Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Kia Rio I Hatchback (DC) 1.5 i 16V (108 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
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 140 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.5 l/100km). Weighing only 940 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.2 s). The top speed reaches 170 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.
1.5 i 16V (108 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for city driving, but the automatic transmission dulls performance significantly, making highway overtakes sluggish and less confident.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is relatively high for its class, especially with the automatic gearbox, impacting running costs.
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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sedan (DC): 1999 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Rio |
| Generation: | I Hatchback (DC) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5 i 16V (108 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 108 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 72.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 140 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| 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 layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.7 kg/Hp, 114.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.7 kg/Nm, 148.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 940 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1277 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 499 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4215 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1675 mm mm [Same width.] |
| 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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Kia Rio rank in your book?