The Kia Rio III Hatchback, specifically the 3-door model equipped with the 1.4-liter engine producing 109 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission, was a key offering in Kia’s European and global lineup from 2015 to 2017. This variant represented a balance between affordability and convenience, targeting buyers seeking a practical and easy-to-drive city car. It falls within the UB facelift generation of the Rio III, which brought styling updates and minor mechanical refinements to the existing platform. This particular configuration aimed to broaden the Rio’s appeal to customers who preferred the simplicity of an automatic gearbox.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Rio |
| Generation | Rio III Hatchback (UB, facelift 2015) 3 door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 (109 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.0 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 147 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm, 124.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 109 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 4200 rpm (101.05 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G4FA |
| Engine displacement | 1396 cm3 (85.19 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 74.9 mm (2.95 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 | 3.3 l (3.49 US qt | 2.9 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1099-1178 kg (2422.88 – 2597.05 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1620 kg (3571.49 lbs.) |
| Max load | 442-521 kg (974.44 – 1148.61 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%) | 850 kg (1873.93 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 | 4 gears, automatic 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 |
INTRODUCTION
The Kia Rio III (UB) facelift, produced from 2015 to 2017, represented a significant step forward for Kia in terms of design and build quality. The 3-door hatchback variant, powered by the 1.4-liter engine and automatic transmission, was aimed at buyers who wanted a stylish, practical, and affordable car for urban driving. This combination offered a convenient driving experience, particularly appealing to those who frequently encountered stop-and-go traffic. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Rio III lineup, it sat above the base models but below the higher-specification trims with larger engines and more extensive equipment lists.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Rio variant is the Kia G4FA 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The G4FA engine features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. The engine produces 109 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 137 Nm (101.05 lb-ft) of torque at 4,200 rpm. Paired with this engine is a four-speed automatic transmission. While not the most modern transmission in terms of gear count, it provided smooth and predictable shifts, prioritizing ease of use over outright performance. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and comfortable city driving, rather than rapid acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4-liter engine with the four-speed automatic transmission delivers adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes around 12.5 seconds, and the top speed is approximately 105.63 mph. The automatic transmission’s shift points are programmed to prioritize fuel economy, which means the engine can sometimes feel strained during quick acceleration or when climbing hills. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 1.4L Rio, the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness. It also falls short of the performance offered by the more powerful 1.6-liter engine options available in the Rio III range. However, the automatic transmission provides a relaxed and convenient driving experience, making it well-suited for urban commutes and everyday driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4-liter automatic Rio III typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These generally included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic 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, a more advanced audio system, and features like a rear parking sensor. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. The 3-door configuration offered a sportier aesthetic compared to the 5-door model.
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 navigating city streets. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were discs. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and easy steering feel. The suspension was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, prioritizing ride quality over sharp cornering. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering, but the overall handling characteristics were geared towards everyday usability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Rio III 1.4 Automatic received generally positive reviews for its affordability, practicality, and ease of use. Critics noted that the automatic transmission, while convenient, did detract slightly from the car’s overall performance. Compared to other trims in the Rio lineup, the 1.4 Automatic offered a good balance between price and features. It was often seen as a sensible choice for buyers who prioritized convenience and fuel economy over outright performance. In terms of fuel economy, it performed competitively with other small hatchbacks in its class, achieving around 37.3 US mpg on a combined cycle. Reliability was generally good, with few reported issues specific to the 1.4-liter engine and automatic transmission combination.
Legacy
The Kia Rio III 1.4 Automatic has proven to be a relatively reliable and durable vehicle. On the used car market, these models are often sought after for their affordability and low running costs. The G4FA engine is known for its robustness, and the four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most advanced, is generally dependable. However, as with any used car, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure long-term reliability. The Rio III helped to establish Kia as a credible competitor in the small hatchback segment, and this particular variant remains a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and easy-to-drive city car.
