Kia Rio II Sedan (JB) 1.4 i 16V (97 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
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)

II Sedan (JB) Overview:

Kia Rio (II Sedan (JB)). With 125 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8 l/100km). Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.3 s). The top speed reaches 176 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.4 i 16V (97 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate for city driving and light commuting, but can feel strained on highways or with a full load.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for a naturally aspirated petrol engine of its size, making it a cost-effective choice.

Best Use Case: City / Urban Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent value for money, offering good features for its price point.
  • • Reliable and durable powertrains, especially the diesel option.
  • • Good fuel economy, particularly with the 1.5 CRDi engine.
  • • Practical and spacious interior for its class.

Cons:

  • • Basic interior quality and design compared to some rivals.
  • • Automatic transmissions significantly hinder performance and economy.
  • • Safety rating (3-star Euro NCAP) is average for its time.
  • • Driving dynamics are more focused on comfort than sportiness.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sedan (DC, facelift 2002): 2002 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Rio
Generation:II Sedan (JB)
Modification (Engine):1.4 i 16V (97 Hp)
Start of production:2005
End of production:2009
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:97 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:69.3 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:125 Nm @ 4700 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Alpha II / G4EE More details about the engine Alpha II / G4EE
Engine displacement:1399
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:3.3 l
Coolant:5.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:78.1 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.3 sec
Maximum speed:176 km/h
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.7 sec
Space:
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:4240 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1695 mm mm [15mm more]
Height:1470 mm mm [30mm more]
Wheelbase:2500 mm mm [90mm more]
Front track:1470 mm
Rear (Back) track:1460 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.8 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 brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size175/70 R14
Wheel rims size5J X 14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionTorsion

Your first impression of the Kia Rio in one word? Go!