Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Kia Rio III Hatchback (UB, facelift 2015) 1.2 (84 Hp) ISG
Overall Rating
Kia Rio:
The Kia Rio is a subcompact car manufactured by Kia from 1999 to 2023. 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)
III Hatchback (UB, facelift 2015) Overview:
Kia Rio (III Hatchback (UB, facelift 2015)). With 121 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~5.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1092 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.4 s). The top speed reaches 166 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.
1.2 (84 Hp) ISG Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A capable and smooth engine for city driving, offering sufficient power for daily commutes without feeling strained, though not a performance leader.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel economy for a small petrol engine, enhanced by the ISG system, making it a sensible choice for urban use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent fuel economy, especially with CRDI diesel engines and ISG variants.
- • Spacious interior and practical boot for its class.
- • Good standard equipment levels and infotainment features.
- • Strong Euro NCAP safety rating (5 stars).
- • Reliable and durable powertrains backed by Kia's warranty.
Cons:
- • Some engines can feel underpowered on highways (e.g., 1.1 CRDI).
- • Automatic transmission impacts performance and fuel economy significantly.
- • Ride can be firm on larger wheels, affecting comfort on rougher roads.
- • Interior plastics, while durable, lack a premium feel compared to some rivals.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II Sedan (JB): 2005 - 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Rio |
| Generation: | III Hatchback (UB, facelift 2015) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 (84 Hp) ISG |
| Start of production: | 2015 |
| End of production: | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 84 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.3 Hp/l [190mm less] |
| Torque: | 121 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | G4LA More details about the engine G4LA |
| Engine displacement: | 1248 |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 l |
| Coolant: | 4.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 71 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.8 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 5.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 4.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 6 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 166 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.5 kg/Hp, 79.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.7 kg/Nm, 115 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1052-1132 |
| Max. weight: | 1560 |
| Max. roof load: | 70 kg |
| Max load: | 428-508 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 923 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 288 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 900 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 43 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 450 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 50 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4050 mm [190mm less] |
| Width: | 1720 mm [25mm more] |
| Height: | 1455 mm [15mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2570 mm [70mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1985 mm |
| Front track: | 1507-1520 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1511-1525 mm |
| Front overhang: | 810 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 670 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16; 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15; 6.0J x 16; 6.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
Was the Kia Rio what you expected? Let us know!