Kia Rio

Kia Rio: generations: what actually changed for a buyer

The catalogue lists 8 generations.

The catalogue lists 8 generations. Body labels in the data: 1 generation (2000-03-01–2002-09-30) Sedan; 1 generation, restyling (2002-10-01–2005-02-28) Sedan; 2 generation (2005-03-01–2009-08-31) Sedan; 2 generation, restyling (2009-09-01–2012-01-31) Sedan; 3 generation (2011-03-01–2015-05-31) Sedan; 3 generation, restyling (2015-04-01–2017-06-30) Hatchback 5-door; 4 generation (2016-11-01–2020-12-31) Sedan; 4 generation, restyling 1 (from 2020-09-01, stop not measured) Sedan.

Declared modification counts versus rows in this extract: 24/12, 20/12, 10/10, 14/12, 15/12, 10/10, 23/12, 3/3. Only the 83 named rows below are used.

Clearance is the first arithmetic that should change the shortlist. 1 generation and most 1 generation, restyling rows sit at 155 mm; two restyle rows (1.5 AT 97 hp, 1.5 AT 98 hp) are 165 mm. 2 generation and 2 generation, restyling are 155 mm throughout. 3 generation and 3 generation, restyling are 160 mm. 4 generation splits: 170 mm on the 92-octane 1.4/1.6 petrol automatics and manuals with Euro 5, 150 mm on 1.1 MT, 135 mm on the 95-octane 1.0/1.3/1.4 petrols and 1.4 diesels. 4 generation, restyling 1 clearance is not measured.

Tank: 45 l on generations 1, 2, 4 and restyling 1; 43 l on both 3 generation bodies — 2 l less.

Kerb weight rose. Lightest measured kerb is 1 generation, restyling 1.5 MT 108 hp at 940 kg (same 940 kg on 1.6 MT 105 hp). Heaviest measured kerb is 4 generation, restyling 1 1.6 i DCT at 1255 kg — 315 kg more than that 940 kg car, 80 kg more than 4 generation 1.4 MT 77 hp Diesel at 1230 kg.

Gearbox type available to a buyer: Manual and Automatic from generation 1 through 4; Robotic appears only on 4 generation, restyling 1 (1.6 i DCT, 1.0 i DCT). Peak ratio count is 7 on those two DCT rows; 4 generation 1.0 AT and the 123 hp 1.6 AT rows use 6 Automatic; several 1.4 Automatics stay at 4.

Engines and specs

Same `mod_name` is kept exactly. Same name, same horsepower: distinguish by gears, kerb, fuel, eco class, 0–100 or clearance.

4 generation (Sedan, 12 of 23 declared):

The two 1.4 MT 100 hp cars are not the same: 92 / Euro 5 / 170 mm / 12.6 s versus 95 / Euro 6 / 135 mm / 12.2 s. The two 1.4 AT 100 hp cars split as Automatic 6 / 73 kW / 170 mm / 13.4 s versus Automatic 4 / 74 kW / 135 mm / 13.9 s.

4 generation, restyling 1 (3 of 3): 1.6 i DCT 120 hp, 152 Nm, 1598 cc, Gasoline 95, 4 Inline, Turbo, Robotic 7, FWD; 1.0 MT 100 hp, 175 Nm, 998 cc, Gasoline 95, 3 Inline, Turbo, Manual 6, FWD; 1.0 i DCT 100 hp, 175 Nm, 998 cc, Gasoline 95, 3 Inline, Turbo, Robotic 7, FWD.

3 generation, restyling (Hatchback 5-door, 10 of 10): 1.4 MT 107 hp (twice: kerb 1055 kg and 1115 kg), 1.6 AT 123 hp (1079 kg and 1151 kg), 1.6 MT 123 hp (1059 kg and 1126 kg), 1.4 AT 109 hp (1075 kg / 13.6 s / 168 km/h and 1140 kg / 13.5 s / 175 km/h), 1.4 MT 90 hp Diesel (boost No), 1.2 MT 82 hp (kerb not measured). All FWD. Injection on the petrols: Distributed injection (multi-point) where listed.

3 generation (Sedan, 12 of 15): 1.6 AT 123 hp four times — Automatic 6 at 1151 kg twice (same 11.2 s / 185 km/h / 8.5 / 6.4) and Automatic 4 at 1218 kg twice (11.2 s / 180 km/h and 11.3 s / 178 km/h). 1.6 MT 123 hp four times — Manual 6 at 1126 kg twice (10.3 s / 190 km/h) and Manual 5 at 1140 kg (10.3 s / 190) and 1145 kg (10.4 s / 188). 1.4 AT 109 hp: 1140 kg / 13.5 s / 175 km/h and 1193 kg / 13.6 s / 168 km/h. 1.4 MT 109 hp: 1115 kg / 11.5 s / 190 and 1120 kg / 11.6 s / 185.

2 generation, restyling (12 of 14): 1.4 MT 97 hp and 1.4 MT 95 hp (each twice, mixed 6.2); 1.4 AT 95 hp twice and 1.4 AT 97 hp; 1.6 MT 112 hp twice (10.2 s / 190 km/h); 1.6 AT 112 hp twice (12.0 s / 176 km/h); 1.5 MT 110 hp Diesel Turbo, 235 Nm, 11.5 s.

2 generation (10 of 10): 1.4 MT 97 hp twice; 1.6 MT 110 hp twice (10.2 s / 188 km/h); 1.4 AT 97 hp twice (14.5 s / 168 km/h); 1.6 AT 110 hp twice (12.0 s; 173 km/h vs 176 km/h; mixed 7.8 vs not measured); 1.5 MT 109 hp Diesel twice (kerb 1135 and 1150 kg).

1 generation, restyling (12 of 20): 1.3 MT 82 hp twice; 1.5 MT 97 / 98 / 108 hp; 1.5 AT 97 / 108 / 98 hp; 1.6 MT 105 hp; 1.6 AT 105 hp; 1.3 AT 75 hp and 1.3 AT 82 hp (0–100 not measured on the 82 hp automatic).

1 generation (12 of 24): 1.3 AT 84 hp and 1.3 AT 75 hp; 1.3 MT 84 hp and 1.3 MT 75 hp; 1.5 MT 95 / 97 / 98 / 108 hp; 1.5 AT 95 / 97 / 108 / 98 hp.

Layout on every listed engine is Front, transverse. Valves per cylinder, where given, is 4.

Performance and economy

Fastest 0–100 in the file: 10.2 s — 2 generation 1.6 MT 110 hp and 2 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 112 hp. Next: 10.3 s on 3 generation / 3 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 123 hp and on 4 generation, restyling 1 1.6 i DCT 120 hp. 4 generation 1.0 AT 120 hp is 10.5 s; 4 generation 1.6 MT 123 hp and 1.0 MT 100 hp are 10.7 s. Slowest measured sprint: 1 generation 1.3 AT 75 hp and 1 generation, restyling 1.3 AT 75 hp at 18.2 s. 4 generation 1.1 MT is 15.5 s. 0–100 is not measured on several 1 generation petrols (1.3 AT 84 hp, 1.3 MT 84 hp, 1.5 MT 95/97/108 hp, 1.5 AT 95/97/108 hp).

Highest top speed: 193 km/h on 4 generation, restyling 1 1.6 i DCT. Then 190 km/h: 4 generation 1.0 AT; 3 generation 1.6 MT Manual 6; 3 generation, restyling 1.6 MT; 3 generation 1.4 MT 109 hp 1115 kg; 2 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 112 hp. Lowest measured top speed: 159 km/h on 4 generation 1.1 MT. Top speed not measured: 1 generation 1.5 AT 97 hp and 1.5 MT 97 hp.

Mixed consumption, lowest measured: 3.6 l/100 km 4 generation 1.1 MT; 4.0 2 generation, restyling 1.5 MT 110 hp Diesel; 4.3 3 generation, restyling 1.4 MT 90 hp Diesel; 4.7 2 generation 1.5 MT 109 hp Diesel; 4.8 4 generation, restyling 1 1.0 i DCT. Highest mixed measured: 9.4 1 generation 1.5 MT 97 hp; 8.7 1 generation 1.5 AT 97 hp and 1 generation, restyling 1.5 AT 108 hp / 1.6 AT 105 hp. Mixed not measured on 4 generation 1.0 MT, 1.3 MT, both 95-octane 1.4 MT 100 hp, both 1.4 MT diesels, 1.4 AT 4-speed, and on 3 generation, restyling 1.2 MT.

City: lowest 3.9 4 generation 1.1 MT; 4.8 2 generation, restyling 1.5 MT Diesel; 5.0 3 generation, restyling 1.4 MT 90 hp Diesel. Highest city measured: 11.5 1 generation, restyling 1.5 AT 108 hp and 1.6 AT 105 hp. Highway (where listed on 4 generation 92-octane cars): 5.0 1.4 MT 100 hp 132 Nm; 5.4 1.6 MT / 1.4 AT 6-speed; 5.4 is not listed as highway on restyling 1 — those rows give city/mixed only.

CO2, lowest measured: 92 g/km 4 generation 1.4 MT 77 hp Diesel; 94 1.1 MT; 98 1.4 MT 90 hp Diesel; 102 1.0 MT 100 hp; 109 1.3 MT; 110 on all three 4 generation, restyling 1 cars; 114 1.4 MT 100 hp Euro 6; 124 on several 3 generation 1.4 petrols and the hatch diesel; 140 4 generation 1.4 AT 4-speed. CO2 not measured on the 92-octane 4 generation 1.4/1.6 petrols and on most generation 1–2 rows.

Euro class: Euro 6 on several 4 generation 95-octane and diesel rows plus restyling 1 1.0 MT / 1.0 i DCT; Euro 5 on 4 generation 92-octane 1.4/1.6 and on restyling 1 1.6 i DCT; Euro 4 on 3 generation and restyling. Eco class not measured on generation 1–2 and on 4 generation 1.0 MT / 1.0 AT / 1.3 MT.

Dimensions and weight

Kerb, lightest measured 940 kg (1 generation, restyling 1.5 MT 108 hp and 1.6 MT 105 hp; 1 generation 1.3 MT 84 hp also 940 kg). Heaviest 1255 kg (4 generation, restyling 1 1.6 i DCT). 4 generation 1.4 MT 77/90 hp Diesel 1230 kg; 3 generation 1.6 AT Automatic 4 1218 kg. Kerb not measured on 3 generation, restyling 1.2 MT, several 2 generation, restyling 1.4/1.6 rows, 1 generation, restyling 1.5 AT 108 hp and 1.6 AT 105 hp, 1 generation 1.3 AT 75 hp.

Gross: 4 generation 1560–1680 kg (1680 on both 1.4 diesels); 4 generation, restyling 1 not measured for gross on these rows unless listed — not measured. Tank 45 or 43 l as above.

Wheels, where listed: 4 generation 170 mm cars 185/65 R15, 195/55 R16; 135 mm cars add 205/45 R17. 3 generation some 1.6 automatics 185/65 R15, 195/55 R16. 1 generation 175/70 R13, 175/65 R14. Many rows: wheels not measured.

Front suspension label Independent, spring; rear Semi-independent, springorts hélicoïdaux, sem — same English string across the listed 4 generation cars. Front brakes Ventilated disc; rear Drum on those 4 generation rows.

Which version to choose

Need 170 mm clearance. Only 4 generation 1.4 MT 100 hp (92, Euro 5, 1155 kg, 12.6 s), 1.6 MT 123 hp (1175 kg, 10.7 s), 1.4 AT 100 hp Automatic 6 (1187 kg, 13.4 s), 1.6 AT 123 hp (1203 kg, 11.6 s). Arithmetic: the 1.6 MT is 23 hp and 1.9 s quicker than the 92-octane 1.4 MT, 20 kg heavier, mixed 6.6 vs 5.9 (+0.7). The 1.6 AT is 0.9 s slower than that 1.6 MT and 28 kg heavier; mixed 6.8 vs 6.6. The Automatic 6 1.4 AT is 0.8 s slower than the matching 1.4 MT and 32 kg heavier; mixed 6.6 vs 5.9.

Need the strongest litre and the shortest modern sprint without a 1.6. 4 generation 1.0 AT 120 hp: 120.2 hp per litre (120 / 0.998), 10.5 s, 190 km/h, mixed 5.1, kerb 1195 kg, 135 mm. Versus 4 generation 1.6 MT 123 hp: 77.3 hp/l, 10.7 s, 184 km/h, mixed 6.6, 1175 kg, 170 mm. You give up 35 mm and 3 hp, gain 0.2 s, 6 km/h, and 1.5 l/100 km mixed.

Need the lightest 100 hp turbo manual after 2020. 4 generation, restyling 1 1.0 MT: 100 hp, 175 Nm, Manual 6 (one more gear than 4 generation 1.0 MT Manual 5), 10.4 s vs 10.7 s, kerb 1100 vs 1155 (−55 kg), mixed 5.0 vs not measured on the earlier 1.0 MT, CO2 110 vs 102. Clearance not measured on the restyle.

Need DCT. Only restyling 1: 1.0 i DCT 100 hp, 11.4 s, 185 km/h, mixed 4.8, 1125 kg versus 1.6 i DCT 120 hp, 10.3 s, 193 km/h, mixed 6.0, 1255 kg. Extra 20 hp costs 1.2 l/100 km mixed and 130 kg; it returns 1.1 s and 8 km/h. Both CO2 110; 1.6 i DCT is Euro 5, the 1.0 DCTs are Euro 6.

Need diesel torque. Peak 240 Nm on 4 generation 1.4 MT 77 hp and 1.4 MT 90 hp (Turbo). The 90 hp car is 2.0 s quicker (12.0 vs 14.0) at the same 1230 kg and 135 mm; CO2 98 vs 92. 4 generation 1.1 MT 75 hp is 150 Nm, 15.5 s, 159 km/h, mixed 3.6, 1166 kg, 150 mm — slowest diesel sprint, best measured economy. 3 generation, restyling 1.4 MT 90 hp Diesel: boost No, 220 Nm, 14.2 s, mixed 4.3, 1164 kg, 160 mm. 2 generation 1.5 MT 109 hp: 235 Nm, 11.5 s, mixed 4.7. 2 generation, restyling 1.5 MT 110 hp: 235 Nm, 11.5 s, mixed 4.0. If 11.5 s plus diesel mixed near 4.0 is the rule, the restyled 1.5 MT 110 hp beats the later 1.4 diesels on sprint; it loses 5 mm vs gen-3 hatch (155 vs 160) and 15 mm vs gen-4 170 mm petrols.

Need a hatchback. Only 3 generation, restyling. Fastest there: 1.6 MT 123 hp, 10.3 s, 190 km/h, mixed 5.9 (1059 kg) or 6.4 (1126 kg). Automatic twin 1.6 AT 11.2 s, mixed 6.4. Cheapest mixed in the hatch: 1.4 MT 90 hp Diesel 4.3. Weakest petrol: 1.2 MT 82 hp, 12.6 s, 171 km/h, consumption not measured, kerb not measured.

Need the 123 hp 1.6 without the 4th-generation weight. 3 generation 1.6 MT Manual 6: 10.3 s, 190 km/h, 1126 kg, mixed 5.9, 160 mm, tank 43 l. 4 generation 1.6 MT: 10.7 s (+0.4), 184 km/h (−6), 1175 kg (+49), mixed 6.6 (+0.7), 170 mm (+10), tank 45 l (+2). Power is the same 123 hp; torque is 155 Nm vs 151 Nm. The third-gen car is the better sprint; the fourth-gen 170 mm car is the better clearance.

Need Automatic 6 rather than Automatic 4. On 3 generation 1.6 AT 123 hp, Automatic 6 is 1151 kg, 185 km/h, mixed 6.4; Automatic 4 is 1218 kg (+67), 180 or 178 km/h, mixed 6.5. On 4 generation, 1.4 AT Automatic 6 is 13.4 s / 174 km/h / 170 mm; 1.4 AT Automatic 4 is 13.9 s / 166 km/h / 135 mm / CO2 140.

Need the smallest early petrol. Do not buy 1 generation 1.3 AT 75 hp if sprint matters: 18.2 s. 1.3 MT 75 hp is 14.3 s, mixed 7.3. 1.3 MT 84 hp: top speed 172 km/h, 0–100 not measured, 940 kg. 1 generation, restyling 1.5 MT 108 hp: 11.6 s, 175 km/h, 940 kg, mixed 7.3 — 33 hp more than the 75 hp 1.3 at the same 940 kg kerb as the restyle 108 hp row.

Power per litre (hp / litres). Highest: 4 generation 1.0 AT 120.2; restyling 1 1.0 MT / 1.0 i DCT 100.2; 4 generation 1.0 MT 100.2. 4 generation 1.6 MT 77.3; restyling 1 1.6 i DCT 75.1; 4 generation 1.4 MT 77 hp Diesel 55.2 hp/l but 171.9 Nm/l (240 / 1.396).

kg per hp (kerb / hp), where kerb is measured. 1 generation, restyling 1.5 MT 108 hp: 8.70 kg/hp (940/108). 4 generation 1.6 MT: 9.55 (1175/123). 4 generation 1.0 AT: 9.96 (1195/120). Restyling 1 1.6 i DCT: 10.46 (1255/120). 4 generation 1.1 MT: 15.55 (1166/75). 4 generation 1.4 MT 77 hp: 15.97 (1230/77).

Reliability / typical faults. Not measured in this dataset. Do not treat a missing fault list as a clean bill of health.

Short list. 170 mm and 123 hp: 4 generation 1.6 MT. 10.3 s and a hatch: 3 generation, restyling 1.6 MT. 10.3 s, 193 km/h, Robotic 7: 4 generation, restyling 1 1.6 i DCT. Mixed 3.6: 4 generation 1.1 MT. Mixed 4.8 with DCT: 4 generation, restyling 1 1.0 i DCT. 240 Nm: 4 generation 1.4 MT 90 hp over the 77 hp twin. 18.2 s cars are the ones to skip if acceleration is the buying rule.