Kia Rio I Sedan (DC, facelift 2002) 1.3i (82 Hp)


Overall Rating

6 / 10
Safety 2.0 / 5
Engine 2.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Kia Rio:

The Kia Rio is a subcompact car manufactured by Kia from 1999 to 2023. It was discontinued due to declining popularity and broader economic factors. Body styles have included a three and five-door hatchback and four-door sedan, equipped with inline-four gasoline and diesel engines, and front-wheel drive.
The Rio replaced the first generation Pride—a rebadged version of the Ford Festiva—and the Avella, a subcompact sold as a Ford in some markets. A second generation was introduced in 2005 in Europe and in 2006 in North America, sharing its platform with the Hyundai Accent, a subcompact manufactured by its sister Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Sedan (DC, facelift 2002) Overview:

Kia Rio (I Sedan (DC, facelift 2002)). With 116 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.8 l/100km). Weighing only 965 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.3 s). The top speed reaches 172 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.3i (82 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The 1.3i engine provides modest performance, suitable for city driving and light highway use. Its 82 Hp delivers adequate acceleration for daily commutes but can feel strained during overtaking or at higher speeds.

Fuel Economy

With a combined fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100 km, the 1.3i offers reasonable economy for its class, especially for a naturally aspirated engine of its era. Extra-urban figures are quite respectable.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Affordable purchase price and running costs
  • • Practical sedan body style with decent boot space
  • • Simple, proven mechanicals for easier maintenance
  • • Reasonable fuel economy for its class

Cons:

  • • Modest performance, especially on highways
  • • Below-average safety rating by modern standards
  • • Basic interior quality and features
  • • Lack of refinement compared to European or Japanese rivals

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sedan (DC): 2000 - 2002).

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Rio
Generation:I Sedan (DC, facelift 2002)
Modification (Engine):1.3i (82 Hp)
Start of production:2002
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:82 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:61.1 Hp/l
Torque:116 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:A3E [Same engine] More details about the engine A3E
Engine displacement:1343
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:3.4 l
Coolant:6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:75 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.4:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:14.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:14.3 sec
Maximum speed:172 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.8 kg/Hp, 85 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.3 kg/Nm, 120.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:13.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:965
Max. weight:1470
Max load:505
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:326 l
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:4240 mm mm [25mm more]
Width:1680 mm mm [5mm more]
Height:1440 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2410 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1430 mm
Rear (Back) track:1435 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/65 R14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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