Kia Retona CE 2.0 D (87 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 2.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1505 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 120 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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 (87 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Performance is very modest with a 0-100 km/h time of 20.5 seconds, making it sluggish for highway driving but adequate for off-road torque.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is reasonable for a turbo-diesel 4x4 of its age, averaging around 9.1-11.5 l/100 km depending on driving conditions.

Best Use Case: Off-road / Utility / Rural driving

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:

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Retona
Generation:CE
Modification (Engine):2.0 D (87 Hp)
Start of production:1997
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Off-road vehicle
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:87 Hp @ 4000 rpm.
Power per litre:43.5 Hp/l
Torque:200 Nm @ 2000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code: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
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:20.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:20.5 sec
Maximum speed:120 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:17.3 kg/Hp, 57.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.5 kg/Nm, 132.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:19.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1505
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1235 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:394 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4000 mm mm
Width:1745 mm mm
Height:1835 mm mm
Wheelbase:2360 mm mm
Front track:1440 mm
Rear (Back) track:1440 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size215/75 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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