Kia Rio I Hatchback (DC) 1.5i 16V (98 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) Overview:

Kia Rio (I Hatchback (DC)). With 138 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1072 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.6 s). The top speed reaches 175 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.

1.5i 16V (98 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 7 stars

Performance Verdict

A competent engine offering a good balance of power and efficiency for everyday driving, a solid choice over the automatic variants for better engagement.

Fuel Economy

Expected to deliver good fuel efficiency, making it a practical and economical option for various driving conditions.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / Economical Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Practical hatchback design with good interior space for its class
  • • Affordable purchase price and low running costs for manual variants
  • • Decent trunk capacity (499-1277L) enhances utility
  • • Reliable and straightforward mechanicals for basic transportation

Cons:

  • • Dated styling and basic interior compared to rivals
  • • Sluggish performance and high fuel consumption from automatic transmissions
  • • Modest Euro NCAP safety rating for adult occupants
  • • Limited refinement and comfort on longer journeys
  • • Hydraulic steering can feel vague

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Rio
Generation:I Hatchback (DC)
Modification (Engine):1.5i 16V (98 Hp)
Start of production:1999
End of production:2002
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:98 Hp @ 5800 rpm.
Power per litre:65.6 Hp/l
Torque:138 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:A5D
Engine displacement:1493
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:3 l
Coolant:6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:83.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.6 sec
Maximum speed:175 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.9 kg/Hp, 91.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.8 kg/Nm, 128.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1072
Max. weight:1467
Max load:395
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1252 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:405 l
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:4215 mm mm
Width:1675 mm mm
Height:1440 mm mm
Wheelbase:2410 mm mm
Front track:1430 mm
Rear (Back) track:1435 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.5 m
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
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/65 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Behind the wheel of the Kia Rio. How does it handle on the road?