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Kia Retona CE 2.0 i 16V (128 Hp)
Overall Rating
Kia Retona:
The Kia Retona is a small mini SUV based on Kia's military jeeps. The name is a portmanteau of return to nature. Developed by Asia Motors, the car was initially sold as the "Asia Retona" in some markets. The Retona had been using the same platform as the first generation Kia Sportage Convertible. Its competitors included the Lada Niva, Suzuki Jimny and the SsangYong Korando.
A 2006 survey of German owners by magazine Auto Bild found that the Retona was "abysmally" unreliable....(Read more on Wikipedia)
CE Overview:
Kia Retona (CE). With 175 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1480 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Kia Retona CE was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a utilitarian off-road vehicle from its era, it likely features basic safety equipment compared to modern standards.
2.0 i 16V (128 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers significantly better acceleration at 15 seconds to 100 km/h, providing a more usable experience for mixed driving conditions.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is higher than the diesel, at 10.6 l/100 km, reflecting the petrol engine's characteristics in a heavy 4x4.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent off-road capability for its class and price point.
- • Robust and simple mechanicals, easy to maintain.
- • Good value for a used 4x4 utility vehicle.
- • Spacious interior and decent cargo capacity for its size.
Cons:
- • Very poor on-road performance, especially with diesel engines.
- • Basic interior comfort and features.
- • High fuel consumption for daily driving, especially petrol variants.
- • Lack of modern safety features and refinement.
- • Dated design and driving dynamics.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(CE: 1997 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Retona |
| Generation: | CE |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 i 16V (128 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 128 Hp @ 5300 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 64.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 175 Nm @ 4700 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | FE [Same engine] More details about the engine FE |
| Engine displacement: | 1998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.6 kg/Hp, 86.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.5 kg/Nm, 118.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1480 |
| Max. weight: | 1820 |
| Max load: | 340 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1235 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 394 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4000 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1745 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1845 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2360 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1480 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1480 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/75 R15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Kia Retona live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!