The new Kia Rio four-door 1,3-litre saloon replaces the original 1,3 and 1,5 Rio hatchback in South Africa in the entry-level segment of the market from February.

The new Kia Rio four-door 1,3-litre saloon replaces the original 1,3 and 1,5 Rio hatchback in South Africa in the entry-level segment of the market from February.

According to Kia, the new Rio is far quieter and smoother than its predecessor. Improved soundproofing has been applied under the bonnet, roof and rear shelf, while sound absorbent material lines the boot, covers the floor and has been inserted between the dashboard and engine compartment.

The 1,3-litre fuel-injected eight-valve SOHC engine provides maximum power of 60 kW at 5 500 r/min and 116 N.m of torque at 3 000 r/min. Power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The manufacturer also said new engine mountings cut engine and transmission vibration.

The suspension system features an improved McPherson strut front suspension. The front suspension is claimed to have been strengthened to improve ride quality and comfort. A three-point strut mounting has been added and the struts have been heightened by 10 mm for a more comfortable ride and better road handling.

The rear drum brakes have been enlarged to improve braking. In tests conducted by KIA Motor Corporation, the Rio can stop in 41,4 m from speed of 100 km/h.

Inside, five headrests add to comfort and safety, and the Rio also comes with a built-in battery saver, should the lights be left on.

It has height-adjustable seatbelts and a reinforced body shell. The Rio’s bumpers provide the first line of safety with a design that incorporates gas channels for better impact absorption and the front sub-frame channels disperse frontal impact forces into the centre members.

Doors are reinforced with side protective members made from ultra high tensile strength steel. The cowl is reinforced with a T-frame that helps prevent the engine from intruding into the passenger compartment and the impact absorbing steering column collapses in a frontal collision, minimising chest injury.

The new Rio is sold with a three-year/100 000 km.

Original article from Car