Red means sporty. Red means sexy. Red means hot. A well designed car, when painted in red, it becomes sporty, sexy and hot. The Kia Rio is the best selling Kia's model in the world and stock arrival will take 2-4 months for the high specifications version (SX). Naza Kia has managed to price this beauty at about RM80k, which is equipped with the 1.4-litre Gamma engine, mated to a 4-speed auto, and able to produce 108hp/137Nm of power.
The SX version is even equipped with a sunroof, for those who enjoy moonlight driving at night with some fresh breeze. Bet no one would want to have this open during the daytime in our hot and humid weather. With 5-star Euro NCAP rating, the Rio has 6-airbag, vehicle stability management which combine all the safety features such as ESC/ABS/BAS/EBD/TCS and Hill-start Control. In fact, non of the Japanese models in the same segment could compete with it. Even the cool daylight running light is standard.
The audio system is Arkamys tuned, with support for USB at the bottom of the the centre console. One copy of your MP3 tracks will be copied into the unit in-built memory, without the need to leave the USB drive in the car. Bluetooth is supported, with steering mounted control. Auto aircon is available in the SX model, where the EX will have the manual control. Overall the EX model which is priced at RM6k lower, will have to let go the sunroof, supervision meter cluster, foglight, rain sensor, auto defog system and 17" wheels. Most buyer will want the SX model and remain in the waiting list. EX is available as immediate stock.
If you would have notice, the rear lamp LED cluster is uniquely designed and when lighted, looks really sporty, with its wrap-around silthouette. Taking the car out for a short spin, the NVH is pretty good, and ride is comfortable. With just a 1.4-litre engine, this is not a fast car, but decent for highway speed and day-to-day city driving. The Toyota Vios 1.5-litre unit produces very similar power, thus expect the Rio to feel the same. Steering is light but if one has been driving a Japanese car all this while, do note that the Rio's turn signal control is on the left and wiper on the right, adopting the European norm.
Worry about resale value? Just did a check on the recent Kia model, starting with Forte, and found that the used market value are quite decent, one could see about RM8k to RM10k depreciation yearly, which is similar to a Honda City or Toyota Vios. Looks like the Korean and Naza have started making thing right. Naza will provide 5 Years Warranty to all Kia models, and at times, it also offer some free services. In short, the Kia Rio could be a good buy.
