The Kia Retona (CE) 2.0 i 16V, produced between 1999 and 2003, was a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) offered by the South Korean manufacturer Kia. Positioned as an entry-level offering in the burgeoning SUV market, the Retona aimed to provide affordable four-wheel drive capability and practicality. It was based on the Mazda Bongo truck platform, a result of Kia’s partnership with Mazda at the time. The “CE” designation refers to the first generation of the Retona, and the 2.0 i 16V variant represented a mid-range engine option within the lineup, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy. This model was primarily sold in Europe, Asia, and select emerging markets, and was not officially offered in the United States.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Retona |
| Generation | Retona (CE) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 i 16V (128 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 22.2 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 26.6 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.4 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 128 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 4700 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | FE |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1480 kg (3262.84 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 340 kg (749.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 394 l (13.91 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1235 l (43.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4000 mm (157.48 in.) |
| Width | 1745 mm (68.7 in.) |
| Height | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2360 mm (92.91 in.) |
| Front track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/75 R15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Retona 2.0 i 16V was powered by Kia’s FE series inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, displacing 1998 cc, featured a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head. The “16V” designation indicates the engine utilized four valves per cylinder, enhancing breathing and contributing to its 128 horsepower output at 5300 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 4700 rpm. Fuel delivery was managed by a multi-point fuel injection system, a common setup for engines of this era. The engine’s design prioritized reliability and affordability over outright performance. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a relatively direct connection between the engine and the wheels. The engine code “FE” was used across a range of Kia and Hyundai vehicles during this period, known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0-liter engine in the Retona, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 14.3 seconds, and top speed was limited to around 93 mph. The gear ratios were tuned for practicality and fuel efficiency rather than sporty driving. The all-wheel drive system offered improved traction on loose surfaces, making it suitable for light off-road use and challenging weather conditions. Compared to potential higher-output engine options (which weren’t widely available on the Retona), the 2.0 i 16V prioritized fuel economy and ease of driving. The manual transmission allowed for greater driver control, but the engine lacked the low-end torque found in diesel alternatives.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Retona 2.0 i 16V typically came equipped with basic amenities. Standard features included power steering, ABS brakes, and a relatively simple interior with cloth upholstery. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were power windows and central locking. The dashboard layout was functional but lacked the sophistication of more modern SUVs. Trim levels were generally limited, with the 2.0 i 16V representing a mid-range offering. Optional extras often included alloy wheels, a radio/cassette player, and upgraded interior trim.
Chassis & Braking
The Retona utilized a body-on-frame construction, common for SUVs of its time, providing robustness and off-road capability. The front suspension employed a wishbone setup, while the rear suspension utilized coil springs. This configuration aimed to balance ride comfort with handling stability. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. While adequate for everyday driving, the braking performance was not particularly strong compared to more modern vehicles. The all-wheel drive system was typically part-time, allowing the driver to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes as needed.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Retona 2.0 i 16V was generally well-received as an affordable and practical SUV. Critics praised its value for money and its capable all-wheel drive system. However, it was often criticized for its relatively basic interior, unrefined engine, and somewhat dated design. Compared to competitors like the Suzuki Vitara or the Nissan Terrano, the Retona offered a similar level of functionality at a lower price point. Fuel economy was reasonable for a vehicle of its type, averaging around 22.2 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the electrical system.
Legacy
The Kia Retona, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a significant role in establishing Kia as a viable player in the global automotive market. The 2.0 i 16V variant, with its reliable engine and practical features, remains a relatively affordable option in the used car market today. While finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, the Retona’s simple mechanical design makes it relatively easy to repair and maintain. Its legacy lies in providing affordable transportation and demonstrating Kia’s growing engineering capabilities during the early 2000s. The Retona was eventually replaced by the Kia Sportage, which continued Kia’s expansion into the compact SUV segment.
