 88.3mpg.
For most drivers, one of the other engines – a 1.25-litre petrol, a 1.4-litre petrol or a 1.4-litre diesel – will be a better choice, giving more refinement and more of a ‘big-car’ feel.
That feeling of being in a larger car is one of the Kia Rio’s best attributes.
The cabin is spacious, practical and well put together, with room in the back for adults, even in three-door models. Plus there is a boot with plenty of room for a family shopping trip, or a run to the tip.
All models come with a good level of standard equipment including Bluetooth, USB connectivity and electric windows, but creature comforts like air-conditioning or alloy wheels require you to buy a higher trim level, which means spending more money.
That said, most versions offer good value.
The Kia Rio might not set the world on fire with dynamic, exciting handling or hot hatch levels of power, but for those who want a comfortable, well built small car it is easy to recommend. It should prove reliable, cheap to run and practical.
Fancy a new Kia Rio? Read our Kia Rio review here.
Reviews for Kia Rio (2011 – 2017)'s top 3 rivals
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Kia Rio (2011 – 2017) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.1 CRDi to 1.4
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 28–74 mpg
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017): Handling and ride quality
The suspension is geared towards ride comfort rather than handling prowess and excitement. For the most part, this works well.
Over potholes and speed bumps, the Kia Rio remains adequately composed, while through corners there’s not too much body roll.
That said, it’s not perfect. Over particularly bad surfaces the ride quality deteriorates markedly.
Furthermore, the steering doesn’t inspire much confidence through tighter corners at higher speeds.
The rest of the controls are well-weighted, though – the gear changes are slick, and the brake and clutch pedals offer just the right level of resistance to ensure progress remains smooth.
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017): Engines
The Kio Rio is not the most refined of small cars. All of the engines are audible, and the diesels in particular are clattery at idle, although never irritatingly so.
Things settle down on the move though, with little in the way of wind or road noise.
The engine range features two petrol options and two diesels, kicking off with the entry-level 1.25-litre petrol. With 85PS it doesn’t offer much power, but for town drivers it should be fine.
Those who choose the 1.1-litre, 75PS three-cylinder CRDi diesel will find it a little bit on the gruff side, but many buyers were prepared to overlook this given the car’s excellent fuel economy.
The other two engines offered by Kia are more sensible for drivers who cover higher mileages. There is a 1.4-litre petrol with 108PS and a 1.4-litre diesel with 90PS, both of which are fine for motorway driving and faster A-road routes, where the extra power really helps.
If you need an automatic transmission, there is one option available, linked to the 1.4-litre petrol.
It’s a traditional four-speed torque convertor which means smooth changes, but fuel economy and emissions take a hit.
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017): Safety
The Kia Rio attained a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2011. It came with six airbags as standard, along with twin Isofix mounts in the back seats for kiddy chairs.
ABS anti-lock brakes and ESP traction and stability control are included on all models. There’s also hill start assist and, from 2014 onwards, a tyre pressure monitoring system was included.
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017): Towing
The Kia Rio range is able to tow an unbraked trailer with a maximum weight of up to 450kg.
Depending on the model you choose, the peak towing capacity with a braked trailer goes up to between 900kg and 1050kg, which is good for a small car.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 CRDi | 74–86 mpg | 15.5–16.1 s | 86–99 g/km |
| 1.25 | 57 mpg | 12.6–12.9 s | 114–115 g/km |
| 1.25 Air | 57 mpg | 12.9 s | 115 g/km |
| 1.4 | 51–57 mpg | 11.0–11.1 s | 114–124 g/km |
| 1.4 Automatic | 44–45 mpg | 12.7 s | 105–150 g/km |
| 1.4 CRDi | 71–74 mpg | 13.4–13.7 s | 98–105 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Rio (2011 – 2017)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
76%
Real MPG
28–74 mpg
MPGs submitted
597
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017) interior
- Boot space is 288–923 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4045–4050 mm |
| Width | 1720 mm |
| Height | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm |
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017): Practicality
The neat exterior styling continues into the Kia Rio’s cabin, which is simple, clear and user friendly.
The instrument binnacle is about as straightforward as they come and the minor controls are big and obviously labelled.
Air-conditioning is controlled by large, easy-to-reach switches at the bottom of the centre stack, while the radio controls are intuitive and easy to get to grips with.
Kia offered three and five-door models and both have a useful amount of rear legroom and headroom.
Obviously the five-door offers better access and makes more sense for families with larger children, or for those who carry adult passengers, who will fit easily in the rear unless they are particularly tall.
Boot space is 288 litres, which beats the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo for outright volume.
The load area is a good shape, too, but there is a load lip to lift heavy items over and if you fold the seat backs forward, the load area isn’t completely flat.
This is a pain if you are transporting bulky items.
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017): Quality and finish
The quality of the Kia Rio really impresses.
It isn’t quite as plush or well put together as a Volkswagen Polo, but the tasteful layout and durable materials make it a better bet than many other rivals from the same era, such as the Peugeot 208 or big-selling Vauxhall Corsa.
There are a few features that are missing, though. DAB radio, for example, was a cost option and there is no built-in navigation system.
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017): Infotainment
If you want a touchscreen infotainment set-up in this generation of Kia Rio, you’ll have to aim for a facelifted model from 2014 onwards.
Even then, you will have to seek out the 3 trim or above. Otherwise, you’ll be using a simple stereo with CD player.
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017) value for money
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017): Prices
If you have £3000 to spend on a small car, the Kia Rio is one of the best options.
For that you will get an 11-year-old model with the 1.25-litre petrol engine and 75,000 miles on the clock.
Look for something a bit newer and with fewer miles, and you’ll spend around £8000 for a 30,000-mile, eight-year-old car in 2 or 3 trim.
Kia Rio (2011 – 2017): Running Costs
There isn’t a thirsty engine in the Kia Rio range, but if you really want the best economy, you should seek out the 1.1 CRDi diesel with 74PS that claimed up to 85.6mpg under official testing.
Our Real MPG data shows that this comes in around the mid-60s in normal driving, which is still very keen.
The 1.4 diesel isn’t far off those numbers, while the petrols are also pleasingly efficient.
You will also like the diesels for their low emissions, which see you pay nothing for road tax, while the petrols require a charge of up to £150, depending on the unit you choose.
Whichever Kia Rio you go for, insurance won’t be too painful as the highest group ranking is 8 (out of 50), and the lowest is rock-bottom group 1.
Servicing and maintaining the car also promises to be affordable, as it has a reputation for reliability, backed up by low-cost routine work and repairs.
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The entry-level Kia Rio 1 comes with electric windows, daytime running lights, front electric windows, 15-inch steel wheels, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, two-way steering wheel adjustment and split folding rear seats.
There’s also a 12-volt power socket, MP3 compatible radio and CD player with USB and aux ports, and Bluetooth. Air-conditioning is standard on Kia Rio 1 Air models.
The Kia Rio 2 adds 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, front foglights, a chrome radiator grille surround, premium black cloth upholstery, rear electric windows, cooling glovebox, electric heated and folding door mirrors, leather covered steering wheel and gear stick, and a centre console armrest.
With the Kia Rio 3, you get 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-violet reducing solar privacy glass, LED daytime running lights, rear combination lamps, automatic air-conditioning with auto defog, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic projection headlights, heated front seats and a six speaker audio.
From 2014 on, this trim also gained a touchscreen infotainment display with satellite navigation.
The Kia Rio 4 tops the range and includes black leather upholstery, keyless entry and start and a heated steering wheel.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4045–4050 mm |
| Width | 1720 mm |
| Height | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1113–1334 kg |
| Boot Space | 288–923 L |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Alternative | Full-size spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £10,345–£17,595 |
| Insurance Groups | 1–8 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–F |
| Official MPG | 44.1–85.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until May 2017
On sale until October 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 3 1.4 CRDi 89 5dr | £16,145 | 74.3 mpg | 13.7 s |
On sale until January 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2 1.4 107 3dr | £12,795 | 51.4 mpg | 11.1 s |
| VR7 1.1 CRDi 74 5dr | £13,495 | 78.5 mpg | 15.5 s |
| VR7 1.25 84 3dr | £11,595 | 56.5 mpg | 12.6 s |
| VR7 1.25 84 5dr | £12,195 | 56.5 mpg | 12.6 s |
On sale until July 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2 1.1 CRDi 3dr | £13,195 | 74.3 mpg | - |
| 2 1.4 CRDi 3dr | £13,795 | 70.6 mpg | - |
| 4 1.4 107 Auto 5dr | £16,595 | - | - |
On sale until April 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1 Air 1.1 CRDi 3dr | £12,095 | 78.5 mpg | - |
| 1 Air 1.25 3dr | £10,795 | 56.5 mpg | - |
| 2 1.4 Auto 3dr | £13,505 | 44.1 mpg | - |
Model History
- March 2011: Kia Rio goes on sale
- January 2012: Rio prices revealed
- April 2014: Rio 4 now tops the range
- January 2015: Facelifted Kia Rio goes on sale
- January 2015: High value SR7 version launched announced
- July 2016: Rio specification upgraded
March 2011
Kia Rio goes on sale
The new Rio model is longer by 20 mm, wider by 25 mm, and lower by -15 mm and features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm to 2,570 mm - greatly enhancing passenger space and cargo capacity.
Manufactured for the first time with a choice of 5-door and 3-door bodystyles, the new KIA Rio is intended to sell in substantially greater numbers than the the previous third generation Rio.
To lower fuel consumption and help achieve Rio's class-leading emissions, Kia engineers have carried out an extensive programme to shed weight across a broad range of components. As a result, although new Rio is a significantly larger car than the third-generation model with extra equipment, its weight-gain has been kept to a minimum.
The 5-door version of new Rio will go on sale in the UK from September with the all-new 3-door model on sale from early 2012. Both versions will be manufactured exclusively at Kia's Sohari plant in Korea.
Features available on new Rio cars for the UK market will include smart-key entry system, RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections, Bluetooth handsfree (with voice recognition available from December 2011), climate-control air-conditioning, heated front seats and LED daytime running lights.
The new Rio's cabin is more spacious. The base of the windscreen is moved forwards by 156 mm and up by 18 mm, while the 70 mm longer wheelbase and 25 mm wider bodyshell bring space benefits for all occupants and luggage capacity. Front legroom is increased by 45 mm, front headroom by 8 mm.
In the UK the new Rio will offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines - with a 70-to-109 ps power range - and a CO2base-line rating from just 85 g/km, plus fuel consumption as high as 88.3 mpg.
In many countries, diesel power is the preferred option in this segment and Rio will be available with two versions of Kia's 'U2' power unit - both fitted with 16-valves and a Waste Gate Turbo. The 1.4-litre generates 90 ps and 216 Nm of torque, while the 1.1-litre produces 70 ps and 162 Nm. Both engines deliver maximum torque from just 1,750 rpm.
Buyers who prefer their new Rio powered by petrol can select from a 1.4-litre Gamma or 1.25-litre Kappa engine.
With maximum output of 109PS and peak torque of 136 Nm, the 1.4 engine powers the fastest Rio - accelerating to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds.
The 1.25-litre engine in Rio delivers 85 ps and 117.8 Nm of torque, while achieving fuel economy of 58.8 mpg.
Standard transmission for both diesels and the larger petrol engine will be a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.25-litre 85 ps petrol engine has a five-speed box. A four-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.4-litre 109 ps petrol engine.
|
|
|
1.4-litre |
1.25-litre |
1.4-litre |
1.1-litre |
|
Fuel type |
|
Petrol |
Petrol |
Diesel |
Diesel |
|
Displacement |
cc |
1,396 |
1,248 |
1,396 |
1,120 |
|
Power output |
ps |
109 @6000 rpm |
85 @ 6000 rpm |
90 @ 4000 rpm |
82 @ 6400 rpm |
|
Torque output |
Nm |
136 @ 4200 rpm |
118 @ 4000 rpm |
216 @ 1750 rpm |
170 @ 3500 rpm |
|
Engine details |
|
Gamma 4-in-line, DOHC, four-cylinder with dual CVVT |
Kappa 4-in-line, DOHC, four-cylinder with dual CVVT |
U2 4-in-line, DOHC four-cylinder with WGT |
U2 3-in-line, DOHC three-cylinder with WGT |
January 2012
Rio prices revealed
|
Version |
Power PS |
Torque Nm |
0-60 sec |
Top Speed mph |
Comb. mpg |
CO 2 |
Cost |
|
1.25 ‘1' |
85 |
121 |
12.6 |
106 |
56.5 |
114 |
£9,995 |
|
1.25 ‘1' Air |
85 |
121 |
12.6 |
106 |
56.5 |
114 |
£10,795 |
|
1.1 CRDi ‘1 Air' EcoDynamics |
82 |
170 |
14.9 |
98 |
78.5 |
94 |
£12,095 |
|
1.25 ‘2' |
85 |
121 |
12.6 |
106 |
55.4 |
119 |
£11,895 |
|
1.4 ‘2' |
109 |
137 |
11.1 |
114 |
51.4 |
128 |
£12,495 |
|
1.4 ‘2' auto |
109 |
137 |
12.7 |
106 |
44.1 |
150 |
£13,495 |
|
1.1 CRDi ‘2' EcoDynamics |
82 |
170 |
15.5 |
100 |
74.3 |
99 |
£13,195 |
|
1.4 CRDi ‘2' EcoDynamics |
91 |
220 |
12.6 |
106 |
70.6 |
105 |
£13,595 |
|
1.4 ‘3' |
109 |
137 |
11.1 |
114 |
51.4 |
128 |
£13,195 |
|
1.4 CRDi ‘3' EcoDynamics |
91 |
220 |
12.6 |
106 |
70.6 |
105 |
£14,295 |
April 2014
Rio 4 now tops the range
Adding to the existing ‘3' specification with a smart key with engine start button, a power sliding and tilting sunroof, black leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. Rio ‘4' is available in petrol and diesel engine variants. At £15,495 the 1.4 four-cylinder 107bhp petrol version features a six speed manual transmission, emissions of 124g/km and an insurance group of 9. The six-speed manual transmission, 91PS 1.4 CRDi diesel variant produces 105g/km and is priced at £16,595 with an insurance group of 7.
Kia Rio ‘3' Automatic is also available only as a five-door model, has a 109PS 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 137Nm of torque at 4,200rpm and costs £15,100. Standard equipment matches that of other Rio ‘3' versions, but with the deletion of the ISG engine stop/start system fitted to manual-gearbox models. Combined fuel economy is 44.1mpg, withemissions of 150g/km. The car accelerates from 0-60mph in 12.7 seconds and has a top speed of 105mph. Previously, the four-speed automatic was offered only on the Rio ‘2'.
January 2015
Facelifted Kia Rio goes on sale
Redesigned front and rear bumpers have given the Rio a sharper, sportier appearance; changes to the upholstery of most models and to the centre fascia trim have raised perceived quality to new heights; while new items like touchscreen satellite navigation, electrically adjusted and heated door mirrors, a DAB digital radio, tyre pressure monitoring and a luggage net and undertray - depending on model - add to the well-being and convenience of owners.
A striking new Urban Blue colour option, replacing Electric Blue, is available on second- and third-tier models, and there are distinctive new 16 and 17 inch alloy wheels for all but the two entry-level grades. The 16-inch wheels on grade have 195/55 R 16 tyres, while the 17-inch rims on level 3 and 4 models are shod with 205/45 R 17 rubber.
The new Rio is offered in a total of 19 versions based on three- and five-door body styles, five trim grades (1, 1 Air, 2, 3 and 4) and four engines. Most manual versions have Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG), Kia's fuel-saving, emissions-reducing engine stop/start system, which contributes towards the 1.1-litre diesel model achieving an official fuel economy figure of up to 88.3mpg - better than any non-electric car on sale in the UK, including hybrids and eco specials, at the time of its introduction in the car
All versions have smart new high-gloss black embellishments on the centre fascia, replacing the metallic effect formerly found on grades 2 and above, and a chrome handbrake button. Grades 1 and 1 Air have new black cloth upholstery, while grades 2 and 3 have new premium black cloth upholstery. Grade 4, which was introduced to the Rio range at the start of 2014, continues with black leather upholstery with faux leather sections.
New equipment includes 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system now standard to grades 3 and 4. It includes European mapping and a Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC), and also features an integrated reversing camera. (These models no longer fitted with a CD player with MP3 disc compatibility.)
DAB digital radio is now standard on all versions of the Rio, delivering excellent sound through a wide selection of channels. For convenience, the name of the chosen radio station is indicated on the radio display.
Grades 1 and 1 Air now have electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, while in grades 2, 3 and 4 these also fold electrically and have LED indicators. Grades 3 and 4 also now have a luggage net and undertray, providing more secure storage for small items.
|
Version |
Power bhp |
Torque Nm |
0-60 sec |
Top Speed mph |
Comb. Mpg |
CO 2 |
|
1.25-litre 1 (3dr and 5dr) |
84 |
121 |
12.6 |
106 |
56.5 |
115 |
|
1.25-litre 1 Air (5dr only) |
84 |
121 |
12.6 |
106 |
56.5 |
115 |
|
1.1-litre CRDi 1 ISG (5dr only) |
74 |
170 |
14.9 |
98 |
88.3 |
86 |
|
1.1-litre CRDi 1 Air ISG (5dr only) |
74 |
170 |
14.9 |
98 |
78.5 |
94 |
|
1.25-litre 2 (3dr and 5dr) |
84 |
121 |
12.6 |
106 |
55.4 |
115 |
|
1.4-litre 2 ISG (3dr and 5dr) |
107 |
137 |
11.1 |
114 |
53.3 |
114 |
|
1.4-litre 2 auto (5dr only) |
107 |
137 |
12.7 |
106 |
44.1 |
147 |
|
1.1-litre CRDi 2 ISG (5dr only) |
74 |
170 |
15.5 |
100 |
74.3 |
99 |
|
1.4-litre CRDi 2 ISG (5dr only) |
89 |
220 |
12.6 |
106 |
70.6 |
98 |
|
1.4-litre 3 ISG (3dr and 5dr) |
107 |
137 |
11.1 |
114 |
53.3 |
114 |
|
1.4-litre CRDi 3 ISG (3dr and 5dr) |
89 |
220 |
12.6 |
106 |
70.6 |
98 |
|
1.4-litre 3 auto (5dr only) |
107 |
137 |
12.7 |
106 |
44.1 |
147 |
|
1.4-litre 4 ISG (5dr only) |
107 |
137 |
11.1 |
114 |
53.3 |
114 |
|
1.4-litre CRDi 4 ISG (5dr only) |
89 |
220 |
12.6 |
106 |
70.6 |
98 |
|
Model - 3 door |
OTR price |
Insurance group |
|
‘1' 1.25 84bhp 5-speed manual |
£10,345 |
2 |
|
‘SR7' 1.25 84bhp 5-speed manual |
£11,845 |
3 |
|
‘2' 1.25 84bhp 5-speed manual |
£12,245 |
3 |
|
‘2' 1.4 107bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£13,045 |
7 |
|
‘3' 1.4 107bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£14,445 |
7 |
|
‘3' 1.4 CRDi 89bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£15,545 |
6 |
|
Model - 5 door |
OTR price |
Insurance group |
|
‘1' 1.25 84bhp 5-speed manual |
£10,945 |
2 |
|
‘1' 1.1 CRDi 74bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£12,245 |
2 |
|
‘1 Air' 1.25 84bhp 5-speed manual |
£11,745 |
3 |
|
‘1 Air' 1.1 CRDi 74bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£13,045 |
1 |
|
‘SR7' 1.25 84bhp 5-speed manual |
£12,445 |
3 |
|
‘SR7' 1.1 CRDi 74bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£13,745 |
2 |
|
‘2' 1.25 84 bhp 5-speed manual |
£12,845 |
3 |
|
‘2' 1.4 107bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£13,645 |
7 |
|
‘2' 1.4 107bhp 4-speed auto |
£14,550 |
4 |
|
‘2' 1.1 CRDi 74bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£14,145 |
2 |
|
‘2' 1.4 CRDi 89bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£14,745 |
6 |
|
‘3' 1.4 107bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£15,045 |
7 |
|
‘3' 1.4 107bhp 4-speed auto |
£15,950 |
4 |
|
‘3' 1.4 CRDi 89bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£16,145 |
6 |
|
‘4' 1.4 107bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£16,345 |
7 |
|
‘4' 1.4 CRDi 89bhp 6-speed manual ISG |
£17,445 |
7 |
January 2015
High value SR7 version launched announced
Every SR7 has a higher specification than the 2014 VR7 special-edition models. LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, front foglights, automatic headlight control, privacy glass, UV-reducing solar glass, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and roof rails are the highlights of the equipment additions, depending on model. There are also new alloy wheels and colour options.
The Rio SR7 is available as a three- or five-door with an 84bhp 1.25-litre petrol engine, or as a five-door with a 1.1-litre diesel featuring Kia's ISG stop/start system. In each case the SR7 sits between the normal ‘1 Air' and ‘2' grades in the line-up.
The Rio SR7 features automatic headlight control, privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate and UV-reducing solar glass in addition to the highlights from last year's VR7 of air conditioning, reversing sensors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, Bluetooth, USB and AUX ports, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and electric windows (all four on five-door versions). It has the same premium black cloth upholstery fitted to the latest ‘2' and ‘3' trim grades, and bespoke 15-inch alloy wheels. The five colour choices include the new solid Lemon Zest on petrol models. Bright Silver is specific to the diesel.
|
Model |
OTR price |
Insurance group |
|
3dr 1.25 84bhp petrol 5-speed manual |
£10,345 |
3 |
|
5dr 1.25 84bhp petrol 5-speed manual |
£12,445 |
3 |
|
5dr 1.1 74bhp diesel 6-speed manual ISG |
£13,745 |
2
|
July 2016
Rio specification upgraded
The new five-door Rio ‘1 Air’ now includes air conditioning yet is offered at the same price as the former grade ‘1’ model from £10,945.
The new ‘SE’ is available with a 1.25-litre petrol engine or a 1.1-litre diesel, priced from £12,995 and £14,295 respectively. The ‘SE’ features all the equipment which was standard on the former ‘SR7’ plus a significant package of extra items – automatic air conditioning, front foglights, a supervision instrument cluster, a rain sensor, cruise control and speed limiter, electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors with integrated indicators.
What to watch out for
Report of noisy balancer shaft on 1.1 3-cylinder diesel. Replaced under warranty.
03-02-2012:USA Bulletins ELE020 through ELE025 show that these models need both the positive and negative cable ends to their batteries replaced. (Source New York Times: Automobiles.)
13-01-2013:Used 2011 Rio purchased March 2012 with 4k miles suffered electrical problem that prevented it starting three times between March 2012 and January 2013.
02-10-2015:Hand brake failed to hold the car on Sutton Bank (1 in 4) during an enforced stop due to traffic.
23-10-2015:Report of engine of 18,500 mile 3-year old Rio 1.1 diesel over-revving on its own accord. Dealer is replacing turbo, intercooler and injectors, so the fault was probably with the turbo bearing oil seals, allowing the engine to siphon oil from the sump via the turbo and run on it uncontrollably.
22-11-2015:Report of TPMS sensor of 2015 Rio simply snapping when the owner tried to pump up the tyre. Cost him £111.
05-04-2016:Report of tyres of 2013 Rio 1.25 needing to be replaced at 10,000 miles, then front brake discs and pads at 24k miles.
15-06-2016:Report of clutch failure on 2013 Rio at 17,000 miles. £675 to replace.
22-07-2016:Report of clutch failure on 2013 Rio at 12,400 miles. £450 to replace.
14-03-2017:Report of handbrake of brand new KIA Rio Air failing to hold the car on a steep driveway. 8 minutes after parking, but left in neutral, car rolled away into a neighbour's garden.
15-06-2018:Report of rear brakes of 2014 KIA Rio overheating with the result that the pads came away from their backing. The KIA dealer turned this down as a warranty repair, stating that "braked are a weart and tear item".
22-07-2018:Report of 2016 KIA Rio 1.1CRDI intermittently losing power. In first 10,000 miles of use owner was rescued by the RAC three times. Car now has 83,000 miles and fault is still occurring.
18-04-2019:Report of problem with brakes of 2015 KIA Rio bought used at 2 years old and 11,000 miles in 2017. Within 3 months and at 15,640 miles, needed new brake pads on the front, which were heavily worn. At the service in January 2018, at 23,352 miles, they had to replace the rear brake pads. At the service in January 2019, at 36,444 miles, needed both front discs and pads replaced. Soon after noticed juddering and rubbing when braking. Went in last week, and owner told that a caliper had seized, and the work, including replacing the front discs and pads again, was done under warranty. Then noticed a knocking noise when going over bumps coming from underneath the car. Owner told that a ball joint has worn and needs replacing. They are ordering the part to be replaced under warranty.
11-07-2019:Rusted rear brake discs and worn out pads reported on 2015 KIA Rio at 15,500 miles. Cost to replace £300.
24-02-2020:Report of failing bearing in the steering of a 2014 KIA Rio VR7 1.1CRDI. KIA dealer quoted £196 to replace it. Reader unclear if this should be covered by the KIA warranty.
