The B-segment sedan competition has just heated up, with the launching of the Kia Rio Sedan, with a single variant, selling at just RM73k. At this price, one could not even get close to any of the competitors' variant, and a straight comparison could only be done with the closest specifications of them all. Doing a quick chart could show that the Rio Sedan is now the best value for money B-Segment car on the market. The only drawback is the 1.4-litre engine which is of the lowest displacement here, but with respectable power when compete with other 1.5-litre units.
| Rio | City S+ | Vios E | Almera V | M2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 4370 | 4400 | 4410 | 4425 | 4320 |
| Width (mm) | 1719 | 1695 | 1700 | 1695 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1455 | 1477 | 1475 | 1500 | 1495 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2570 | 2600 | 2550 | 2600 | 2570 |
| Airbag | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Engine | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Power (ps/Nm) | 109/137 | 120/145 | 109/141 | 102/139 | 114/148 |
| Gearbox (Speed) | 4 | CVT | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Trunk Size (ltr) | 389 | 536 | 506 | 490 | 410 |
| Price (RM) | 73k | 82k | 79k | 77k | 88k |
Looking at the safety department, the Rio wins all, with 6-airbag and traction control which could only be found in the highest range of Honda City V, and that also need additional RM13k from the low low price of the Rio. To lowest down the cost, the Rio uses bulb-type daytime running light instead of LED. Back in 2011, where the Rio is only available in hatchback form, the car already earned its 5-star Euro NCAP rating, thus, we shall expect this sedan version to have good result as well, maybe at least 4-star Euro NCAP hopefully. To score full 5-star now, the car need to be equipped with autonomous braking technology and it has nil. Other than Honda City, which has a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, the Vios and Almera scored 4-star. The Mazda 2 is a niche here, with the highest price, has non been tested. Even the hatchback tested by Euro NCAP would not apply to any Mazda 2 models here as it only has 2-airbag, which is outright terrible!
Engine remains the same 1.4-litre from the Rio hatchback, where some owners felt it is slightly underpower. But as a B-segment car, it shall survive trip to Genting, though a bit sluggish.
Although the Rio sedan loses the automatic aircon control from the hatchback, the AV headunit is quite decent, with 800Mb internal storage and bluetooth support. AV control is available from the steering wheel mounted buttons for driver convenience. Interior space is acceptable, though the City, Vios and Almera all excel in this. Build quality is solid and the sedan does not look like a hatchback with an attached boot at all. It is well designed with different bumper at the front, and a nice taillight.
At the end of the day, a Kia is still a Kia. Even with amazing pricing, we might not see it flooding our roads, as used car market price is still low, and the aftersales quality is still questionable. However, with 5-year warranty, it could mean hassle free for that period. It will do wonder if Naza throws in few years of free maintenance to make it more attractive!
By the way, the Rio Hatchback looks fabulous in Red, but the sedan looks better in other colours. 4 colour are available, White, Silver, Deep Blue and Red. White is smart and handsome!
By the way, the Rio Hatchback looks fabulous in Red, but the sedan looks better in other colours. 4 colour are available, White, Silver, Deep Blue and Red. White is smart and handsome!
