Kia Rio cars are the production units of Kia motors which were started in 2000 and the predecessors are Kia Pride and Kia Avella. The production unit deals in five door hatchback body style and four door sedan body style vehicles, based on front wheel drive with gasoline and diesel engines. Kia Rio can be divided into three generations they are as follows – 1. Kia Rio, 2. Kia Pride, and the third generation known as 3. New Kia Pride. These sectors of Kia motors have been described very well below and can be helpful for the Kia Motors lovers –
1st Generation Kia Rio – The production unit was started in 2000 till 2005 which comes in a 4 door sedan body style and 5 door hatchback body style. The first-generation Kia Rio (referred to as the “DC”) was offered in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. When released, it was the least-expensive mass-produced car to be sold in the United States. While the Rio’s styling and affordability were well-received, it was derided for its poor build quality and driving experience. The first-generation Rio offered only one engine for each model year in the USA: a 96 hp 1.5-litre gasoline engine from 2001 through 2002. Then a larger version appeared a 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder rated at 105 hp (78 kW) used for model years 2003 through 2005. All years offered a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or an automatic four-speed. An alternative of a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder/eight-valve petrol, producing 75 hp (56 kW) was offered in some other countries, including the U.K and most of continental Europe. The USA-version five-door featured their power steering and a tachometer, optional on the sedan. The European version was marketed under several trim levels; standard equipment for all trims included a driver airbag. Additional features were available for promotion in Greece, including leather seats and car alarm. In Europe, the various national markets received different selections of the three engines.
2nd Generation Kia Pride – The production unit started in 2005 and over in 2011 and the body style which were 4 door sedan with 4 speed automatic gearshift box and 5 door hatchback with 5 manual gearshift box. Kia introduced the second generation (JB) in the early 2005 model year in Europe and for model year 2006 in North America, based on a redesigned platform shared with the Hyundai. The engine was upgraded to a 110 hp 1.6-litre DOHC 4 cylinder “Alpha II” engine now also shared with the Hyundai Accent. Other changes include a new exterior design, an increase in exterior size and interior volume, increased safety features and fuel economy. The hatchback was renamed to Rio5 in the USA and Canada. Kia offered the 2006 sedan as the Rio and Rio LX, the LX trim included power steering, air conditioning, and MP3 player. The Rio5 (USA) offered simply in SX trim level with leather-covered steering. As in the first generation, only the five-door hatchback version was offered in some European markets (including the UK). Three engines are available; a 1.6 liter DOHC engine with 110 hp (82 kW), a lesser 1.4 liter version with 96 hp (72 kW) and a 1.5 L turbo diesel engine with 109 hp. However, in the US market only the 1.6L gasoline engine is offered, in two body styles: a four-door-sedan and a five-door hatch. The European version’s common rail diesel engine produces 110 PS.
3rd Generation All New Pride – This production unit was stared at 2011 and are still working at present and are also dealing in 4 door sedan body style with 6 speed automatic gearshift and 5 door hatchback with 6 speed manual gear shift box. The third generation Kia Rio debuted on March 1, 2011 at the Geneva motor show, again be based on the accent from Hyundai and featuring a 1.4 L and 138 horsepower (103 kW) 1.6 L Hyundai gamma engine with GDI and double continuous variable Valve Timer. Transmission options will include 6 Speed Manual Transmission as well as a 6 Speed Automatic. The Eco automatic model will offer the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) option, which shuts the engine off when coming to a full stop. According to Kia’s website, the 2012 Rio5 hatchback is available in North America in the fall of 2011, and the sedan in January 2012. In November 2011, the third generation Rio was awarded as Irish Car of the Year and in December was awarded Cars guide’s 2011 Car of the Year award as well, triumphing over many other vehicles including the likes of the range rover evoque and the recently face lifted ford territory.
