The Kia Rio III Hatchback, specifically the 3-door 1.2-liter (84 horsepower) variant produced from 2015 to 2017, represents a key offering in Kia’s subcompact car lineup during that period. This model, designated UB after the 2015 facelift, aimed to provide an affordable and practical entry point into the hatchback market, particularly in Europe and other regions where smaller cars are favored. Positioned as the base engine option, the 1.2L model prioritized fuel efficiency and lower running costs over outright performance, making it attractive to first-time buyers and those seeking economical transportation. It was part of the broader Rio III generation (2011-2017) built on the Kia UB platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Rio |
| Generation | Rio III Hatchback (UB, facelift 2015) 3 door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (84 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.0 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 115 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 168 km/h (104.39 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm, 116.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 84 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 121 Nm @ 4000 rpm (89.25 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G4LA |
| Engine displacement | 1248 cm3 (76.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.8 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1038-1117 kg (2288.4 – 2462.56 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1560 kg (3439.21 lbs.) |
| Max load | 443-522 kg (976.65 – 1150.81 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 288 l (10.17 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 923 l (32.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 43 l (11.36 US gal | 9.46 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 70 kg (154.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 900 kg (1984.16 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 4050 mm (159.45 in.) |
| Width | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1985 mm (78.15 in.) |
| Height | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm (101.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1507-1520 mm (59.33 – 59.84 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1511-1525 mm (59.49 – 60.04 in.) |
| Front overhang | 810 mm (31.89 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 670 mm (26.38 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.5 m (34.45 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16; 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15; 6.0J x 16; 6.5J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Rio variant is the Kia G4LA 1.2-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated unit, meaning it doesn’t employ turbocharging or supercharging. It utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and efficiency. The compression ratio is set at 10.5:1. The G4LA engine is known for its relatively simple design, which aids in reliability and ease of maintenance. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, designed to maximize fuel economy and provide adequate acceleration for everyday driving. The transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, prioritizing lower engine speeds at highway cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2L Rio offers modest performance. With 84 horsepower and 121 Nm (89 lb-ft) of torque, acceleration is not its strong suit. The 0-60 mph time is around 12.7 seconds, and 0-100 km/h takes 13.4 seconds. In real-world driving, this translates to adequate power for city commuting and slower highway speeds, but overtaking maneuvers require careful planning. The manual transmission allows for some driver control, but the engine’s limited power band means frequent downshifts are necessary when climbing hills or accelerating quickly. Compared to higher-output versions of the Rio, such as those equipped with the 1.6L engine, the 1.2L feels noticeably slower. However, the trade-off is significantly improved fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2L Rio typically came with a basic but functional equipment list. Standard features generally included air conditioning, power steering, central locking, and an audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels offered options like alloy wheels, electric windows, and a more advanced audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and durable design. The dashboard layout was straightforward and focused on practicality.
Chassis & Braking
The Rio III utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, suitable for everyday driving. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were discs. The steering was rack and pinion with electric power assistance, providing light and responsive steering feel. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort rather than sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.2L Rio was generally well-received as an affordable and economical option in the subcompact segment. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and low running costs, but noted its lack of outright performance. Compared to other trims in the Rio lineup, the 1.2L offered the lowest price point but also the least amount of power. It competed with other subcompact hatchbacks like the Hyundai i10, Volkswagen Polo, and Ford Fiesta. In terms of fuel economy, the 1.2L Rio was competitive with its rivals, offering around 47 US mpg on the combined cycle.
Legacy
The G4LA 1.2L engine and the associated 5-speed manual transmission have proven to be relatively reliable over the long term. While not known for exceptional longevity, they are generally considered durable and affordable to repair. In the used car market, the 1.2L Rio remains an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and economical hatchback. Its simplicity and relatively low maintenance costs contribute to its continued appeal. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limited performance and consider whether it meets their driving needs.
