Kia Rio I Hatchback (DC, facelift 2002) 1.3 i (82 Hp)


Overall Rating

6 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine N/A / 5
Not Rated
Value N/A / 5
Not Rated
Performance N/A / 5
Not Rated
Comfort N/A / 5
Not Rated
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Kia Rio:

The Kia Rio is a subcompact car manufactured by Kia from 1999 to 2023. It was discontinued due to declining popularity and broader economic factors. Body styles have included a three and five-door hatchback and four-door sedan, equipped with inline-four gasoline and diesel engines, and front-wheel drive.
The Rio replaced the first generation Pride—a rebadged version of the Ford Festiva—and the Avella, a subcompact sold as a Ford in some markets. A second generation was introduced in 2005 in Europe and in 2006 in North America, sharing its platform with the Hyundai Accent, a subcompact manufactured by its sister Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Hatchback (DC, facelift 2002) Overview:

Kia Rio (I Hatchback (DC, facelift 2002)). With 116 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1000 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.3 s). The top speed reaches 165 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.3 i (82 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 6 stars

Performance Verdict

The 1.3-liter A3E engine offers modest performance, suitable for urban commuting and light highway use. Acceleration is leisurely, reflecting its economy-focused design.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is reasonable for its era, with decent extra-urban figures (5.4 l/100 km). Urban economy (8.8 l/100 km) is acceptable but not class-leading, typical for a naturally aspirated petrol engine.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Affordable purchase price
  • • Practical hatchback design with good boot space
  • • Economical running costs for its era
  • • Simple and robust mechanicals
  • • Easy to maneuver in city traffic

Cons:

  • • Modest performance, especially on highways
  • • Basic interior materials and features
  • • Outdated safety technology compared to modern cars
  • • Limited refinement and driving dynamics
  • • Higher fuel consumption in urban settings compared to newer rivals

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sedan (DC): 2000 - 2002).

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Rio
Generation:I Hatchback (DC, facelift 2002)
Modification (Engine):1.3 i (82 Hp)
Start of production:2002
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:82 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:61.1 Hp/l
Torque:116 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:A3E [Same engine] More details about the engine A3E
Engine displacement:1343
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:3.4 l
Coolant:6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:75 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.4:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:14.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:14.3 sec
Maximum speed:165 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.2 kg/Hp, 82 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.6 kg/Nm, 116 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:13.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1000
Max. weight:1508
Max load:508
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1277 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:449 l
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:4240 mm mm [25mm more]
Width:1680 mm mm [5mm more]
Height:1440 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2410 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1430 mm
Rear (Back) track:1435 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/65 R14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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