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All-New 2018 Kia Rio Makes US Debut

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2.5K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  mechanizeddeath  
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#1 ·
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Americans finally get a chance to see the fourth-generation Kia Rio at the 2017 New York Auto Show.

The model was actually introduced in September, 2016 at the Paris Motor Show, but makes its U.S. debut in the Big Apple. Both the sedan and five-door hatchback models are present, sporting larger bodies than their predecessors. The Rio sedan has been lengthened to 172.6 inches from 172.0 inches, while the five-door hatch grows slightly from 159.4 inches to 160.0 inches. Both models ride on a longer 101.6-inch wheelbase (up from 101.2 inches) and feature more upright A-pillars. To give them both a more balanced and athletic stance, the 2018 Kia Rio sits lower and wider than before.

In the U.S., the 2018 Kia Rio will be available in three trim levels: LX, S and EX. All three models are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. The powerplant is a carryover unit, but has been enhanced for better fuel efficiency, better responsiveness and low-speed driving dynamics. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
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Read more about the All-New 2018 Kia Rio Makes US Debut at AutoGuide.com.
 
#3 · (Edited)
bobozillamonster said:
Not feeling it.
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Not feeling it either. As Motor Trend said:

2018 Kia Rio First Look Review: Now With Less Power and More Weight

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/kia/...811&wc_rid=4035:1554422&_wcsid=FC727F7A6E383C31126522EAB2C8C7A990135609EC66ADC0

Safety, features paid for with power cut, cheaper brakes

... But uh-oh. Between the creep up in size and the extra equipment and safety reinforcements, the curb weight increases about 150 pounds.

--- All models are powered by a “carryover but enhanced Gamma 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine” that manages to lose 8 hp and 4 lb-ft of torque, landing at 130 hp and 119 lb-ft. Well, the press release claims the enhancements were aimed at improving fuel economy, but because it did not include any EPA figures, we have to wonder if the improvements are merely treading water against the curb weight bump.

... Another peculiar retrograde move: Base cars lose their four-wheel disc brakes in favor of rear drums. At least the front discs go up in size from 10.1 to 11.0 inches (although most subcompacts don’t generally offer four-wheel disc brakes on base models, the 2017 Rio LX did). Top EX models carry over their 10.3-inch rear discs. Sure, any subcompact’s front brakes do most of the work, so stopping distances might not change much. But pedal feel is bound to suffer because the brake fluid flow to discs and drums is dramatically different.
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In my opinion, the only reason to get a Rio is to save money by getting a base or LX. I woudn't waste money on an EX. I'd rather step up to a LX Forte (or even a 2 year old EX or SX Forte) over a new EX Rio.


bobozillamonster said:
Hopefully the hatch will be better? Too 2009 Ford Focus-y
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It's not

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