2011 KIA Rio 5 doors 1.4L GSL 6MT FWD (109 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Kia introduced the fourth generation of the Rio lineup in 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show, and it was available as a sedan or a hatchback with either three or five doors.

Clearly, the Korean carmaker was on the right path. Moreover, it chose the right moment to introduce the new model since the world financial crisis was already gone, and the car market started to grow. Like its predecessor, the 2011 Rio was based on the same platform as the Hyundai Accent but aimed at different customers.

Its fresh look revealed the already-known “tiger-nose” signature grille imagined by Peter Schreyer, the man who changed the entire design language of the Korean automaker. The headlights were quite big and swept back on the sides of the vehicle. To complete the slightly aggressive stance of the car, the lower bumper featured an upside-down trapezoidal grille flanked by a pair of scoops. From its profile, the five-door Rio revealed its arched window line that resembled the one used on the Rio’s third generation. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward C-pillar and the tailgate offered a youthful image for this small-sized vehicle.

Inside, the automaker tried to create a spacious environment for five adults. While the front seats achieved that goal, there was hardly room for more than two adults in the back. On the plus side, Rio’s dashboard offered a clear layout, with a binocular-styled instrument cluster that put the speedometer in the middle and the tachometer on the left. Kia placed the CD-Radio on the center stack on the upper side, followed by the HVAC control panel underneath it.

Under the hood, the Rio received the acclaimed 1.1-liter turbo-diesel that provided excellent fuel efficiency. In addition, Kia provided the car with another 1.4-liter turbo-diesel and two gasoline engines.