Review: Kia UB.I Rio (2011-14)

Overview

The Kia UB Series I (UB.I) Rio was initially available as a five-door hatchback from September 2011, with three-door hatchbacks and four-door sedans following in February 2012. Manufactured in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Rio was available with either a 1.4-litre petrol engine for the S variants or a 1.6-litre engine unit for the Si, SLi and SLS variants. The full range is given in the table below.

G4FA and G4FD petrol engines

Of the engines,

the 1.4-litre G4FA ‘Gamma’ petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (CVVT) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1; and,
the 1.6-litre G4FD ‘Gamma GDI’ petrol engine differed in that it had direct fuel injection, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), a variable induction system and a compression ratio of 11.0:1.

Dimensions

Compared to its JB Rio predecessor, the five-door UB Rio hatchback was 55 mm longer (at 4045 mm), 25 mm wider (1720 mm), 15 mm lower (1455 mm) and had a 70 mm longer wheelbase (2570 mm). Relative to the UB Rio five-door hatchback, the three-door models had the same dimensions, while the sedan was 320 mm longer (at 4365 mm). Furthermore, the UB Rio chassis was stiffer due to its higher proportion of high-strength steel and reinforced panels.

Suspension and steering

The UB Rio had MacPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam rear axle.

The UB Rio also introduced an electric power-assisted steering system to reduce fuel consumption.

Kia UB.I Rio specifications
Variant	Body	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
S	3dr hatch, 5dr hatch	1.4-litre petrol I4	4sp auto, 6sp man.	79 kW at 6300 rpm	135 Nm at 4200 rpm
Si	5dr hatch, 4dr sedan	1.6-litre petrol I4	6sp auto, 6sp man.	103 kW at 6300 rpm	167 Nm at 4850 rpm
SLi	5dr hatch
SLS	3dr hatch

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the UB.I Rio included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Rio S and Si variants had 256 mm by 22 mm ventilated front brake discs and 262 mm by 10 mm solid rear brake discs. The SLi and SLS variants, however, were fitted with 280 mm by 22 mm ventilated front discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the UB Rio received a five star safety rating which included a 92 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 84 per cent child occupant protection rating. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.99 out of 37.

Features: Rio S, Si, SLi and SLS

Standard features for the Rio S variant included 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65 R15 tyres (and a full-size spare), a four speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod inputs), air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, ‘Tricot’ cloth trim seats, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat (including height), a multi-function steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, two 12 volt power outlets, front vanity mirrors, a cargo net and cover, six-function trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Rio Si was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55 R16 tyres, a six speaker sound system, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift and power retracting mirrors. Beyond this, the SLi added 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 tyres, daytime LED running lights, projector headlights, static cornering lamps and LED tail-lights.

Finally, the Rio SLS was differentiated by its climate control air conditioning, leather seats, rain-sensing wipers and a proximity key with push-button start.

Rio SE (Special Edition)

Released in May 2014, the five-door Rio SE was based on the S variant but distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, six speaker sound system, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, folding door mirrors and alloy pedals.

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