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Kia Retona CE 2.0 D (83 Hp)
Overall Rating
Kia Retona:
The Kia Retona is a small mini SUV based on Kia's military jeeps. The name is a portmanteau of return to nature. Developed by Asia Motors, the car was initially sold as the "Asia Retona" in some markets. The Retona had been using the same platform as the first generation Kia Sportage Convertible. Its competitors included the Lada Niva, Suzuki Jimny and the SsangYong Korando.
A 2006 survey of German owners by magazine Auto Bild found that the Retona was "abysmally" unreliable....(Read more on Wikipedia)
CE Overview:
Kia Retona (CE). With 195 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1394 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 20.5 s). The top speed reaches 124 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Kia Retona CE was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a utilitarian off-road vehicle from its era, it likely features basic safety equipment compared to modern standards.
2.0 D (83 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Similar to the 87 Hp variant, performance is very slow with a 0-100 km/h time of 20.5 seconds, prioritizing low-end torque over speed.
Fuel Economy
Slightly better fuel economy than the 87 Hp diesel at 10 l/100 km, making it a marginally more economical choice for utility.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent off-road capability for its class and price point.
- • Robust and simple mechanicals, easy to maintain.
- • Good value for a used 4x4 utility vehicle.
- • Spacious interior and decent cargo capacity for its size.
Cons:
- • Very poor on-road performance, especially with diesel engines.
- • Basic interior comfort and features.
- • High fuel consumption for daily driving, especially petrol variants.
- • Lack of modern safety features and refinement.
- • Dated design and driving dynamics.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(CE: 1997 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Retona |
| Generation: | CE |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 D (83 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 83 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 41.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 195 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | RF More details about the engine RF |
| Engine displacement: | 1998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21.1:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 20.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 20.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 124 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.8 kg/Hp, 59.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 139.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 19.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1394 |
| Max. weight: | 1903 |
| Max load: | 509 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1235 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 394 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4000 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1745 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1835 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2360 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1440 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1440 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/75R15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Kia Retona!