The 2013 Kia Rio

Price Range: N2.25- N2.6Mill

Ever since Kia changed their design and basically their whole strategy back in 2012, things have been going upwards for the manufacturer and their cars haven’t ceased to amaze the general public. Kia vehicles have totally transformed from the crumbly cars people bought because they were cheap, to cars that now “and I say this with all confidence” rub knuckles with European brands. The new Rio also follows the trend. With a very generous list of features and a base starting price of N2.2Mill, it is definitely the sub compact every buyer should look out for. (Even I who’s a bit Volkswagen sided was impressed). It flogs competition in terms of looks, performance, spacing and interior utilities.

Trim Levels and Options.

The 2013 Kia Rio is a subcompact car available in Nigeria as a four-door sedan and a four-door hatchback. Trim levels are LX, EX and EX “full options”.

The base LX comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, heated power mirrors, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a trip computer, and a two-speaker sound system with a CD player,

The EX trim level includes the above equipment and adds to it cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, upgraded cloth upholstery, a sliding front armrest, a four-speaker sound system, seat belts with Pretensioner, 15" Alloy wheels, Active Headrests, 60:40 Split Folding Seats, Front + Rear Power Windows, Central Locking and Keyless Entry.

The EX “full options” includes everything on the EX trim plus 16” alloy wheels and rather surprisingly four “front and rear airbags” and keyless ignition “push to start”. I should note that this is now the common trend amongst most compact vehicles in Nigeria, you have to pay more to get airbags, a necessary safety feature that should to be standard.

 Performance and Engine Options.

As predicted, the Kia Rio wouldn’t feature the 1.6litre 140hp engine available in the US. The 2013 Kia Rio is available in Nigeria with a choice of two engine options; a 1.2Litre or a 1.4Litre. The 1.2Litre engine makes about 96hp “72kW” while the 1.4Litre makes 114hp “85kW”. I couldn’t find much details about the performance of these two 4 cylinder engine but from the power rating, expect the Kia Rio to be a car able to take you from point A to B just in time.

I should also note that the LX trim comes with a five speed manual while a six speed automatic is available on the EX.

Safety.

Every 2013 Kia Rio comes standard with four-wheel antilock brakes “disc brakes in front and drum brakes behind”, stability control and two front airbags. Four airbags are only available on the EX trim, meaning the Rio isn’t exactly one of the safest car you can buy on the market.

Anyway in braking tests, the Rio was able to stop from 60mph “97km/h” in 125ft “38metres”, a very impressive distance for a subcompact car.

The new Kia Rio is compact, comfortable and exceptionally well packaged. It’s one of the few cars available, that doesn’t allow its small size get in the way of its looks. The only flaw I can say I noticed about the Rio’s new look, is the excessive use of mascara on the headlamps, asides that, in terms of the exterior aesthetics, it’s definitely an A student. However in terms of interior looks and overall quality, it’s not exactly pitch perfect; It does have quite a few flaws especially because of the lack of soft touch materials. The best option to go for is the EX trim because they upgrade the Rio’s list of features and makes the interior feel and look better.

In terms of driving, online reviewers say the 4 cylinder engine on the new Rio is adequate enough for everyday driving and its near 40mpg highway mileage also makes its one of the highest in its class in terms of fuel efficiency. Some reviewers complain about the electric power steering and basis suspension setup; but for a car of its class, its hard to imagine a driver taking it on for some sensitive driving. However, I do sincerely doubt if the Rio’s suspension has the capacity the carry the undermining stresses of our terrain especially if you’re driving with more than one passenger in the car.

In terms, of interior space, I quite agree that it is really spacious for a small car. Even tall drivers shouldn’t have too much of a problem fitting into the car. The boot is also very generous with about 88 cubic feet (2.5cubic meters) of boot space.

The 2013 Kia Rio is already recording huge sales in Nigeria thanks to its good looks and exceptional cheap starting price. I would still recommend one checks out the also good looking Hyundai Accent, the more safety conscious Volkswagen Polo, the Ford Fiesta and the spacious Honda City; but with the Rio starting cheaper than all the above, the Ijebu  man insides all of us would naturally be swayed.

Used Models

I wouldn’t recommend anyone going for any model below 2012's because the older versions of the Rio are just plain boring. That said, you should be able to find a 2010 used model for less than N1Mill depending on how well you can bargain it.