Kia Rio II Sedan (JB) 1.4 i 16V (97 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 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)

II Sedan (JB) Overview:

Kia Rio (II Sedan (JB)). With 125 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.5 l/100km). Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.5 s). The top speed reaches 168 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.

1.4 i 16V (97 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Performance is notably dulled by the automatic transmission, resulting in sluggish acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is significantly worse than the manual version, making it less efficient for daily use.

Best Use Case: City driving where automatic convenience is prioritized over performance and economy.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent value for money, offering good features for its price point.
  • • Reliable and durable powertrains, especially the diesel option.
  • • Good fuel economy, particularly with the 1.5 CRDi engine.
  • • Practical and spacious interior for its class.

Cons:

  • • Basic interior quality and design compared to some rivals.
  • • Automatic transmissions significantly hinder performance and economy.
  • • Safety rating (3-star Euro NCAP) is average for its time.
  • • Driving dynamics are more focused on comfort than sportiness.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sedan (DC, facelift 2002): 2002 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Rio
Generation:II Sedan (JB)
Modification (Engine):1.4 i 16V (97 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:2005
End of production:2009
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:97 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:69.3 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:125 Nm @ 4700 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Alpha II / G4EE More details about the engine Alpha II / G4EE
Engine displacement:1399
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
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.3 l
Coolant:5.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:78.1 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:14.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:14.5 sec
Maximum speed:168 km/h
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:13.8 sec
Space:
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:4240 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1695 mm mm [15mm more]
Height:1470 mm mm [30mm more]
Wheelbase:2500 mm mm [90mm more]
Front track:1470 mm
Rear (Back) track:1460 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.8 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size175/70 R14
Wheel rims size5J X 14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionTorsion

Your first impression of the Kia Rio in one word? Go!