2017 Kia Rio (4th Generation)

The Kia Rio 1.4 Tec Auto is not quite the carnival it could be
The 2019 Kia Rio boasts handsome looks and generous specifications, but it's let down by a lack of oomph and clunky automatic gearbox

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The Kia Rio wasn't launched that long ago - are they updating it already?

Well they're giving it a new automatic gearbox. When the aesthetically pleasing fourth-generation Kia Rio was launched in 2017 it was only available with a horrendous four-speed "slush-O-matic" that shifted gears like it was 1978.

People complained and Kia listened, which is why this awful transmission has finally been banished to the archives and replaced with a new six-speed unit.

Great news - does it make a difference?

Sort of. Six ratios are always going to be better than four - especially when accelerating from a standstill. As such the new automatic Rio does feel a tad sprightlier off the mark.

But the transmission does still feel decidedly old school in the way it goes about its business.

While shifts can be described as lethargic at best (especially when driven in manual mode), the electronic brain controlling the transmission either has the engine bogging down in too low a gear or roaring somewhere near the rev limiter in too high a gear.
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It's this lack of linear middle ground that still makes Kia's two-pedalled Rio a frustrating steer.

What about the engine? Is it enough in this day and age?

I'm a fan of naturally aspirated engines but the 1.4-litre motor doing duty here feels under-powered. In the city it does a decent enough job but out on the highway in fast-moving traffic it really struggles to keep pace.

The power-sapping torque convertor (essentially what connects the automatic gearbox to the engine) doesn't help matters either. Overtaking slower vehicles is always something of a stressful, teeth-clenching affair.
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Fuel economy isn't fantastic either. I drove a mixture of road conditions (urban and freeway) over my week-long test period and could only average 9.2l/100km. Not great. :oops:

Ouch! Is it any good to drive though?

For what it is, the Rio impressed me. It rides well and feels nicely composed even across choppier tracts of asphalt. On the flip-side it handles pretty well too.

Though no Ford Fiesta or Polo Vivo GT, the Rio can still carry a fair amount of gusto through corners before it starts to feel flustered. Nice job, Kia.

Anything else I should know?

The cabin is one of the best in its class thanks to excellent ergonomics and build quality that wouldn't be out of place in an Audi A3 from a few years ago.

With plenty of fore/aft steering-wheel adjustment the Rio also offers a perfect driving position no matter what your proportions.

You also get cruise control, a sunroof, rear park-assist camera, rain-sensing wipers plus an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With handsome looks and generous specifications there's a lot going for the Rio.

What a pity it's let down by that engine and automatic gearbox. If Kia could address this with a turbo motor and a dual-clutch box they'd be onto something.
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https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-...c-auto-is-not-quite-the-carnival-it-could-be/
 
I disagree. The main problem is the relatively old school drivetrain.

- 1.4L N/A motor for what maybe 10 years ago
- 4 speed autobox from 50 years ago

Other than that I think it's a pretty decent B-segment hatch especially in Tec specification.

Pricing is not drastically different from core rivals & spec on all models besides poverty spec is pretty decent. Flagship Tec has some good toys even.
 
I also disagree. I bought my parents a Kia Rio, it came standard with leather seats, Xenons, PDC, WAY more features than an equivalent Polo or other small hatchback competitor. Its built very well, and class leading warranty. I will buy another Kia in a heartbeat if its the right fit
 
FiestaST said:
I disagree. The main problem is the relatively old school drivetrain.

- 1.4L N/A motor for what maybe 10 years ago
- 4 speed autobox from 50 years ago

Other than that I think it's a pretty decent B-segment hatch especially in Tec specification.

Pricing is not drastically different from core rivals & spec on all models besides poverty spec is pretty decent. Flagship Tec has some good toys even.
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Comes with a 6 speed now lol
 
FiestaST said:
I disagree. The main problem is the relatively old school drivetrain.

- 1.4L N/A motor for what maybe 10 years ago
- 4 speed autobox from 50 years ago

Other than that I think it's a pretty decent B-segment hatch especially in Tec specification.

Pricing is not drastically different from core rivals & spec on all models besides poverty spec is pretty decent. Flagship Tec has some good toys even.
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Would you agree that their poverty specced models are overpriced and underspecced? Comparing the entry level, 1.2LS, the 1.4LX and the 1.4EX to other basic models from competitors seems to support my argument? Their 1.2LS is a good R10 000 more expensive than a the Clio Authentic, It is also more expensive than a Mazda 2 1.5Active, for what?
 
thechamp said:
Would you agree that their poverty specced models are overpriced and underspecced? Comparing the entry level, 1.2LS, the 1.4LX and the 1.4EX to other basic models from competitors seems to support my argument? Their 1.2LS is a good R10 000 more expensive than a the Clio Authentic, for what?
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I concur wrt the poverty spec 1.2L model. Mostly as that 1.2 is weak. Clio 4 base is a better car. The best value in the 4 model local Rio range is the model below the flagship.
 
nazmo said:
I also disagree. I bought my parents a Kia Rio, it came standard with leather seats, Xenons, PDC, WAY more features than an equivalent Polo or other small hatchback competitor. Its built very well, and class leading warranty. I will buy another Kia in a heartbeat if its the right fit
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Was it new and which model?
 
thechamp said:
The problem with Kia and Hyundai cars is that they are overpriced and underspecced, This Rio is a perfect example.
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Wtf?

They have the most well specced cars for almost any price point.

They also have no list of accessories like most others.

What’s your idea of a brand that is well priced and well specced then?

Or are you strictly referring to engines?
 
SauRoNZA said:
Wtf?

They have the most well specced cars for almost any price point.

They also have no list of accessories like most others.

What’s your idea of a brand that is well priced and well specced then?

Or are you strictly referring to engines?
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Post #151, do you mind if we start there? I also have plenty other examples it will depend how far this goes.
 
thechamp said:
Post #151, do you mind if we start there? I also have plenty other examples it will depend how far this goes.
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I feel for most manufacturers the poverty spec models only exist to up sell their other models.

They aren’t there to actually be sold, but rather to say “look at this one and how much more you get for X rands”.

Renault is a bit of an outlier since none of those cars are legit Renaults and therefore priced accordingly and likely quote inferior five years down the road.

So are they cheaper or better specced? Maybe. But are they better value in the longer term, I’m not so sure.

Is there anyone else though to compare to? Shouldn’t your statement rather be that Renault is better specced/priced instead of laying it at Kia/Hyundai’a door?
 
SauRoNZA said:
I feel for most manufacturers the poverty spec models only exist to up sell their other models.

They aren’t there to actually be sold, but rather to say “look at this one and how much more you get for X rands”.

Renault is a bit of an outlier since none of those cars are legit Renaults and therefore priced accordingly and likely quote inferior five years down the road.

So are they cheaper or better specced? Maybe. But are they better value in the longer term, I’m not so sure.

Is there anyone else though to compare to? Shouldn’t your statement rather be that Renault is better specced/priced instead of laying it at Kia/Hyundai’a door?
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Okay, this Rio 1.2LS is R7k more expensive than a Mazda 1.5 Active
R15k more expensive than a Honda Jazz 1.2 Trend with 6 airbags.
R26k more expensive than a Suzuki Baleno 1.4GL.
R29k more expensive than a Peugeot 208 1.2 active.

Including the Clio that makes it five competitors which the Rio can't justify it's price against, surely we all agree that you should put something on the table to justify the price tag? and as mentioned there are some cars in the list that have way more features than the Rio. All the cars I have mentioned of decent build quality that can be compared to the Rio.
 
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